On October 17, 2023, Tame Impala released their long-awaited album, Deadbeat, which marks their first new material in five years. The album has already made waves in the music industry, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart dated November 1, 2023. This achievement solidifies Tame Impala’s position with three top five albums to their name. The record also dominated six Billboard charts, including Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums, and it is the band’s first entry on the Top Dance Albums list.
Renowned artist Travis Scott endorsed Deadbeat on social media, calling it “the best album to come out in the last two years.” Scott’s relationship with Tame Impala dates back to their collaboration on the track “Skeletons” from his 2018 album, Astroworld. While performing at the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, Scott expressed his admiration for Tame Impala’s sound, emphasizing how the unique beat resonated with him.
In his reflections on the collaboration, Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, shared his thoughts with Billboard in 2018. He recalled the moment he played a beat for Scott, saying, “I thought, ‘Oh, this is actually really up his alley,'” noting Scott’s appreciation for psych-rock elements. Parker described “Skeletons” as “the most artistically satisfying” collaboration, citing the extensive time spent refining the track together.
Parker’s collaborations extend beyond Scott. He has also worked with prominent artists like Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), contributing to the song “Violent Crimes” from Ye’s 2018 album. Parker recalled being “starstruck” during their initial meeting, feeling privileged to be in the same creative space as Ye. This connection has resulted in various projects that have propelled Tame Impala into the mainstream.
The impact of Tame Impala’s sound on the hip-hop genre can be seen in several recent tracks. The album The Slow Rush features prominently in 2024 releases. Notably, Don Toliver sampled “One More Hour” on his single “Bandit,” marking a significant milestone as it became Toliver’s first top 10 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Similarly, Kid Cudi utilized elements from the same track in “HUMAN MADE,” showcasing the versatility and appeal of Tame Impala’s music.
Influential Samples and Collaborations
Tame Impala’s influence extends beyond direct collaborations. Various artists have sampled their work over the years, demonstrating the band’s wide-ranging impact on contemporary music. For instance, Rich Amiri lifted “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” from the album Currents for his track “SAME OLD ME,” while LISA of BLACKPINK interpolated the same song for her 2024 single “Rockstar.” This track achieved commercial success, becoming LISA’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Additionally, the hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ sampled “The Less I Know The Better” for their 2016 track, illustrating how Tame Impala’s sound has permeated various genres. Even Kendrick Lamar has drawn from Tame Impala’s catalog, incorporating the chorus of “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” in his 2014 song “Backwards.” This sampling of Tame Impala’s work underscores the band’s ability to resonate across different musical styles.
Parker’s collaborations and writing credits have ensured that Tame Impala remains relevant within the charts. The single “Dracula,” from Deadbeat, made headlines by reaching No. 33 on the Hot 100, marking Tame Impala’s first entry as a primary artist. Other tracks, such as “My Old Ways” and “Loser,” debuted on the all-genre songs tally at No. 56 and No. 91, respectively.
The cultural crossover of Tame Impala’s music continues to be a topic of discussion. Parker himself has expressed surprise at how often their music is sampled, particularly noting Rihanna‘s cover of “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” on her acclaimed 2016 album, Anti. Initially, the band anticipated a sample or remix rather than a cover, but Parker ultimately viewed it as a compliment that Rihanna felt no alterations were necessary.
In conclusion, Tame Impala’s distinct sound has not only influenced the psychedelic rock genre but has also permeated the realms of hip-hop and pop. As artists continue to draw inspiration from their work, the relationship between Tame Impala and rap reflects a unique and evolving musical landscape. With their ongoing success and collaborations, Tame Impala remains a pivotal force in contemporary music, showcasing the enduring power of their artistry.
