Saba and No ID have been a force to be reckoned with in the music world. They merged their strengths to create a genre-bending collaborative album, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID. On March 18, 2025, the album was dropped, marking the duo’s achievement as a sign of their ability to push boundaries while respecting the rich hip-hop history of Chicago. Below is a detailed examination of how this collaboration has evolved and why their new album is a total must-listen.
The Journey to Collaboration
Pivot Gang leader Saba, whose lyrical dexterity and emotionally resonant storytelling are the stuff of myth, first hinted at working with No ID in 2022. The Grammy-winning producer, also called the “Godfather of Chicago Hip-Hop,” is renowned for working with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna. The two got the ball rolling on the collaboration process when No ID gave Saba an amazing 120 beats—a testament to the producer’s workhorse tendencies.
Designed initially as a mixtape, the project was redesigned as a proper album following Saba’s heartbreaking loss of his uncle. The experience deeply impacted him, and he ultimately reworked the album creatively. “He’s the one who got me in love with hip-hop,” Saba said. “It made me want to re-approach things; I had to have a lot of conversations with myself that I hadn’t had to have in a long time.
Highlights from the Private Collection
The album offers 15 strong tunes that trade off introspective verses with fantastic beats. Among other standouts,
- Star-Studded Collaborations: The soundtrack features Smino, Kelly Rowland, Raphael Saadiq, BJ The Chicago Kid, Eryn Allen Kane, and Jordan Ward, among other guest features. The guest features bring depth and diversity to the soundtrack.
- Singles That Set the Tone: Over the months leading up to the release, Saba and No ID released a string of singles that foreshadowed their chemistry:
- Hue_Man Nature: A reflective song with Saba’s rhyming over No ID’s complex rhythms.
- Back in Office: A powerful anthem announcing their comeback to the studio.
- How To Impress God: A powerful and motivating interpretation of ambition and religion.
- Woes of the World: A relaxed but powerful song dealing with issues in society.
- Production Excellence: No ID’s clean style perfectly complements Saba’s raw emotion and lyrical precision. Tracks like “Head.rap” exemplify this union, fusing old-school Chicago hip-hop sensibilities with contemporary production.
Themes and Artistic Growth
The album delves into loss, resilience, and reinvention. For Saba, accepting the loss of his uncle meant more self-reflection and artistic maturity. “To have a career, you have to reinvent your thought and mindset,” No ID explained. “You feel like you know—and then things shift.
This reinterpretation permeates the album. By remastering their initial demos, Saba and No ID created a mature work that bridges generations of Chicago’s music community. Their ability to honour tradition while embracing innovation makes them leaders in hip-hop’s evolution.
Why This Album Matters
Saba and No ID’s partnership is greater than the music—it exemplifies the strength of collaboration and creative integrity. Here’s why From the Private Collection wins:
- A Tribute to Chicago: The group honours their city by combining classic hip-hop sounds with modern sensibilities.
- Emotional Resonance: From sorrow to hope, the album provokes many emotions that resonate deeply with listeners.
- Cultural Impact: As one of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2025, it solidified Saba and No ID’s status as hip-hop pioneers.
Final Thoughts
The Private Collection of Saba and No ID is more than an album—a statement of strength, imagination, and partnership. This album is for you, whether you’re drawn to its star collaborations or subject matter. As Saba paces hip-hop’s next wave alongside the legendary No ID, one truth is certain: their partnership is rewriting the rules of what it means to be an artist in Chicago.
