drum and bass
A genre of electronic music characterized by fast breakbeats (160–180 BPM) and heavy bass lines, originating in the UK rave scene of the early 1990s.
In Depth
Drum and bass (also written as DnB or D&B) evolved from the breakbeat hardcore and jungle scenes in London and Bristol. The genre is defined by its tempo — typically 160 to 180 BPM — with breakbeats (usually sampled and chopped-up funk drum patterns) providing the rhythmic foundation and deep, often sub-bass frequencies providing the harmonic anchor. The contrast between frenetic high-frequency percussion and subsonic bass creates its characteristic intensity. The genre encompasses a wide sonic palette, from the jazz-inflected liquid drum and bass of LTJ Bukem to the aggressive, distorted bass of neurofunk. Key figures include Goldie, whose album Timeless (1995) brought the genre critical acclaim, Roni Size, and Andy C. Drum and bass production techniques — particularly its approach to bass design and breakbeat manipulation — have influenced hip-hop, dubstep, and mainstream pop production.
The "Amen break," a six-second drum solo from a 1969 B-side by The Winstons, is the most sampled loop in history and forms the rhythmic foundation of most drum and bass.