Drum and Bass — often shortened to DnB — is a high-energy electronic music genre defined by fast breakbeats (160–180 BPM), deep basslines, and complex rhythmic structures.
At its core, Drum and Bass is about rhythmic precision and bass energy.
While techno and house focus on steady four-on-the-floor beats, DnB uses syncopated breakbeats — chopped, swung drum patterns that create tension and movement.
The name itself says it all: Drums and Bass are the foundation — everything else (melodies, atmospheres, vocals) serves the rhythm.
Drum and Bass was born in early '90s London, growing out of jungle, hardcore, and breakbeat rave.
Pioneers like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size shaped the first wave — merging breakbeats, dub basslines, and soulful samples.
By the 2000s, the genre diversified:
smooth, melodic, emotional
dark, technical, cinematic
aggressive, playful, built for clubs
industrial, robotic, minimal
Each subgenre kept the DnB DNA but evolved its own identity and energy.
Modern DnB is produced with high-precision digital tools — DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Cubase, and plugins such as Serum, Phase Plant, or FabFilter.
🎧 The genre has always balanced engineering and emotion — high-tech sound with human groove.
From underground raves in Bristol to main stages at Let It Roll, Drum and Bass has become a worldwide subculture.
the birthplace, home of Hospital, RAM, Metalheadz
Let It Roll & DnB Doctor generation
vibrant live scene, artists like The Upbeats
neurofunk and liquid resurgence
The community thrives on respect, collaboration, and sonic experimentation — it's more than a genre; it's a global network of producers, DJs, and fans.
| Subgenre | Description | Example Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid DnB | Smooth, melodic, emotional | Netsky, LSB |
| Neurofunk | Dark, futuristic, mechanical | Noisia, Mefjus, DnB Doctor |
| Jump-Up | Playful, heavy, rave-ready | DJ Hazard, Macky Gee |
| Techstep | Minimal, robotic | Ed Rush & Optical |
| Jungle | Organic, breakbeat-driven | Shy FX, Congo Natty |
(See also: /drum-and-bass-subgenres)
Drum and Bass has shaped not just club music but also film scores, video games, and advertising.
Its mix of intensity and precision influenced genres like dubstep, trap, and techno.
The best way to understand it?
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DnB means "Drum and Bass" — a fast, bass-driven electronic music genre.
Jungle uses more reggae-inspired basslines and samples, while DnB tends to sound more polished and modern.
Usually between 160–180 BPM, most tracks sit around 174 BPM.
"Drum and Bass isn't just music — it's a frequency culture."
— DnB Doctor