Syncopated music is a type of music that is characterized by a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the off-beat or weak beats. JAZZ and ragtime are two of the most popular genres of syncopated music. JAZZ originated in the early 20th century in African American communities, and is known for its improvisation and syncopated rhythms. Ragtime is an earlier form of JAZZ, which was popularized in the late 19th century and is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and syncopated melodies.