Dubstep vs. Breakbeat — What's the Difference?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the early 2000s. It is generally characterised by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies.

Breakbeat is a broad type of electronic music that tends to utilize drum breaks sampled from early recordings of funk, jazz, and R&B. Breakbeats have been used in styles such as hip hop, jungle, drum and bass, big beat, breakbeat hardcore, and UK garage styles (including 2-step, breakstep and dubstep).

A subgenre of electronic dance music descended from 2-step garage that was popular in the early 2010s, characterized by its dark mood, sparse half-step and two-step rhythms, and emphasis on sub-bass.

An often complex rhythmic passage used in electronic music, especially a sampled drum solo from a previously recorded song.

A style of electronic music characterized by such passages.

A form of syncopated rhythm prominent in much African music.

A genre of electronic dance music based on such syncopated rhythms.