Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Saba Previews No I.D. Collaborative Album"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work. Hosted by WNYC, the show celebrates the diverse perspectives that make New York City a cultural melting pot.

Episode Overview

• Episode Title: Saba Previews No I.D. Collaborative Album
• Release Date: January 16, 2025
• Guest: Saba, a prominent figure in the new generation of Chicago hip hop, collaborating with legendary producer No I.D.

Introduction to the Collaboration

[00:37] Alison Stewart:
Alison introduces Saba, highlighting his significance in Chicago hip hop and his collaboration with No I.D., a mentor to artists like Common and Kanye West. She mentions their upcoming project titled From the Private Collection of Saba and No I.D., set to explore themes such as religion, family, fame, and personal identity.

Notable Quote:

"He’s been nicknamed the Godfather of Chicago Hip hop and he mentored groundbreaking musicians like Common and Kanye." — Alison Stewart [00:37]

Origin of the Collaboration

[02:18] Saba:
Saba shares the backstory of his relationship with No I.D., rooted in their shared Chicago heritage and his father's musical background. Initially, No I.D. showed interest in signing Saba in 2018, but the collaboration took years to materialize fully.

Notable Quote:

"It’s been a cool full circle for not just me, but also my family." — Saba [02:25]

[03:22] Saba:
Describes how No I.D. sent him 100 beats in 2022, sparking the official start of their collaboration. This extensive beat package allowed Saba to explore and experiment, fostering a rich creative process.

Notable Quote:

"He sent me 100 of them. I didn't expect him to actually do it, but I had to shoot the shot." — Saba [03:22]

Creative Process in the Studio

[04:35] Alison Stewart:
Alison inquires about the dynamics of working physically together in the studio versus digitally.

[04:47] Saba:
Saba emphasizes the "alchemy" that occurs in the studio, describing it as a sacred space where real collaboration and magic happen. He contrasts this with remote collaborations, highlighting the intangible energy and immediate feedback present when artists are together.

Notable Quote:

"Being in the studio is really where there's room for the alchemy to happen." — Saba [04:47]

[05:56] Saba:
Acknowledges that the term "alchemy" was inspired by No I.D., reinforcing the profound creative synergy between them.

[12:39] Saba:
Explains how his sessions often begin with discussions between No I.D. and Rafael Siddiq, absorbing their insights on songwriting and production, which then inform his own creative work.

Notable Quote:

"He’s very open with information. He’s not gatekeeping at all." — Saba [12:39]

Album Highlights and Themes

1. "Head"

A track excerpt showcases Saba and No I.D.'s lyrical prowess, touching on themes like personal growth, resilience, and cultural identity.

[01:13] No I.D. (Excerpt):

"Wrap Rinse the relaxers out of nappy afros... building backbone... I could start at the root."

2. "Back in Office"

Explores personal transformation and societal perceptions, blending introspection with vivid storytelling.

[07:25] Alison Stewart:
Introduces the song "Back in Office," highlighting its lyrical depth and collaborative energy.

[18:58] No I.D.:

"I’m a black man looking for a good day... I deserve a subtle flex and a rare brag."

3. "How To Impress God"

A reflective track where Saba contemplates self-worth beyond material success, engaging in a dialogue with his own standards.

[20:20] Alison Stewart:
Introduces the song, noting its introspective nature.

[22:34] Saba:
Describes the song as a form of self-reflection, challenging the notion that external achievements equate to personal fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

"I wanted to challenge myself to maybe not look for the validation as much or maybe not look for the external as much." — Saba [22:34]

[22:47] No I.D. (Excerpt):

"I’m not impressed by your jewels, your cars, your clothes... I’m not impressed by the years that you’ve been getting bigger."

Personal Anecdotes and Insights

[23:57] Saba:
Shares a humorous and positive personal experience about receiving a defective couch from a purchase, which resulted in him keeping both the couch and the refund—a "huge win."

Notable Quote:

"I got to keep the couch and the money. So that was that. You know, that's a win." — Saba [23:57]

Album Release and Future Plans

[24:32] Alison Stewart:
Inquires about the album's release date.

[24:36] Saba:
Expresses enthusiasm but admits uncertainty about the exact release timeline, assuring listeners that it’s complete on his end and awaiting clearance for samples.

[25:07] Saba:
Commits to fans that the album will be "worth the wait" and "right on time."

Notable Quote:

"I promise. It'll be worth the wait." — Saba [25:20]

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

• Alison reiterates the album title From the Private Collection of Saba and No I.D. and thanks Saba for joining the show.
• The episode closes with a snippet from upcoming tracks, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between Saba and No I.D.

[25:51] No I.D.:

"We going to need more or next time around we might need."

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration Dynamics: The partnership between Saba and No I.D. is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to artistic integrity.
• Creative Process: Physical studio sessions foster a unique creative synergy that digital collaborations may lack, enabling spontaneous ideas and in-the-moment creativity.
• Album Themes: The forthcoming album delves deep into personal and cultural narratives, challenging listeners to reflect on their own definitions of success and self-worth.
• Artist Growth: Saba's collaboration with No I.D. serves as both a mentorship and a peer relationship, pushing him to expand his skills as both a songwriter and producer.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alison Stewart [00:37]:
  "Saba has become a major figure in the new generation of Chicago hip hop."

• Saba [02:25]:
  "It's been a cool full circle for not just me, but also my family."

• Saba [04:47]:
  "Being in the studio is really where there's room for the alchemy to happen."

• Saba [12:39]:
  "He’s very open with information. He’s not gatekeeping at all."

• Saba [22:34]:
  "I wanted to challenge myself to maybe not look for the validation as much."

• Saba [25:20]:
  "I promise. It'll be worth the wait."

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It provides an intimate glimpse into the collaborative journey of Saba and No I.D., highlighting the intricate blend of mentorship, artistic freedom, and cultural storytelling that defines their upcoming album. Listeners gain valuable insights into the creative processes that fuel contemporary hip hop and the personal growth that accompanies artistic collaborations.