[2026] Iconic and Popular Songs for Super-Cool Breakdance [Breaking]
Born in the South Bronx of New York in the 1970s, the street dance known as breaking.
Also widely known as breakdancing, breaking has deep ties to music—especially hip-hop—and has played an important role in street culture.
More recently, it was officially recognized as a competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Some younger people may have become interested in breakdancing after watching the Olympics.
For those readers, this article rounds up essential classic tracks that are inseparable from the history of breaking.
We also feature many of the songs used at the Paris Olympics, so be sure to check them out!
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[2026] Iconic and Popular Songs for Super-Cool Breakdance [Breaking] (41–50)
Canned HeatJamiroquai
Jamiroquai are hugely popular in Japan too! All their songs are great, but I picked this one for its tighter sense of tempo.
Until a little while ago, I used to feel it had a stylish, slightly slick vibe, but thanks to the influence of bands like Suchmos, this kind of sound has really taken root among younger Japanese listeners now, so it goes over really well at school festivals and the like.
That said, it’s definitely a track you should use when you want to come off as really stylish.
The song itself is, at its core, a groove that’s so smooth and loose it practically falls apart, though!
Set It OffBig Daddy Kane
This is a true classic for breakin’! Easy to dance to—you hear it on the floor a lot.
It’s an old-school track, so if you want a crisp, hard-edged vibe, it’s a great pick.
Big Daddy Kane has plenty of other popular tracks, but I think this one is simply easy to dance to.
It’s gritty hip-hop you can use heavily, too.
Might be perfect for regular practice!
Dancing MachineThe Jackson 5
It has an impressive intro, so it’s perfect for showcases and the like! Since it’s a piece from Michael Jackson’s younger days, his voice is high and androgynous.
Choosing funk often leads to James Brown–style tracks that can feel pretty macho, but this song is one I’d like to use for female dancers too.
It’s relatively slow in tempo, so even beginners who can’t move quickly yet may find it easy to try.
Advanced dancers should ask the DJ to bump up the tempo!
I Know You Got SoulBobby Byrd
Bobby Byrd, a great soul singer from the United States who was hugely active from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Like James Brown, he was an artist who energized soul and funk music in the 1970s and 1980s, and his tracks are still sampled by various composers today.
Among them, the track I recommend as BGM for breakdancing is ‘I Know You Got Soul.’ It’s a masterpiece that blends a laid-back track with soulful vocals.
I Feel for You – RemixChaka Khan
If you had to pick the most danceable song by the diva of the soul and funk scene, it would be this one! Believe it or not, Prince was involved in composing it.
No wonder it radiates an unmistakable funkiness.
The arranger is Arif Mardin, who produced countless hits, giving the track a refined mood.
The song actually became a hit in the U.S., but it resonated even more on the dance floor.
I’m sure countless dancers have moved to this track.