Podcast Summary: "From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID"

Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode Release Date: April 1, 2025
Guests: Saba and No ID
Episode Focus: Collaboration between Chicago hip-hop artist Saba and legendary producer No ID on their joint album, From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID.

Introduction to the Collaboration

Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting Saba's rising prominence in Chicago's new hip-hop scene and his collaboration with veteran producer No ID, affectionately dubbed the "Godfather of Chicago Hip Hop." She introduces their latest joint project, From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID, noting its exploration of diverse themes such as religion, family, fame, and personal identity.

[00:37] Alison Stewart: "Saba has become a major figure in the new generation of Chicago hip hop. On his latest project, he teamed up with a legend of a previous generation, the producer no id."

Genesis of the Collaboration

Saba delves into the origins of his partnership with No ID, tracing it back to 2018 when No ID, then working at a label, showed interest in signing him. This interest was intertwined with Saba's familial ties to music, as his father was also a musician collaborating with No ID in the 90s. However, initial negotiations were met with skepticism from Saba, who was cautious about relinquishing creative control and navigating the complexities of label agreements.

[02:35] Saba: "In 2018, before releasing my second album, he was working at a label and he was interested in signing me... it's been a cool full circle for not just me, but also my family."

Transition to Collaboration

The collaboration officially kicked off in 2022 after Saba's album Few Good Things and a series of tours where he and No ID reconnected. No ID sent Saba a substantial collection of beats—reportedly 100—which served as the foundation for their joint creative endeavors. Despite initial uncertainties, Saba embraced the opportunity, leading to a deeper, in-studio partnership throughout 2022 and into 2023.

[03:37] Saba: "He sent me a 100 of them. I didn't expect him to actually do it, but... that's kind of when the collaboration officially started."

The Alchemy of In-Studio Collaboration

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the transformative experience of working together in the studio. Saba describes the studio as a "sacred space" where genuine collaboration and creative magic occur, contrasting it with remote or fragmented creative processes.

[05:03] Saba: "The actual magic... like it's room for magic when y'all are together in the studio."

Alison aptly summarizes this sentiment by echoing Saba's use of the term "alchemy" to describe their creative synergy.

[06:09] Alison Stewart: "I think the word alchemy was exactly right."

Evolution of Their Relationship

Saba reflects on the evolution of his relationship with No ID, emphasizing the shift from initial label negotiations to a more organic, mentorship-based partnership. As No ID departed from the label scene, their collaboration became more focused on mutual artistic growth rather than business constraints.

[10:25] Saba: "We kind of reconnected and reintroduced the conversation, and he was no longer at the company, and that's where the relationship was really able to evolve."

Impact on Songwriting and Production Skills

The partnership has significantly influenced Saba's approach to both songwriting and production. He credits No ID's openness and willingness to share knowledge as pivotal in enhancing his craft. Saba appreciates the practical lessons gleaned from studio sessions, which often involve discussions on what constitutes a good song and the intricacies of music-making.

[12:45] Alison Stewart: "Saba described how No ID's openness has enriched his songwriting and production techniques."

Saba also explores his identity as a producer, likening it to tastemaking and emphasizing the importance of continuous practice and creative exploration.

[14:22] Saba: "Producing is almost like, to me, it's like tastemaking. It's like being a good curator or like a good interior designer."

Insights into Specific Tracks

Alison and Saba delve into specific tracks from the album, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative process behind them.

"Head"
Saba shares the inspiration behind "Head," which stemmed from a conversation about hairstyles and personal identity within his friend group.

[15:54] Saba: "I was in a studio with a few of my friends... it kind of inspired... I could just tell this story on the song."

"Back in Office"
This track features Madison McFerrin, OG, and Jordan Ward. Saba explains how sampling Madison McFerrin's work and collaborating with OG and Jordan Ward naturally fell into place, epitomizing the "alchemy" of their collective creativity.

[17:25] Saba: "It's like no Brainers, almost like no ID Was playing them some music, and that's how they ended up on it."

Personal Anecdotes and Light Moments

Towards the end of the episode, Saba shares a personal anecdote about receiving an unexpected win—a defective couch that he got to keep along with his money back. This light-hearted moment underscores the show's commitment to showcasing both the professional and personal facets of its guests.

[20:02] Saba: "Yesterday, I ordered a really expensive couch and it got to my house and it was defective... So I got to keep the couch and the money."

Conclusion

Alison wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Saba's participation and hinting at the continued evolution of his artistic journey post the release of From the Private Collection of Saba & No ID. The collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Chicago hip-hop and the fruitful partnerships that can emerge from mutual respect and creative synergy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Saba on Alchemy in the Studio:
  "[06:28] Saba: ...it's alchemy, you know?"

• Alison on the Essence of Collaboration:
  "[05:03] Alison Stewart: ...it's room for magic when y'all are together in the studio."

• Saba Reflecting on Skepticism:
  "[08:20] Saba: I didn't want to relinquish the keys to the driver's seat..."

• On the Evolution of Their Relationship:
  "[10:25] Saba: ...the relationship was really able to evolve because it had no stipulation on it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It provides an intimate look into the collaborative dynamics between an emerging artist and a seasoned producer. Through engaging conversations and candid reflections, listeners gain insights into the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs that shape the making of a culturally resonant hip-hop album. The inclusion of original tracks and behind-the-scenes stories enriches the listening experience, making it valuable for both fans and aspiring musicians.