A remarkable display of creativity from Chicago...
18 · 03 · 2025
Saba and No ID share several commonalities – they both hail from the same city (Chicago), have a fervor for hip-hop innovation, and seek to reinvent their artistry. Neither artist has followed a straight path for long, instead choosing to inject fresh energy into their creative journeys. The eagerly anticipated new album ‘From The Private Collection Of Saba and No ID’ boldly defies expectations and restrictions; overflowing with creativity, it stands as a brilliant collaboration and marks a career peak for both artists.
The funky opening track ‘Every Painting Has A Price’ exemplifies No ID’s style – featuring a vintage sample and playful studio experimentation, it showcases the artistry beautifully. Saba takes the lead from the start, while guests BJ The Chicago Kid and Eryn Allen Kane remain firmly connected to the project's foundation.
The opener effectively establishes a strong and consistently surprising endeavor. ‘Woes Of The World’ provides an impressive showcase for Saba’s mic skills, and the inclusion of Raphael Saadiq and Kelly Rowland on ‘Crash’ is a standout moment.
There is an abundance of quality throughout. ‘Westside Bound Pt. 4’ shines, with bold horns tapping into the soulful heritage of their city, while ‘Reciprocity’ takes a different approach with Ibeyi contributing their heartfelt introspection.
When guests are featured, they contribute to something larger than just one individual artist. This album is composed of various elements, and its mosaic quality highlights No ID’s versatility. Frsh Waters and Tru energize ‘She Called It’, while Smino returns to elevate the grand conclusion ‘a FEW songs’.
Impressive upon first listen, ‘From The Private Collection Of Saba And No ID’ is rich in detail. Both artists maintain exceptionally high standards, prompting some to question how this collaboration would come together – striving for perfection, Saba and No ID have created something truly magical.
9/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Saba and No ID have several similarities: they both hail from the same city (Chicago, to be precise), have a strong enthusiasm for hip-hop innovation, and aim to make a fresh impact.