Travis Scott recently praised Tame Impala’s new album, Deadbeat, calling it “the best album to come out in the last two years” on his Instagram Story. Released on October 17, 2023, this album marks the first from the band in five years and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart dated November 1, 2023. The album also achieved significant success, topping six different Billboard charts, including Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums.
Tame Impala, fronted by Kevin Parker, has established a notable connection with the rap genre over the years. Their collaboration with Scott on the track “Skeletons” from the rapper’s 2018 album, Astroworld, exemplifies this bond. Scott has expressed admiration for Parker’s work, noting how he has long been captivated by the beats that Tame Impala creates. During a performance at the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in 2018, Scott remarked about the captivating nature of Parker’s music, stating, “I’ve been having it stuck in my head for months.”
The collaboration process for “Skeletons” was an extensive one, as Parker shared with Billboard that it involved multiple sessions and a significant amount of creative input. He reflected on how he believed the song fit Scott’s style perfectly, despite being distinct from typical hip-hop sounds. The artistic satisfaction derived from this project highlights the synergy between Parker and Scott.
As Tame Impala continues to influence the genre, their music has found its way into the works of various artists. Recently, Don Toliver sampled “One More Hour” from Tame Impala’s 2020 album The Slow Rush in his single “Bandit,” released in 2024. This track marked Toliver’s ascent into the top ten on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Similarly, Kid Cudi also utilized “One More Hour” on his 2024 track “HUMAN MADE,” demonstrating Tame Impala’s lasting impact on contemporary music.
Tame Impala’s influence extends beyond just samples; it reaches into the creative process of many artists. Rich Amiri incorporated elements from “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” into his 2024 track “SAME OLD ME.” The song showcases how the original’s atmospheric qualities have been reinterpreted within a modern trap framework. Other notable examples include LISA of BLACKPINK, who interpolated the same Tame Impala song on her lead single “Rockstar,” which became her first No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
The track “The Less I Know The Better,” one of Tame Impala’s most popular songs, has also been a frequent source for sampling. Mak Sauce and Lil Yachty used its funky bassline in their 2021 single “Wocky My Lover,” while Yachty later remixed “Breathe Deeper” from The Slow Rush in 2023. Yachty expressed his admiration for Parker, highlighting the honor of collaborating with a musician he has long respected.
As Tame Impala continues to make waves with their latest album, their musical legacy within the rap genre is undeniable. The connections forged through sampling and collaboration illustrate a dynamic interplay between different musical styles, enriching both the artists involved and their audiences.
Parker’s influence is also evident in his work with Ye, where he co-wrote “Violent Crimes” on the rapper’s self-titled album. The creative spark that emerged from their collaboration showcases Parker’s versatility and ability to transcend genres.
The recent success of Tame Impala’s singles, including “Dracula,” which reached No. 33 on the Hot 100, alongside the debuts of “My Old Ways” and “Loser” on the all-genre songs chart, further solidifies their position in contemporary music. As their sound continues to resonate across genres, Tame Impala remains a seminal force in the evolving landscape of music, particularly in the realms of rap and hip-hop.
The thread between Tame Impala and the rap community reflects a broader trend of genre-blending that enriches the musical experience for listeners. The 13 tracks sampled or interpolated from Tame Impala serve as a testament to their enduring artistry and the significant impact they have had on modern music.
