BOB: Who Influenced Him?

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple love for music into a full-blown artistic identity, BOB is a perfect case study. His sound isn’t just a product of his own imagination — it’s a blend of voices, styles, and philosophies that came before him. From rock anthems to rap battles, from poetic lyrics to genre-bending experimentation, BOB has drawn inspiration from a wide range of artists and movements. Below, we explore the key influences that shaped BOB’s musical DNA.

## OutKast

One of the earliest and most foundational influences on BOB was OutKast. The Atlanta-based duo of André 3000 and Big Boi broke the mold of what hip-hop could be — blending funk, soul, and even rock into their beats while delivering sharp, poetic lyrics. For BOB, who grew up in a world where genre lines were already blurring, OutKast was proof that hip-hop could be both experimental and commercially successful. Their 2000 album Stankonia, especially tracks like “Bombs Over Baghdad,” lit a creative fuse in him that would eventually explode into his own genre-defying sound.

## Jimi Hendrix

It might surprise some that a rapper would cite a 1960s rock icon as a major influence, but BOB has always embraced the unexpected. Jimi Hendrix’s fearless guitar work and psychedelic soundscapes gave BOB a sense of musical freedom that extended beyond the confines of hip-hop. Hendrix’s ability to channel emotion through sound — not just words — taught BOB that music could be a canvas for raw, unfiltered expression. He’s even covered Hendrix’s “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)” and spoken about how the guitarist’s rebellious spirit shaped his approach to music and life.

## Rage Against the Machine

Political fire, aggressive riffs, and socially conscious lyrics — Rage Against the Machine brought a level of intensity and urgency that deeply resonated with BOB. The band’s fusion of rap and rock, led by Zack de la Rocha’s incendiary vocals and Tom Morello’s guitar wizardry, showed BOB that music could be a platform for activism. Tracks like “Killing in the Name” didn’t just make noise — they made a statement. This fearless blending of genres and messages became a cornerstone of BOB’s own musical philosophy.

## Kanye West

Kanye West’s early work, particularly The College Dropout and Late Registration, had a major impact on BOB’s lyrical style and production sensibilities. Kanye’s soulful sampling, introspective lyrics, and genre-bending approach to hip-hop gave BOB a blueprint for how to merge the personal with the grandiose. What stood out most was Kanye’s willingness to be vulnerable while still commanding the spotlight — something BOB would later channel in his own storytelling, especially in tracks like “The Kids.”

## Bob Dylan

At first glance, the connection between BOB and Bob Dylan might seem tenuous, but scratch beneath the surface and it’s clear: Dylan’s poetic lyricism and narrative depth left a lasting mark. BOB has often spoken about how Dylan’s ability to paint vivid scenes and deliver social commentary through melody taught him the power of words beyond rhyme schemes. Dylan’s influence can be heard in BOB’s more introspective and narrative-driven songs, where the storytelling feels as important as the beat.

## The DIY Ethos of Indie Rock

Beyond specific artists, BOB was also heavily influenced by the DIY ethos of the indie rock scene. Bands that recorded in basements, self-released albums, and toured relentlessly without major label backing inspired BOB to take control of his own creative process. This independent spirit fueled his decision to start self-producing and to maintain creative control over his music — a move that set him apart in the hip-hop world and helped define his early career.

Talk to BOB on HoloDream and ask him how these influences continue to shape his sound today. You might just find yourself on a deep dive through music history — with a modern twist.