List article
Top 10 classic breaks
This list focuses on foundational drum breaks that repeatedly shaped hip-hop, jungle, breakbeat, and modern sample-based production. Every selection below links directly to a verifiable OpenDrumsOnly entry.
Method note: this ranking is editorial and based on long-term sample-culture consensus, not a single quantitative dataset. Every item below is verified to exist as a live OpenDrumsOnly entry and links directly to that page.
- Amen Brother - Winstons, The: The most recycled break in jungle and drum & bass history. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Funky Drummer - James Brown: The definitive funk break and a hip-hop production cornerstone. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Impeach the President - Honey Drippers, The: Crisp snare and kick combo sampled across eras. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Apache - Incredible Bongo Band: Core early hip-hop and breakdance DNA. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Think (About It) - Lyn Collins: Source of one of the most recognizable vocal/drum fragments in dance music. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Synthetic Substitution - Melvin Bliss: A standard break for boom-bap and golden-era chopping. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Ashley's Roachclip - Soul Searchers, The: Tight, dry groove favored for looping and layering. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- It's A New Day, I Turn My Back On Love - Skull Snaps: Heavy, dusty pocket sampled heavily in rap and beats. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- The Champ - Mohawks, The: Essential old-school breakbeat with durable punch. OpenDrumsOnly entry
- Dance to the Drummer's Beat - Herman Kelly & Life: A staple percussion break in electro and hip-hop circles. OpenDrumsOnly entry
FAQ
What does “classic break” mean here?
It means a drum passage with persistent historical use across genres, not just a personal favorite or one-off cult pick.
Is this a definitive list?
No. It is a concise, high-confidence starting point. Use linked entries to branch into deeper digging by year, style, and artist.
How can I suggest a missing classic?
Use the submission page and include as much source detail as possible so we can verify and add it efficiently.
You can browse more records from the same era in the main catalog: OpenDrumsOnly homepage. Missing a key break? Submit it here.