There are countless other genres, including many from the electronic scene, which share those qualities. The specific qualities which separate dubstep from other genres of electronic music have more to do with rhythm and production techniques. Big woofers for electronic music is by no means a new thing. However, the popularity (fad) that has risen around dubstep (and lots of other electronic music) recently is paired with more people experiencing the rave scene. So obviously, you get a whole slew of people trying to recreate that, and priding themselves on knowing (in a completely ignorant and mislead way) about speakers and that there is anything new in playing music loud.
---------- Post added at 09:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------
Oh yea, and it's mainstream. When band dorks (marching band) at otakon (an anime convention) are all playing dubstep from their laptops, it's gone mainstream.