Chicago Legends No ID and Saba Makes Joint Album

Two Chicago hip-hop legends are teaming up for one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Super producer No ID and rapper Saba have announced their upcoming joint album From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID.

The album will feature timeless, next-level production by No ID, while Saba is at the helm of each song with bars, vocals, and lyrics. 

No ID’s production career spans over the course of three decades, having crafted beats for the likes of Jay-Z, Jhene Aiko, Logic, and Beyoncé. He is often cited for launching the careers of Common, Kanye West, and Big Sean. His smooth, percussive, and instrument-driven percussion has earned him a Grammy Award and five Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits. “To be able to have a real career, you have to reinvent your thought process, reinvent your perspective,” No ID said in a statement. “And you can’t do it sitting on the mountaintop, yelling about what you did. You think you know—and then everything changes.”  

Chicago rapper Saba has long admired No ID. He has made a name for himself in the Chicago rap scene through collaborations with fellow Chi Town artists — including Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa — as well as a solo act in his own right, through his scorching lines and authentic musicality. 

From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID is the result of years of work. The album was originally conceived as a mixtape, however, the creative process was far from linear. Last year, the two believed they were done with the project, but after the death of his uncle, Saba reevaluated his craft. Never afraid to get personal in the studio, Saba revealed that this devastating loss helped him tap into consciousness he had never touched upon before.

“It made me want to re-approach things,” said Saba in a statement. “I had to have a lot of conversations with myself that I hadn’t had to have in a long time.”

Ahead of the album, the duo has release the singles “head.rap,” “How To Impress God,” and “Woes of the World.” Fans can look forward to hearing From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID upon its release through via ARTium Recordings/Pivot Gang Records, LLC on Friday, March 18.