Saba

Saba, born Tahj Malik Chandler on July 17, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, is a highly regarded rapper, songwriter, and producer, known for his insightful lyrics and innovative sound. Growing up in Chicago’s West Side Austin neighborhood, Saba was exposed to music from a young age, influenced by his father, the R&B artist Chandlar, and his brother, rapper Joseph Chilliams. These early influences played a significant role in shaping his musical journey.

Saba’s career took off with his debut mixtape, GETCOMFORTable (2012), followed by ComfortZone (2014), which began establishing his unique voice in the hip-hop scene. His 2013 feature on Chance the Rapper’s track “Everybody’s Something” helped to boost his visibility. In 2016, Saba released his first album, Bucket List Project, which highlighted his growth as an artist. However, it was his 2018 album, CARE FOR ME, that truly captured widespread acclaim, with its emotionally raw storytelling and deep introspection. His 2022 release, Few Good Things, continued his exploration of personal growth and societal themes.

Beyond his solo work, Saba co-founded Pivot Gang, a prominent Chicago rap collective that includes artists like MFn Melo and the late John Walt. He is also part of the supergroup Ghetto Sage, alongside Smino and Noname, which further bolstered Chicago’s thriving hip-hop scene.

Saba’s music blends hip-hop, R&B, and jazz influences, with his lyrics addressing both personal and societal struggles. His introspective approach to music has made him a significant voice in contemporary hip-hop, earning him a dedicated following and establishing his place as one of the genre’s most respected figures.