D'n'B sub-genre called hardstep was developed before mid-90's. It is characterised by a gritty production style that has a inner-city feel to it. The breaks are less cut-up sounding than old school jungle, and harder, hence the name hardstep was used. Hardstep is also a predecessor of techstep style, which developed between mid - late 90's.
Modern hard D'n'B (usually darkstep) is often mislabeled as hardstep, despite the difference of sound and production methods. .
