Breakbeat

Breakbeat (sometimes breaks or breakbeats) can refer to two distinct but related things: It is both the name of an electronic music genre and a term used to describe the distinct percussive rhythm from which this genre takes its name, usually characterized by the use of a non-straightened 4/4 drum pattern (as opposed to the steady beat of house, techno and trance). These rhythms may be characterized by their intensive use of syncopation and polyrhythms. Both meanings are closely connected to hiphop and breaking (more commonly known as breakdance).