Saba and No ID release a masterpiece in “From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID.”
STREAM
TOP 5
5. head.rap (Ft. Madison McFerrin, Ogi & Jordan Ward)
Remember “I am Not my Hair” by Indie Arie? Well, this is the 2025, hip-hop version of the track. In it, Saba and Jordan Ward talk about their hair and how the journey of growing it, living with it, and accepting it has been refreshing. I also feel like they use hair to speak on the confidence they have within. Aside from the track’s dope lyrics, listeners will enjoy the soul Ogi sings with throughout in the background and the chorus and how both Saba and Jordan rap with cool demeanors that solidify their laidback personas. This is a feel-good song in every way, and it’s supposed to be.
4. Woes Of The World
Saba does a little bit of everything on “Woes of The World.” Over a hypnotic, mind-numbing beat designed to make heads spin, the Chicago rapper seamlessly shifts between a numb, laid-back flow, a Drake-like melodic delivery, and an aggressive, competitive tone that underscores his hunger.
Lyrically, Saba is as sharp as ever—resilient, self-reflective, and focused on making the right moves in his journey. His words paint a picture of an artist who refuses to settle, pushing forward despite the weight of the world on his shoulders.
3. How to Impress God
I ain’t going to hold you—”How to Impress God” really struck a chord with me. In this introspective track, Saba recounts a conversation with God, where he realizes that the things society deems impressive—cars, jewelry, independence, and success—mean nothing in the grand scheme of life. The song serves as a timeless reminder that materialism holds no real weight when it comes to spiritual fulfillment.
While the track’s production and rap delivery may not be the flashiest, it’s the lyrics that carry the weight. Saba’s storytelling and raw honesty make this one of his most thought-provoking releases to date.
2. a FEW songs (Ft. Love Mansuy, Ogi & Smino)
This is one of those songs where I want to hear birds chirping loud as hell and coffee brewing hard as hell as it plays. No ID’s production is hella refreshing, blending a classic knock with nostalgic, old-school vibes.
Saba doesn’t ease into that smoothness, though. He attacks the beat with an aggressive tone, reflecting on his rough upbringing, making every move with purpose, and surviving in a city where even officers aren’t safe. Meanwhile, Smino delivers his signature melodic flow, sparking lyrical competition with fellow rappers, dropping wisdom like a sermon, and acknowledging his contributions to his community.
Adding some balance to the intensity, Love Mansuy provides a soothing hook, while Ogi closes the track with deep, resonant vocals. This song blends energy, storytelling, and soul in a way that feels both powerful and refreshing.
1. Westside Bound Pt. 4 (Ft. MFnMelo)
Don’t kill me for this take, but in the first portion of “Westside Bound Pt. 4,” I swear Saba sounds like the second coming of Nipsey Hussle—which is especially interesting considering Nip hailed from Westside, LA. However, the “Westside” that Saba raps about here is Chicago, and from the way he describes it, it’s a place that isn’t for the weak.
Saba’s storytelling is gritty and unfiltered, detailing a city that totes more guns than the military and suffers an overwhelming number of losses. Yet, despite the harsh realities, the track carries an anthemic energy that’s hard to ignore. His rapid-fire raps and feverish flows elevate the song, making it a standout in his catalog.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Every Painting Has a Price (Ft. Eryn Allen Kane & BJ The Chicago Kid) (4.5/5)
2. Breakdown (4/5)
3. Crash (Ft. Raphael Saadiq and Kelly Rowland) (4/5)
4. Woes of the World (4/5)
5. Stop Playing With Me (3.5/5)
6. Westside Bound Pt. 4 (Ft. MFnMelo) (4.5/5)
7. head.rap (Ft. Madison McFerrin & Ogi) (4/5)
8. Acts 1.5 (4/5)
9. Reciprocity (Ft. Ibeyi) (4/5)
10. Stomping (4/5)
11. BIG PICTURE (Ft. Ogi) (4/5)
12. 30secchop (Ft. Joseph Chilliams & Jean Deaux) (4/5)
13. How To Impress (4.5/5)
14. She Called It (Ft. Frsh Waters & Tru) (4/5)
15. a FEW songs (Ft. Love Mansuy, Ogi & Smino) (4.5/5)
RGM RATING
(82%)
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
