Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1990s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and use of samples. The tempo typically ranges from 138 to 142 beats per minute, and the music often features a mix of instrumental and vocal elements. The genre gained popularity in the early 2000s, with artists like Skrillex and Benga helping to bring it into the mainstream. Dubstep is often associated with the UK garage and drum and bass genres, and it has influenced various other music styles, including pop and hip-hop.