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Breakbeat Classics: From the Roots to Recent Hits [2025]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Born in New York in the 1980s, breakbeats is both a technique and a genre in innovative music production that began by sampling the drum solo “break” sections.

Rhythm patterns cut from classic funk and jazz records of the time laid the foundation for hip-hop and went on to have a major impact on electronic music.

In the ’90s, it also helped spark new genres such as drum and bass and big beat.

In a breakbeat scene that continues to evolve to this day—from the original samples and historically iconic tracks to the latest trends—we present a collection of songs packed with musical innovation and appeal.

Breakbeat Classics: From the Roots to Recent Favorites [2025] (31–40)

The ChampThe Mohawks

The Champ (Original Version)

The ChampThe Mohawks

The Mohawks, a five-piece funk band featuring Alan Hawkshaw, Harry Palmer, Hesketh Graham, Les Hurdle, and Sidney Rogers.

Released in 1968, this work—and this track in particular—would later become widely used as sampling “material,” ultimately recognized as a classic breakbeat and a staple hip-hop break.

A funk, soul, and jazz instrumental that influenced later generations.

It seems poised to shine not only in hip-hop but also as a battle break!

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138 TrekDJ Zinc

138 Trek

138 TrekDJ Zinc

Benjamin Pettit, better known as DJ Zinc, a DJ from the UK, broke through with his breaks hits in 1999.

While his career is often highlighted for his work as a producer of drum and bass, breakbeat, and house music, even before his career as DJ Zinc he collaborated with a wide range of labels and contributed to the scene over many years on pirate radio stations such as Impact FM, Format FM, and Eruption FM.

At that time, he was also a resident DJ at some of the most popular underground clubs in London.

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In conclusion

Breakbeats have become a vital element shaping today’s music scene.

The many masterpieces born through sampling continue to add new brilliance to the history of Western music.

The allure of breakbeats, which infinitely expands the possibilities of music, will keep evolving and resonate with even more people.

If this article piqued your interest, it can be fun to look up the original tracks that were sampled!