Breaks (or, more formally, “breakbeats”) is a style of electronic music primarily exemplified by the sub-genres drum and bass and jungle. Breaks are often characterized by syncopation as opposed to the uniform 4/4 beat of house or trance.
Breaks derive their name from the musical concept of the “break” in early jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues songs. The “break” in such songs was the part during which the vocals and instruments, other than the drums, were quieted so that the beat could become the focal point of the music.While there is some difference of opinion as to the origin of breaks, most authorities trace the genre back to the early 70s in the Bronx of New York City. More specifically, the beginnings of the genre are generally tied to breakers (or B-boys) and a man named Clive Campbell (more commonly known as DJ Kool Herc). It was DJ Kool Herc who pioneered the technique of using turntables and a mixer to play the “breaks” of songs for extended periods.
His aim was to capture and continuously play the most energetic parts of songs to inspire the best in B-boy breakdance performances. The breakbeat style that DJ Kool Herc pioneered would later evolve and diversify into modern hip hop, drum and bass, jungle, nu skool breaks, progressive breaks, and more.