Breakbeat

Sometimes referred to as breaks or breakbeats, breakbeat music can refer to two distinct but related things: It is an electronic music genre, and it contains a 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. Breakbeats are frequently used in the production of such diverse music genres as hiphop, jungle or drum and bass, hardcore, UK garage (including 2-step, breakstep and dubstep) and even pop and rock.

Associated Sub-Genres: Acid Breaks, Baltimore Club, Big Beat, Breakbeat Hardcore, Hardcore Breaks, Broken Beat, Nu Skool Breaks, Florida Breaks, Nu-Funk, 4-Beat

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakbeat#Break