After the release of his third album, “Few Good Things” in 2022, Saba returns to the music scene after a 3-year hiatus with “From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID.” Released on March 15, the 30-year-old rapper’s newest album was highly anticipated by many. The 15-track, 41-minute album is a perfectly-sized listen for hip-hop fans. This album, in contrast to the often somber and reclusive melodies Saba raps about, is more uplifting and positive. He touches on topics such as religious connection, romantic partners and dreadlocks. Saba’s ability to reflect on not only his past but his family history and celebrate them simultaneously is well on display.
After emerging on the scene with his albums “Bucket List Project” and “CARE FOR ME,” Saba has become a critic favorite. His slow-paced songs with masterful storytelling made his songs bridge the gap between generations by rapping modern issues in an old-school style. The album features “The Godfather of Chicago hip-hop” with No ID. No ID is a well-known producer to whom many artists attribute their success to, such as Common, Kanye West and J. Cole. While you probably have never heard of No ID, odds are you’ve heard a song produced by him. He is the mastermind behind hits such as Jay-Z’s “Run This Town,” West’s “Heartless” and Drake’s “Non-Stop.” Featured artists Eryn Allen Kane, Kelly Rowland, Ogi and Ibeyi provided beautiful choruses and background vocals to elevate the songs to a new level.
The album begins with the track “Every Painting Has a Price,” which recounts Saba’s career so far. Saba claims one of the biggest adjustments to fame has been when fans claim he has saved them, “She said, ‘That’s who helped me more than you know, cause I was on the verge of a manic episode.’ I heard her out the best I could, but it’s crazy how many stories people claim that you voicing,” Saba said. Many artists often sing about the shock that comes with learning about the impact they have on their fans. Saba claims that many people often view him and his music as a savior, when in reality it’s the change within people that saves them. Later in the verse, Saba says, “I made a living off of lessons that I learned from my uncle. Taught me to see the bigger picture, it comes with a price.” Saba often mentions lessons he’s been taught by family in his music, and this album is no exception. At a young age, Saba learned how success comes at a cost. There is so much in the world that is constantly in motion, and to truly thrive you need to make sacrifices. The song opens up the album perfectly, reflecting on his past while appreciating what has gotten him to where he is today.
The album does a great job of incorporating various instruments to really complete the vibe the album is going for. Tracks like “Breakdown,” “Westside bound Pt. 4” and “Acts 1.5” use horns to bring out the old-school feeling of the songs. Being that No ID grew up right alongside hip hop, he knows how to create beats that feel nostalgic, almost like homages to the rap music that founded the genre. He uses drums on songs like “BIG PICTURE,” “She Called It” and “30secchop” that provide soul to the tracks. No ID and Saba’s ability to blend classic rap, a style rooted in storytelling and well-designed beats, with the modern rap style, fast-paced and bass-boosted, is masterfully done in this album. The soft guitar on songs like “Stomping” and “Stop Playing With Me” provides a nice change of pace. The placement of the songs within the album is exemplary. All the tracks contrast so greatly in instrumentals and lyrical meaning yet fit just right. “From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID” is almost like the album is a puzzle that, once put fully together, creates an image you didn’t see before.
The song “How to Impress God” was a standout track for me. The song stood above the rest, as Saba talks about his journey in faith, and feeling as if he is not close enough to god, even though he’s successful. “Last I checked, I said I’d never go and change, and got dressed. It felt like I heard God say ‘I’m not impressed,’” he raps. While fame was never something Saba never dreamed of, he took it in stride. Nowadays, he feels as if fame is a burden, and that with the success he’s generated, it is harder to fully benefit everyone around him. He later raps, “I’m not impressed, the years that you’ve been getting bigger. I’m not impressed that you’ve inspired millions of people.” He imagines god to be saying these things to him, discrediting the success he’s generated. He repeats ‘I’m not impressed’ throughout the chorus, driving home the idea that he feels like a letdown. At the end of the song, Saba impersonates god, saying, “The fact that you showed up here is not a surprise, but Saba, you showed love, and that’s all I required.” Throughout the song, we see Saba learn that faith is not rooted in the impressiveness of your acts but rather the meaning behind them. The song shows great growth in character and really pushes the creative boundaries of what can be done in music.
I greatly enjoyed this album. The sound is one that has been lost in the current music scene, yet it perfectly approaches modern events. Front to back, each song on the album is unique and well-produced. I found myself listening to the album multiple times all the way through, never skipping a song due to its deep-rooted lyrics. I think this album is perfect, as it has a little bit for everyone, be it the lyrics or the instrumentals, or even just the relaxing vibe.
“From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID:” ★★★★★
