Albums to watch

As Above, So Below

Sampa The Great

As Above, So Below

Second full-length album from the Zambia-born, Melbourne-based rapper Sampa Tembo was produced by Mag44

ADM rating[?]

7.7

Label
Loma Vista
UK Release date
09/09/2022
US Release date
09/09/2022
  1. 9.0 |   PopMatters

    On Sampa the Great’s As Above, So Below, she makes music with incredible clarity of purpose and affirms a sense of interconnected self and heritage
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  2. 8.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    It’s a rich, vibrant and carefully-curated record that successfully reveals the many sides of Tembo’s personality
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  3. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    Sampa Tembo is no longer answering to Australia’s music industry, delivering a cohesive second album that oozes with confidence, empowerment and joy
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  4. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Impressive second album from Sampa Tembo sees her incorporate Zambian influences and more to deliver a statement of intent
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  5. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    Sampa the Great returns with As Above, So Below, and it is a force, with Sampa's ability to play hard and soft the driving core of the album
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  6. 8.0 |   DIY

    Sounds from Zamrock and kalindula woven seamlessly alongside those of contemporary Western hip hop and soul
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  7. 8.0 |   Clash

    Cements her as someone who ignores any traditional restraints within hip hop. The beautiful blends of genres and crisp production make ‘As Above, So Below’ an enthralling listen, and has Sampa raising the bar for herself once again
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  8. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Her uncompromising politics never come at the expense of the music. Print edition only

  9. 8.0 |   Exclaim

    Her identity is permanently stamped on As Above, So Below — the album both showcases Sampa's growth as an artist and delivers on fan expectation, taking them on a journey beyond bars into Africa's rich musical heritage
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  10. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Sampa The Great's latest offering ensures that she will remain a beacon in her home continent of Africa and beyond
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  11. 8.0 |   Gigwise

    Stunning in its creation
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  12. 8.0 |   The FT

    After success in Australia, the musician returned to her birthplace for her latest release
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  13. 7.0 |   Uncut

    Her flow has a bratty edge and unhurried, authoritative core, capable of Philly soul sweetness on “Lo Rain”, or riding low, squelching beats on “IDGAF”. Print edition only

  14. 7.0 |   Spectrum Culture

    The spirit of what makes Sampa so great is still intact, even though it seems like a lack of focus prevented the record from feeling as triumphant and powerful as it otherwise might
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  15. 7.0 |   All Music

    A much more concise record than the sprawling, jazzy The Return, As Above similarly celebrates heritage and culture while looking inward and discussing personal issues
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  16. 6.8 |   Pitchfork

    The rapper continues to explore identity and belonging on her second album. Recorded in her native Zambia, it folds together zamrock, polyrhythmic percussion, and choral harmonies
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