On March 18, 2025, Chicago rapper and Pivot Gang leader Saba and Grammy Award-winning super-producer No ID released their powerhouse joint album, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID via ARTium Recordings/Pivot Gang Records, LLC.
The fact that I listened to this album in Chicago on a sunny 70-degree day felt right. From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID carries that nostalgic yet forward-thinking energy that makes you feel like you’re stepping into something timeless.
Dropping on a Tuesday — a nod to the classic “Super Tuesday” album release cycle — this project immediately evokes memories of unwrapping a CD, reading the liner notes, and pressing play for the first time.
Saba and No ID waste no time setting the tone. The album opens like a sunrise with “Every Painting Has a Price” featuring Eryn Allen Kane and BJ The Chicago Kid. The warmth of the production glows, and BJ’s syrupy, soulful voice reworks a line from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get By,” adding to the track’s richness. Saba, in introspective mode, drops a line that resonates deeply:
“I seen all of my heroes become human / I hope that you recognize although I live a wild dream / I am not God.”
Saba’s ability to balance vulnerability with confidence is one of his greatest strengths. He’s aware of his place in the world and hip-hop, and he’s unafraid to call himself “the fly ghetto empath anxious poet.” This duality — self-assured yet constantly self-examining — is what makes his artistry so compelling.
Then there’s “Breakdown,” the song that almost didn’t make it due to sample clearance issues. Built around Janet Jackson’s “I Get So Lonely,” it was worth every bit of the wait. It’s the type of song you hear once and immediately recognize as special — cinematic in its pacing, intimate in its delivery.
Following that, “Crash,” featuring Raphael Saadiq and Kelly Rowland, rides a lush soundscape that feels like an interpolation of The Jacksons’ “Show You the Way to Go.” Here, Saba is in full mack-mode, crafting a love poem wrapped in melody and layered harmonies. It’s the kind of track that proves he can shift gears from deep reflection to smooth, effortless charm.
This album is best heard in sequence. There’s a flow here that feels intentional, each track rolling into the next, forming a narrative that speaks to growth, loss, love, and self-assurance. No ID, the architect behind some of hip-hop’s most foundational sounds, brings his signature sample-driven approach, creating a sonic environment that is both fresh and familiar. It’s like watching a master teach his protégé, as No ID (Yoda) guides Saba (the young Jedi) through an evolution of sound.
Chicago’s essence is embedded in every note. Saba, representing the West Side, carries the city’s weight in his delivery, while No ID, a South Side legend, lays the groundwork. The result is a project that feels deeply rooted in their shared musical lineage.
Lyrically, Saba is sharper than ever. He’s always been cerebral, but on “Acts 1.5,” he proves he can go bar-for-bar with the best:
“I make niggas’ favorite rappers sound like average Joes,” he spits with precision, making it clear that while his introspection is a strength, his technical ability should never be ignored.
From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID is one of 2025’s strongest releases so far. It’s the kind of album that feels both personal and expansive, where two artists at different points in their careers come together to create something truly special. The only thing missing is being able to unwrap a physical copy.
Standout Tracks:
• “Breakdown”
• “Crash”
• “Westside Bound”
• “Acts 1.5”
• “30secchop”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
