Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Mrs. Whoever
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Way I see it, I'm top ten
I never let a motherfucker try me, nah
I'm feeling the pressures I'm like a diamond, y'all
My family straight, I'm getting what I need all
10,000 hours, I put the time into it
All of the emotion that I felt
You hate me then you hating on yourself
Wealth so hard to get
Keep it anonymous
'Cause once the public figures out
Targets ain't hard to hit
So proceed with caution
They'll be supporting
For things ya fortune can get
To be from Austin
You see he God sent
To be so fortunate
Misses, Mister Whoever, I pray
All the time, all the same
Sadly, I see things I thought would change
All the time, all the same
I don't want shit, I just called to say
How's your day? Can't complain
My phone open to you all today
Work two ways
I'm tired of motherfuckers hitting me up, like, "you never hit me up"
Well, that's what's up
People be focused up on the accolades
People you call your friends get to acting up
It's sad as fuck
Never satisfied
People that I looked up to I'm passing by
Doing everything I said I would be doing
You never hear a nigga say that Saba lied
Since a pacifier in the crib
I was mad inspired as a kid
No she didn't want me back then
Now she Caroline in a ditch
Took it as a lesson
We don't wanna rush in
Took her to a restaurant
Now she is undressing
I said it would happen
That was manifesting
And she threw it at me like a penny to a freshman, ah
Misses, Mister Whoever, I pray
All the time , all the same
Sadly I see things I thought would change
All the time, all the same
I don't want shit, I just called to say
How's your day? Can't complain
My phone open to you all today
Work two ways
The song "Mrs. Whoever" by Saba talks about the rapper's struggles with pressure while trying to make it in the music industry. The lyrics paint a picture of a confident and self-assured artist who has put in the time and effort to hone his craft. He is aware of his standing in the industry and is not willing to let anyone try him. Saba is compared to a diamond, symbolizing his unbreakable spirit and dedication to his craft.
Saba also touches on the idea of success and wealth being hard to come by and how he chooses to keep it anonymous to avoid being a target. As the song progresses, he talks about his disappointment with people who act differently around him once he attains success, and how he stays true to himself and his dreams. This song is a reminder to the audience of the struggles and difficulties that come with being a prominent artist in the music industry.
Overall, "Mrs. Whoever" is a song that speaks to Saba's journey as a musician and the pressures that come with success. It shows an immense level of maturity on his part, breaking down the highs and lows of his journey while still keeping a positive outlook on life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Acknowledging the start of the song.
Way I see it, I'm top ten
Confident in his abilities and ranking among peers.
I never let a motherfucker try me, nah
Assertive in defending himself from disrespect.
I'm feeling the pressures I'm like a diamond, y'all
Feeling the struggles but shining through the adversity.
My family straight, I'm getting what I need all
Content with his family and financial situation.
10,000 hours, I put the time into it
Putting in the work to perfect his craft.
All of the emotion that I felt
Using his emotions to create meaningful art.
You hate me then you hating on yourself
Reflecting that hate towards others only hurts oneself.
My hand around her waist, I'm like a belt
Describing a close physical relationship.
Wealth so hard to get
Acknowledging the difficulty in achieving financial success.
Keep it anonymous
Preferring to keep his personal life private.
'Cause once the public figures out
Being cautious of public scrutiny.
Targets ain't hard to hit
Knowing that public figures are easy targets for criticism.
So proceed with caution
Being careful in every step he takes.
They'll be supporting
Expecting support from fans and supporters.
For things ya fortune can get
Knowing that some people only care about him for his wealth.
To be from Austin
Proud of his hometown.
You see he God sent
Believing he was sent to fulfill a purpose.
To be so fortunate
Grateful for his success and blessings.
Misses, Mister Whoever, I pray
Addressing someone, possibly a fan or supporter.
All the time, all the same
Expressing a feeling of monotony and repetition.
Sadly, I see things I thought would change
Disappointed in the lack of progress in certain areas.
I don't want shit, I just called to say
Calling with no ulterior motive.
How's your day? Can't complain
Checking in on the person and receiving a positive response.
My phone open to you all today
Being available to communicate with his supporters.
Work two ways
Emphasizing that communication is a two-way street.
I'm tired of motherfuckers hitting me up, like, "you never hit me up"
Frustrated with people who accuse him of not reaching out.
Well, that's what's up
Responding with indifference.
People be focused up on the accolades
Noticing that people value success and recognition over personal relationships.
People you call your friends get to acting up
Being let down by friends who change when success arrives.
It's sad as fuck
Feeling disappointed and hurt.
Never satisfied
Knowing that success doesn't necessarily bring happiness.
People that I looked up to I'm passing by
Surpassing those who he once admired.
Doing everything I said I would be doing
Fulfilling his promises and dreams.
You never hear a nigga say that Saba lied
Proud of his honesty and integrity.
Since a pacifier in the crib
Growing up with a strong passion for music.
I was mad inspired as a kid
Having a deep love of music from a young age.
No she didn't want me back then
Reflecting on a past lover who didn't reciprocate feelings.
Now she Caroline in a ditch
Describing the negative consequences that may come to those who underestimate him.
Took it as a lesson
Learning from past experiences.
We don't wanna rush in
Taking things slowly with a new partner.
Took her to a restaurant
Going out to eat as a date.
Now she is undressing
Describing a physical connection.
I said it would happen
Having confidence in his abilities.
That was manifesting
Believing in the power of positive thinking.
And she threw it at me like a penny to a freshman, ah
Receiving a positive outcome that exceeded expectations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Malik Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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"Took her to a restaurant, now she undressing, I said it would happen, that was manifesting and she threw it at me like a penny to a freshman" Genius line 🤣🤌🏾 I know he was geeked when he wrote that one, went over too many heads lmao 💕