Bassline (music genre)

Bassline (sometimes referred to as bassline house or 4x4 or niche) is a music genre closely related to UK garage that originated in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands in the early 2000s. Stylistically it comprises a four-to-the-floor rhythm normally at around 135–142 beats per minute and a strong emphasis on bass, similar to that of its precursor speed garage, with chopped up vocal samples and a pop music aesthetic. The genre is often confused with grime music however deviates from grime's aggressive electronic sound and rapid syncopated breakbeats instead it has a more mainstream friendly sound.

Particularly in the scene's early days, the most prominent bassline club was Sheffield's Niche Nightclub, which became the centre of controversy due to a police raid which resulted in the club's closure in 2005.