Pink Floyd’s Influence on the Biggest Artists of the 2020s Through Sampling

Pink Floyd’s music has remained a cornerstone of rock history, influencing generations of artists across various genres. Their psychedelic sound, innovative production, and deep lyricism have made them one of the most sampled rock bands. In the 2020s, some of the biggest artists have drawn from Pink Floyd’s iconic catalog, incorporating their work into modern hip-hop, rock, and electronic music.

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‎Kanye West – “I Am a God”

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‎Kanye West has never shied away from using rock influences in his music. His song “I Am a God” from the album Yeezus features elements reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” from The Dark Side of the Moon. While not a direct sample, the song’s industrial and atmospheric production channels Floyd’s pioneering electronic experimentation. Kanye’s ability to incorporate such influences into his music demonstrates the band’s lasting impact on modern artists.

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‎Travis Scott – “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”

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‎Travis Scott is known for his psychedelic and atmospheric approach to hip-hop, making Pink Floyd a natural influence. His track “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” features a soundscape reminiscent of “Breathe” from The Dark Side of the Moon, capturing the ethereal and immersive feel that Pink Floyd mastered decades ago. The song’s introspective lyrics and layered production mirror the Floydian approach to storytelling through music.

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‎Wiz Khalifa – “B.A.R.”

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‎Wiz Khalifa’s “B.A.R.” includes a sample of Pink Floyd’s “Keep Talking”, a track from The Division Bell. This interpolation blends Floyd’s ambient rock elements with Khalifa’s laid-back rap style, showcasing the versatility of their music when adapted into different genres.

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‎Easy Star All-Stars – “Dub Side of the Moon”

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‎Easy Star All-Stars took Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and gave it a reggae twist with their tribute album “Dub Side of the Moon.” Released earlier, but still relevant in modern music circles, this project reinterprets Floyd’s work with a fresh, genre-bending perspective that keeps the legacy alive.

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‎Body Count and Ice-T – “Comfortably Numb” Cover

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‎Ice-T and his metal band Body Count collaborated with David Gilmour on a reimagined version of “Comfortably Numb.” The track merges Gilmour’s legendary guitar work with Ice-T’s aggressive, raw vocals, adding a new dimension to an already iconic song.

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‎These examples show how Pink Floyd’s music continues to influence some of the biggest names in modern music. Their ability to inspire across genres proves that their legacy is far from fading, as artists in the 2020s continue to breathe new life into their legendary sound.