Dubstep originated in the late 1990s in London, combining elements of dub reggae, 2-step garage, drum and bass, and was a reaction to generic rave music. It gained mainstream popularity in the late 2000s, with artists like Skrillex and Chase & Status popularizing its dark, heavy bass-driven sound worldwide. Dubstep is known for its tight basslines, clipped samples, and occasional vocals. Major dubstep artists have won prestigious awards like Grammys while helping define the genre's unique styles and underground origins.