Saba and No ID Drop Powerful Project ‘From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID’ (Review)

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Saba and No I.D. have dropped the most moving album I’ve heard this year. This is a no-skips project for the introspective hip-hop fans. Longtime Saba followers know he’s a poet of the highest caliber, thereby I was always eager to hear him pair with a big-name producer. Who else besides ‘the godfather of Chicago hip-hop’ – producer extraordinaire No ID, to do the honours? Together, the windy-city duo delivers a diversified display of Saba’s lyrical skill, with nostalgic production and fire features.

‘Crash’

This is a groovy moment of respite from some deeper introspective songs on the album. However, don’t make a mistake – this is not a surface-level love song. This is the equivalent to what ‘Die Hard‘ is for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers‘ project. It’s a tour-de-force of the heart of a man in it for the long run – and it’s so funky. 

I was pleasantly surprised to discover the female vocals are courtesy of ultra-talented Kelly Rowland, with support from the silky smooth stylings of Raphael Saadiq. This is a heart-warming ode to jumping headfirst into love that just feels right.

‘Westside Bound Pt. 4’

For the real rap fan who fiends for double entendres and hype-me-up rap patterns – the pair present this record. The progression of the beat gives listeners a jolt of energy alongside some of the slickest lyrics I’ve heard this year. The Chicagoan has truly outdone himself here lyrically, as No ID shows how masterful he is at playing to an artist’s strengths. We also get to enjoy the talents of MFnMelo, a member of Pivot Gang, the rap collective that Saba is part of. ‘Westside Bound Pt. 4‘ is a playful, boastful, and disrespectful rap track. It’s a perfect addition to your workout playlist. 

‘head.rap’

In this track, Saba draws parallels to what’s going on in his head and the growth within it. His statements are a source of pride in his Blackness and represent resistance from the white gaze. Just like spiritual and emotional growth, it’s taken patience and care to maintain. Madison McFerrin and Jordan Ward lent their polished pipes to the track. However, it’s LA-based Nigerian-American songbird Ogi that blew me away. Her vintage, jazzy voice radiates through speakers. Her encouragement to ‘Keep growing your garden’ creates a fuzzy warmth in your heart.

‘How to Impress God’

As my final song to highlight, I’m choosing a song that feels and sounds more like poetry. It’s a moving tribute to God and unconditional love. It’s a musical awakening from Saba, who realises material possessions and achievements are surface-level wins. They are not the love of God, nor do they win the love of God. I love that this album balances undeniably bar-boasting rap tracks, funky lighter moments, and songs like this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is one of the most complete bodies of work I’ve heard this year, but I expected nothing less. This is a heavily anticipated link-up by two masters of their craft. Despite the accolades No ID has to his name, I still feel he isn’t mentioned enough for his incredible production. In addition to this, I believe this album will elevate Saba’s career and bring a lot of new listeners to him. Teeming with some of the best talent in the industry, BJ The Chicago Kid and Eryn Allen Kane to name a few, this LP has something for all. This is a project I’m glad they didn’t keep as a ‘private collection’ for long.

Rating: 9/10

Saba is on Instagram, X, and TikTok and No ID is on Instagram and Threads. Read more albums reviews here and stream the album below.

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