Sampha: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | March 21, 2017 — "There's nothing new under the sun / It's never what you do, but how it's done," Nas rapped on "No Idea's Original."

Such is the case with the South London singer, songwriter and producer Sampha. His originality lies in delivery and tone, which is why he's been summoned by some of hip-hop and R&B's biggest names years before the release of his first album. (Kanye's "Saint Pablo" and Drake's "Too Much," for example, could have lacked emotional value without Sampha's contributions.) Sampha's music is more feel everything than feel good, which is why his fans hold him so close to their hearts.

The vulnerability on his debut, Process, isn't hard to dissect, but can be downright agonizing to digest; his immediate family has been riddled with disease and ailments, with both his parents succumbing to cancer. Process finds Sampha interpreting this complicated emotional prism — and confronting his own mortality through it.

Sampha stopped by the NPR offices to perform 3 tracks from Process. The result is a Tiny Desk Concert as intimate as it gets (and that's saying something). It's just him, a piano and these heart-wrenching songs that we reckon double as coping mechanisms.

Process is available now:

Set List
"Plastic 100°C"
"(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano"
"Blood On Me"

Musicians
Sampha (vocals, keys)

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Editor: Morgan Noelle Smith; Production Assistant: A Noah Harrison; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[crowded_spaces]

Man I found this album the same day little brother went into this hospital last year. I was so excited to share it with him. Walked around the perimeter of the hospital for days and now I listen to this in remembrance of him. I love you Lil bro. RiP 6/27/19

[misterjaypeasmith]

If John Legend and The Weeknd had a baby, and that baby was raised by Frank Ocean and James Blake in London, it still wouldn't be as talented as Sampha.

[zorp]

For rap fans: Sampha has blessed songs including Drake’s Too much, 4422, the motion, Wayne’s let it all work out, and Kanye’s best song Saint Pablo.

[shashavengesayi]

Anyone here after Lahai dropped? Cant stop watching this classic performance

[JamieTalksFootball]

The only thing that makes me envious in life, is not having the ability to express myself through music like this. Breathtakingly beautiful.

[ThaTRCK]

Holy shit his voice is incredible. Sounds almost identical to the studio version

[Mastorguhch]

We've got to protect sampha at all costs

[t-turbo]

Plastic 100C is such an incredible song. I count it as an instant classic

[marissatilden]

I love the sound of the bench creaking as he shifts his weight, and the audible press of the pedal, and the dull tap of keys on the keyboard. This is so intimate and raw and transcendent

[Fernad]

he sounds live better than most singers on their albums

[maxgallo]

Those who disliked this are the ones who ignored the piano in their mother's home.

[michaelangelo]

the first song is just...transcendental.

[dittagecoeco]

On the verge of 2023 this Is still Fire. Just Discovered this gem and Sampha, great artist

[Michael-vwcg]

Aye sampha, you’re 200% not listening to this but as a single father, thank you so much for coming out with this because my 1 year old daughter is able to fall asleep to this.

[davetaylor]

ya know the feeling when you mix the sugar and cream perfectly in a cup of coffee and it taste amazing...that's his voice. perfect blend

[waltergomezsegura]

0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Plastic 100C
6:56 - (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano
10:45 - Blood On Me

[Rachel-zbrg]

had to revisit this materpiece after watch his new one . he truly is amazing .

[nuddel]

0:46 - Plastic 100°C
6:55 - (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano
10:45 - Blood on me

[jelynnrussell]

He is so underrated even though he can actually sing live and sound exactly like the studio

[beefraz]

He needs a permit for that voice - it's a weapon.