Sampa the Great

Sampa the Great might just be my favorite Australian discovery of the year. Born in Zambia and based in Sydney, this year alone has seen her release a 12-track mixtape, a 6-track Hiatus Kaiyote mashup/remix release, nationwide touring, and more. She's already booked in for a slew of summer festivals, and is even supporting the legendary Thundercat on his upcoming Aus tour. Pretty damn impressive, if you ask me.   Her latest, "Blue Boss," opens on a swift, Spanish-sounding guitar melody, a stunning antidote to her uniquely thin-yet-punchy vocal tone. The percussive rhythm adds to that kind of Latino sound, as does the muted trumpet, adding a rich new colour to the soundscape. Her verses never quiver; she's slick, she's fast, and so lyrically illustrative. Another incredible track from what is undoubtedly one of Australia's best rappers. Now is the time to get to know Sampa the Great.