Breakbeat is a genre of electronic music characterized by its use of syncopated drum patterns and irregular rhythms. It often features samples from various music styles, including funk, jazz, and hip-hop. The tempo typically ranges from 125 to 140 beats per minute, making it suitable for both dancing and listening. Originating in the 1970s and 1980s, breakbeat gained popularity through DJing and turntablism, where DJs would loop and manipulate drum breaks from records. Over the years, it has evolved into various subgenres, including big beat and nu skool breaks, influencing many artists and music scenes worldwide.