Breaks is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by its use of syncopated, non-straight drum patterns, often sampled from older funk, soul, and jazz recordings. Emerging in the late 1980s and gaining popularity in the 1990s, breaks music encompasses a wide range of styles, from the high-energy sounds of breakbeat hardcore and jungle to the more laid-back vibes of nu skool breaks and progressive breaks. It often incorporates elements of hip-hop, techno, and house, creating a diverse and dynamic sound that continues to evolve within the electronic music landscape.