Sampa The Great – As Above So Below (Limited Edition Lime Green Vinyl LP)

As Above, So Below is the second studio album by Zambian-born, Botswana-raised rapper and songwriter Sampa The Great, originally released on 9 September 2022. Blending hip-hop, soul, jazz, Zamrock and traditional African musical influences, the album is a powerful celebration of cultural heritage, identity and self-discovery. Featuring standout tracks Lane, Never Forget, Bona and Let Me Be Great, it showcases Sampa's commanding lyricism and adventurous musical vision.

Following her acclaimed debut album The Return, Sampa returned to Zambia and reconnected with the musical traditions and cultural influences that shaped her upbringing. Those experiences became central to As Above, So Below, an album built around African rhythms, live instrumentation, soulful melodies and powerful storytelling. Its richly layered production bridges traditional sounds with contemporary hip-hop, creating a distinctive and deeply personal listening experience.

The album opens with the atmospheric Shadows, before launching into Lane, featuring American rapper Denzel Curry. Driven by explosive percussion and sharp lyrical exchanges, the track highlights Sampa's confident delivery and energetic production. Never Forget, featuring Chef 187, Tio Nason and Mwanjé, celebrates African musical heritage through infectious rhythms and an uplifting message about remembering one's roots.

Mask On explores identity and self-expression, while Bona combines traditional African percussion with vibrant, contemporary production. Can I Live?, featuring legendary Zambian rock band W.I.T.C.H., draws inspiration from the psychedelic Zamrock movement of the 1970s, adding another dimension to the album's diverse musical landscape.

The second side moves into more introspective territory with Imposter Syndrome, examining confidence and self-doubt, while Tilibobo showcases Sampa's rhythmic versatility and powerful vocal delivery. Lo Rain introduces a more reflective atmosphere, and IDGAF delivers an uncompromising statement of independence.

The album concludes with Let Me Be Great, featuring Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo. Combining soaring vocals, vibrant instrumentation and a message of empowerment, the track provides a triumphant conclusion to an album centred on embracing identity and cultural pride.

Praised for its ambitious sound and deeply personal themes, As Above, So Below stands among the most distinctive hip-hop albums of 2022. Its combination of traditional African musical influences, contemporary production and exceptional guest collaborations makes it particularly rewarding for listeners who appreciate adventurous, genre-crossing music.

This collectible Limited Edition Lime Green Vinyl LP presents the complete 11-track album on a single lime green-coloured vinyl record. Released through Loma Vista Recordings, this official pressing pairs the album's striking artwork with vibrant coloured vinyl, making it an excellent addition to collections of contemporary hip-hop, African music and modern soul.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Sampa The Great
• Album: As Above, So Below
• Format: Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl LP
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Soul / African Music / Zamrock
• Original Release: 9 September 2022
• Edition: Limited Edition Lime Green Vinyl
• Vinyl Colour: Lime Green
• Number of Records: 1
• Number of Tracks: 11
• Label: Loma Vista Recordings
• Barcode: 888072464759
• Condition: Brand new & sealed

Track List:

Side A
A1 Shadows
A2 Lane (feat. Denzel Curry)
A3 Never Forget (feat. Chef 187, Tio Nason & Mwanjé)
A4 Mask On
A5 Bona
A6 Can I Live? (feat. W.I.T.C.H.)

Side B
B1 Imposter Syndrome
B2 Tilibobo
B3 Lo Rain
B4 IDGAF
B5 Let Me Be Great (feat. Angélique Kidjo)