Sam Rivers was the founding bassist of the band Limp Bizkit, known for their influential role in the '90s nu-metal and rap-rock genres.

How did Thundercat's music career intersect with Limp Bizkit?

Thundercat, a renowned musician in his own right, says Limp Bizkit and Sam Rivers' bass work were formative influences on his own genre-blending style, especially during his formative years.

What was the lasting impact of Limp Bizkit's music?

According to Thundercat, Limp Bizkit's innovative sound and approach to blending rock, rap, and pop represented a genuine passion for music that spoke to an entire generation, despite mixed critical reception.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Thundercat Honors Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers as a '90s Music Icon

Thundercat Honors Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers as a '90s Music Icon

21 Oct

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Summary

Thundercat reflects on Limp Bizkit's influential role in '90s music
Sam Rivers, Limp Bizkit's founding bassist, passed away in October 2025
Thundercat says Rivers' bass work was "defining" to his own musical growth

Thundercat Honors Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers as a '90s Music Icon

In a poignant interview, acclaimed musician Thundercat reflects on the lasting impact of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers, who sadly passed away in October 2025 at the age of 48. Thundercat, known for his genre-blending work in hip-hop, R&B, and jazz, says talking about Rivers' legacy feels "necessary" as he was a formative influence on Thundercat's own musical development.

Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, recalls being a high school student when he first heard Rivers' thunderous bass lines on Limp Bizkit's breakout hits like "Nookie" and "My Generation." He describes the band's sound as "groundbreaking" and "out of the box," defying easy categorization. Thundercat says Rivers and Limp Bizkit's fearless approach to traversing genres directly shaped his own eclectic style.