The recent release of Tame Impala’s album Deadbeat has reignited interest in the band’s significant influence on the rap genre. Released on October 17, 2023, the album quickly garnered acclaim, with rapper Travis Scott declaring it “the best album to come out in the last two years” on social media. Notably, Deadbeat debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, marking Tame Impala’s third entry into the top five of this chart.
Fans and critics alike are revisiting the band’s extensive collaborations and contributions to rap music. Tame Impala, led by Kevin Parker, has been influential in shaping the sound of contemporary hip-hop, blending psychedelic rock with rap elements. Parker’s collaboration with Scott on the track “Skeletons,” featured on Scott’s 2018 album Astroworld, exemplifies this fusion.
In an Instagram post, Parker expressed pride in his work with Scott, stating, “I’ve always had this hook stuck in my head… This is one of my favorite songs on the album.” The two artists share a mutual appreciation for each other’s work, which has resulted in several memorable collaborations.
Chart-Topping Collaborations and Sampling
Tame Impala’s reach extends beyond just collaborations, with multiple rap artists sampling the band’s work. For instance, Don Toliver recently sampled the track “One More Hour” from Tame Impala’s 2020 album The Slow Rush on his single “Bandit.” This track, which features a pitched-up vocal loop and menacing bass riffs, reached the top 10 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Similarly, Kid Cudi utilized “One More Hour” in his song “HUMAN MADE,” showcasing the versatility of Tame Impala’s sound across different styles. The atmospheric elements of “One More Hour” have become a staple in contemporary rap, illustrating the band’s lasting impact on the genre.
Other notable samples include Rich Amiri‘s use of “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” from Tame Impala’s Currents in his track “SAME OLD ME” and LISA from BLACKPINK’s interpolation of the same song in “Rockstar.” The latter track marked LISA’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, further demonstrating Tame Impala’s international influence.
Recognizing Tame Impala’s Contributions
Tame Impala’s music has not only inspired various artists but has also garnered recognition on charts. The single “Dracula,” from Deadbeat, has made its mark by entering the Hot 100 for the first time, reaching No. 33. Additional tracks from the album, such as “My Old Ways” and “Loser,” debuted at No. 56 and No. 91, respectively, on the all-genre songs tally.
Parker’s impact extends beyond individual tracks. He has co-written songs with prominent artists like Ye, contributing to tracks such as “Violent Crimes” from Ye’s self-titled album. Parker’s collaborations are notable not just for their commercial success but also for their artistic depth, as he described the process of working with Scott as “artistically satisfying.”
In reflecting on his journey, Parker admitted to initially hesitating to engage with the hip-hop scene. “I would’ve been like, ‘I couldn’t imagine doing hip-hop,’ just because I didn’t come from that world,” he shared in a recent interview. His collaborations have since proven that the fusion of rock and rap can yield compelling results, paving the way for future artists to explore this creative intersection.
As Tame Impala’s influence continues to resonate within hip-hop, the band remains a pivotal force in shaping the sound of modern music. Through a combination of innovative production and meaningful collaborations, Tame Impala stands at the forefront of a genre that increasingly draws from diverse musical traditions. The ongoing recognition of their work, especially through recent chart successes, underscores their status as one of the most influential acts in contemporary music.
