Solange collaborator Sampha released his debut album, and it’s absolutely gorgeous

One of the most outstanding R&B artists of his time, Sampha, finally dropped his first album.

Process is one of the most electrifying releases of the year, and we’re calling it: You’re sure to see it on best of 2017 lists.

If you don’t recognize his name right off the bat, you’ve definitely heard one of his many collaborations. Solange, Drake, Kanye, and Beyoncé are just some of the folks who’ve tapped Sampha for collaborations.

Solange in particular boosted his profile through her song “Don’t Touch My Hair.” Sampha makes appearances both in its music video and her Saturday Night Live performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTtrnDbOQAU?feature=oembed

For his own solo music, Sampha leans heavily on negative space. His favorite instrument is the piano, which he uses to devastating effect on “(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano.” That song’s repeated line, “No one knows me like the piano in my mother’s home,” acts as a prayer. The way his voice billows out over the piano there, the synths and percussion elsewhere, is a revelation.

“Take Me Inside”/”Reverse Faults” is one of those great album fulcrums, when the mood shifts over. But throughout Process, the mood shifts and swirls around Sampha’s voice. He is the conductor of his beautiful vision. After spending so much time complementing others’, it’s amazing to hear what he can do on his own.