Malone cites Bob Dylan, in whom he became interested around the age of 15, as an influence on his music. Also Austin has a tattoo of Dylan on his left bicep (Roberts, 2023)

Malone has expressed his clear early inspirations of 50 Cent in multiple interviews (Rapper et al., 2024)

Malone said “It’s Sturgill, Tyler and Colter Wall right now for me.” “I hit up Colter, I was like, ‘Hey, man, you wanna come jam out sometime? Let’s make a song.’ (MUSIC·, 2023)

Will.I.Am was one of my first influences his music kept me happy and I have fond memories to those songs in my life.

De La Soul During these early times, he found inspiration from legendary Hip-Hop acts like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. (Rogers, 2022)

Ceelo Green Discover the bands and musicians that influenced CeeLo Green ... will.i.am · Prince. Play the complete artist's influences playlist! Followers.(Discover Who Influenced CeeLo Green, n.d.)

Run DMC The true architects of hip-hop and streetwear get candid about their love for Adidas, the present they find themselves in, and the future of music and style. (Rice, 2023)