The Return (Sampa the Great album)

Last updated

The Return
The Return by Sampa the Great.png
Studio album by
Sampa the Great
Released13 September 2019 (2019-09-13)
StudioCarl's Place, Love Electric Studios, Maltbam, Map King Cave, Park Orchard Sound Recordings, Soup Studios, The Grove [1]
Genre
Length77:50 [1]
Label Ninja Tune
Sampa the Great chronology
Birds and the BEE9
(2017)		The Return
(2019)		 As Above, So Below
(2022)
Singles from The Return
  1. "Final Form"
    Released: 5 June 2019 [2]
  2. "OMG"
    Released: 11 July 2019 [3]
  3. "Freedom"
    Released: 21 August 2019 [4]
  4. "Time's Up"
    Released: July 2020 [5]

The Return is the debut studio album by Zambian singer-songwriter and rapper Sampa the Great. It was released in September 2019 and peaked at number 12 on the ARIA Charts.

Contents

At the J Awards of 2019, the album was nominated for Australian Album of the Year. [6]

In February 2020, the album won the Australian Music Prize 2019 and in doing so, Sampa the Great became the first musician to win the award twice. [7]

At the AIR Awards of 2020, the album won Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP. [8] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2020, the album received four nominations, including Album of the Year. [9] Sampa the Great won Best Female Artist, Best Independent Release and Best Hip Hop Release for The Return. [10] At the Music Victoria Awards of 2020, the album won Best Soul, Funk, R'n'B and Gospel Album and Best Album. [11]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 83/100 [12]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Beat Magazine 8.5/10 [13]
Clash 8/10 [14]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
The Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [17]

Paul Simpson from AllMusic said "The Return is the long-awaited debut album by rapper, songwriter, and poet Sampa the Great. The vast, ambitious full-length reflects several years of constant, intense soul-searching, and its songs and interludes revolve around themes of identity, homecoming, and self-empowerment." Simpson added "Though her music incorporates a wide variety of jazz, soul, and African influences, her dedication to hip-hop is never more apparent than on the victorious 'Final Form', a black power anthem with a strong, '9th Wonder'-inspired beat" calling the album "an impressive, powerful work." [1]

Rachel Aroesti from The Guardian said "despite weaving southern African influences into the drumming and multilingual lyrics, Tembo's keen intellect and strong personality isn't always accompanied by the most distinctive sound. Highlight 'Final Form' channels Kanye West's brash take on classic soul and there is much busy but generic R&B on the bloated tracklist. Her vocal, meanwhile, can be offputtingly affected, resembling a parody of Kendrick Lamar's reedy, staccato flow. That said, Tembo is undoubtedly an intriguing addition to rap's increasingly rich tapestry – albeit one yet to land on a sonic palette as fresh and compelling as her perspective." [15]

Madelyn Tait from The Music said "Drawing influence from hip hop, jazz, soul, R&B and southern African sounds, Sampa The Great has created something original, somewhat spiritual, and entirely authentic. She has remained at the forefront of the Australian hip hop scene for numerous years now, but with The Return, is destined for global acclaim." [17]

Jack Doherty from Clash call the album "A bold post-genre record packed with inspired moments" adding "While there are times Sampa The Great leans hard into hip-hop's history – 'Time's Up' and Heaven' in particular, have a real 90s skate shop vibe about them – on the whole this record is overwhelming about [ sic ] the future, not the past. The beats often break away from standard rap shtick, taking the listener beyond genre and into the unknown." [14]

Scott Hudson from Beat Magazine said "Sampa Tembo is a master of her craft but almost as importantly, she understands the value of collaboration. The Return is stacked with features from artists of African descent, Australian and abroad. Nineteen tracks is a lot to ask of any listener but Sampa's control of cadence paired with well-produced, well-performed instrumentals and choir sections, is enough for you to chronically listen to 'just one more'." [13] Stevie Chick of Mojo wrote "The Return could do with editing, as its unweidly 78 minutes risk losing the audience before its finest songs...but too much of a good thing is nothing to hold a grudge over." [16]

Track listing

  1. "Mwana" (feat. Mwanje Tembo, Theresa Mutale Tembo & Sunburnt Soul Choir) – 4:27
  2. "Freedom" – 4:06
  3. "Wake Up" (Interlude) – 0:54
  4. "Time's Up" (feat. Krown) – 2:33
  5. "Grass Is Greener" – 3:32
  6. "Dare to Fly" (feat. Ecca Vandal) – 4:23
  7. "Any Day" (feat. Whosane) – 4:17
  8. "OMG" – 2:34
  9. "Light It Up" (Interlude) – 2:15
  10. "Final Form" – 3:36
  11. "Heaven" (feat. Whosane) – 2:55
  12. "Diamond in the Ruff" (feat. Thando & Krown) – 4:54
  13. "Leading Us Home" – 4:05
  14. "Summer" (feat. Steam Down) – 4:24
  15. "Brand New (feat. SILENTJAY) – 3:48
  16. "Give Love" (Interlude) – 2:21
  17. "The Return" (feat. Thando, Jace XL, Alien & Whosane) – 9:17
  18. "Don't Give Up" (feat. Mandarin Dreams) – 7:04
  19. "Made Us Better" (feat. Blue Lab Beats, Boadi & Lori) – 6:20

Sample credits

Personnel

Adapted from the liner notes.

Charts

Chart (2019)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [18] 12

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelCatalogue
Various [19] [20] [21] 13 September 2019CD, digital download, 2x LP, streaming Ninja TuneZEN258

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">De La Soul</span> American hip hop group

De La Soul is an American hip hop group formed in 1988 in the village of Amityville on Long Island, New York. They are best known for their eclectic sampling, eccentric lyrics, and contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres. Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, and Vincent "Maseo" Mason formed the group in high school and caught the attention of producer Prince Paul with a demo tape of the song "Plug Tunin'".

<i>Speakerboxxx/The Love Below</i> 2003 studio album by Outkast

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is the fifth studio album by the American duo Outkast. It was released on September 23, 2003, by Arista Records. Issued as a double album, its length of over two hours is spread across solo records by Big Boi and André 3000.

<i>The Score</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Fugees

The Score is the second studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, released worldwide on February 13, 1996, on Columbia Records. The album features a wide range of samples and instrumentation, with many aspects of alternative hip hop that would come to dominate the hip-hop music scene in the mid- to late-1990s. Primarily, The Score's production was handled by the Fugees themselves, Jerry Duplessis and Warren Riker, with additional production from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. The album's guest verses are from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté, and Diamond D. Most versions of the album feature four bonus tracks, including three remixes of "Fu-Gee-La", and a short acoustic Wyclef Jean solo track entitled "Mista Mista".

<i>Graduation</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Kanye West

Graduation is the third studio album by the American rapper Kanye West released on September 11, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place between 2005 and 2007 at several studios in New York and Los Angeles. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from various other producers, including DJ Toomp. The album features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin. The cover art and its interior artwork were designed by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Jamz</span> 2003 single by Twista

"Slow Jamz" is a song by American rapper Twista together with the American rapper and producer Kanye West and American singer Jamie Foxx. Produced by West, it was released in November 2003 through Atlantic and Roc-A-Fella Records, as the lead single from Twista's fourth studio album Kamikaze (2004), and the second single from West's debut studio album The College Dropout (2004). The song was written by Twista and West, with additional writing credits going to Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the sampling of Luther Vandross' cover of Dionne Warwick's 1964 song "A House Is Not a Home". Containing genres of hip hop, pop rap, R&B, and soul, the song's lyrics reference slow jam artists and describes the role of lovermen.

<i>All Eyez on Me</i> 1996 studio album by 2Pac

All Eyez on Me is the fourth and final studio album by American rapper 2Pac to be released during his lifetime. Released on February 13, 1996, by Death Row and Interscope Records, the album features guest appearances from Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Redman, Method Man, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, E-40, K-Ci & JoJo, and the Outlawz, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Into You (Tamia song)</span> 1998 single by Tamia

"So Into You" is a song performed by Canadian singer Tamia from her self-titled debut album Tamia (1998). It was written by Tamia, Tim Kelley, and Bob Robinson, with production helmed by Kelley and Robinson under their production moniker Tim & Bob. The song is built around a sample from "Say Yeah" (1978) by American soul band The Commodores. Due to the inclusion of the sample, its writers Lionel Richie and Ronald LaPreads are credited as songwriters. "So Into You" is a mid-tempo R&B song with lyrics describing the protagonist's feelings of love for her partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Life (Kanye West song)</span> 2007 song by Kanye West

"Good Life" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring American singer T-Pain from the former's third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song includes background vocals from John Legend and Ne-Yo. West and Toomp handled the production, with additional production from Mike Dean. T-Pain thought of the concept when dining out with West, while he also recorded numerous hooks that the rapper used for his feature. On October 2, 2007, the song was released to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations by Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam as the album's third single. A pop number, it samples Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T. " and features synths. Lyrically, the song sees West celebrating his success and being determined to succeed, and T-Pain also reflecting on his success.

<i>Falling & Flying</i> 2011 studio album by 360

Falling & Flying is the second studio album by Australian hip hop artist 360. The album was released on 30 September 2011 on Soulmate Records.

<i>These Days...</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Ab-Soul

These Days... is the third studio album by American rapper Ab-Soul. It was released on June 24, 2014, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The record serves as the follow-up to his critically acclaimed Control System (2012). The album features guest appearances from Black Hippy affiliates Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock; as well as Rick Ross, Lupe Fiasco, Action Bronson and Mac Miller, whose in-house studio is where Ab-Soul recorded the majority of the record, among others.

<i>Aquarius</i> (Tinashe album) 2014 studio album by Tinashe

Aquarius is the debut studio album by American singer Tinashe, released on October 3, 2014, by RCA Records. In 2011, after the disbandment of the girl group The Stunners, Tinashe announced that she would begin pursuing a solo career. The following year she released her debut mixtape In Case We Die. After raising her profile with the mixtape, Tinashe met with RCA Records where she subsequently signed a recording contract. Following her signing a record deal, Tinashe immediately began working on the album. During the recording process for the debut album, she released two other mixtapes, Reverie (2012) and Black Water (2013).

<i>To Pimp a Butterfly</i> 2015 studio album by Kendrick Lamar

To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album was recorded in studios throughout the United States, with production from Sounwave, Terrace Martin, Taz "Tisa" Arnold, Thundercat, Rahki, LoveDragon, Flying Lotus, Pharrell Williams, Boi-1da, Knxwledge, and several other high-profile hip hop producers, as well as executive production from Dr. Dre and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. Guest appearances include Thundercat, George Clinton, Bilal, Anna Wise, Snoop Dogg, James Fauntleroy, Ronald Isley, and Rapsody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pop Style</span> 2016 single by Drake featuring The Throne

"Pop Style" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, featuring American rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z, collectively known as The Throne. The song was released alongside "One Dance", as singles promoting Drake's fourth studio album Views, initially for exclusive digital download on iTunes on April 5, 2016. The album version features only Drake with a new verse. The single version was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remi (band)</span> Australian hip hop duo

Remi was an Australian hip hop duo consisting of rapper Remi Kolawole and producer Justin "Sensible J" Smith. Originally a trio, which included producer-engineer Daniel "Dutch" Siwes, the group released four full-length albums as well as two mix-tapes and four extended plays (EPs). Remi's 2014 release Raw x Infinity garnered critical acclaim, winning the Australian Music Prize, while its third album Divas & Demons (2016)—Remi's first as a duo—was nominated for the 2017 ARIA Award for Best Urban Album. The act's final album, Fried, coincided with the dissolution of Remi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sampa the Great</span> Zambian rapper and musician

Sampa Tembo, known professionally as Sampa the Great, is a Zambian singer, rapper and songwriter. Between 2014 and 2020, she was based in Australia. Her debut solo album, The Return, peaked at No. 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019 she won Best Hip Hop Release for her second single, "Final Form". In the following year she won the same category for The Return, as well as Best Female Artist and Best Independent Release. In March 2020 Sampa became the first artist to win the Australian Music Prize twice: for Birds and the Bee9 and The Return. The artist was based back in Zambia from late 2020, where she issued her second studio album, As Above, So Below.

<i>When I Get Home</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Solange

When I Get Home is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Solange, released on March 1, 2019. It is the follow-up to her 2016 album A Seat at the Table and explores Solange's hometown of Houston, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Final Form (song)</span> 2019 single by Sampa the Great

"Final Form" is a song by Zambian singer/songwriter Sampa the Great. The song was released on 5 June 2019 as the second single from Sampa the Great's debut studio album, The Return. The song samples The Sylvers' 1973 funk track "Stay Away from Me" and Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel”.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Better Days (Baker Boy, Dallas Woods and Sampa the Great song)</span> 2020 single by Baker Boy, Dallas Woods, and Sampa the Great

"Better Days" is a song by Indigenous Australian rappers Baker Boy & Dallas Woods and Australian-based Zambian rapper Sampa the Great. It was released on 23 September 2020.

<i>As Above, So Below</i> (Sampa the Great album) 2022 studio album by Sampa the Great

As Above, So Below is the second studio album by Zambian singer-songwriter and rapper Sampa the Great, released on 9 September 2022 through Loma Vista Recordings. The album was recorded in Zambia after Sampa the Great relocated there from Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was announced in June 2022 alongside the release of the second single. As Above, So Below peaked at number 12 on the ARIA Charts.

"Energy" is a song by American singer Beyoncé featuring Jamaican rapper Beam. It is the fifth track on the former's seventh studio album Renaissance (2022), which was released on July 29, 2022, through Parkwood and Columbia. The song serves as an interlude between "Cuff It" and "Break My Soul".

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Return by Sampa the Great at AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  2. ↑ "Final Form – Single by Sampa the Great". Apple Music. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  3. ↑ "Sampa The Great – OMG (Official Video)". YouTube. 11 July 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  4. ↑ "Sampa The Great debuts new song Freedom". Noise11. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  5. ↑ Fuamoli, Sose (22 July 2020). "Watch: Sampa The Great puts the music industry on blast with 'Time's Up'". ABC (Triple J). Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  6. ↑ "The J Award 2019". Triple J . Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  7. ↑ "AMP winner Sampa The Great creates history". Sydney Morning Herald. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  8. ↑ "That's a wrap: 2020 AIR Awards winners and celebrations". the industry observer. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  9. ↑ "ARIA Awards 2020 Nominees". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  10. ↑ "And the 2020 ARIA Awards Go To…". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  11. ↑ "Sampa The Great Walks Off With a Stack of Music Victoria Awards". noise11. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  12. ↑ "Metacritic Review". Metacritic . Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  13. 1 2 Scott Hudson (2 October 2019). "Across 19 tracks, Sampa The Great's debut album is a wide-ranging, ambitious beast". Beat. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  14. 1 2 Jack Doherty (12 September 2019). "Sampa The Great – The Return". Clash Music. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  15. 1 2 Rachel Aroesti (13 September 2019). "Sampa the Great: The Return review – new perspectives on rap's age-old questions". The Guardian . Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  16. 1 2 Stevie Chick (June 2016), The Return (review), Mojo, p. 89, retrieved 9 July 2024
  17. 1 2 Madelyn Tait (12 September 2019). "Sampa The Great The Return". The Music AU. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  18. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Sampa the Great – The Return". Hung Medien. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  19. ↑ "The Return by Sampa the Great DD". Apple Music. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  20. ↑ "The Return by Sampa the Great 2xLP". JB Hi-Fi . Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  21. ↑ "The Return by Sampa the Great CD". JB Hi-Fi. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.