Break Beats

This entry houses the original eight volumes of what have become known as the 'Octopus Breaks.' The Octopus Breaks, which were originally released during the early 1980s and originated in New York, were unlicensed and therefore unofficial compilations of popular breakbeat tracks. The original eight volumes were subsequently recompiled, expanded upon, officially licensed, and released under the Ultimate Breaks & Beats brand beginning in 1986. During the mid-2000s, a series of releases with the "Octopus Breaks" logo printed on the labels were issued. Although these releases share the same logo as the original eight volumes, these are not a part of this series. Although many of these records can be identified by its 7-inch, 45 rpm format, others were released in the 12" 33 ⅓ RPM format. However, the subsequent versions can be distinguished from the original eight volumes by the inclusion of label catalog numbers printed on the labels (most follow either a "BB Vol. #" or an "OB-###" catalog number scheme).