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.
Soap Box
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
West side spawn yeah
Piss poor corridor
Real life law and order
Six piece coleslaw
Chief Keef World Star
Brought to you in part
By Max Payne sawed off
No homi's in Oak Park
You late as Peter Parker with a pizza
I'm so far
Ahead I'm like Mozart
Conducting an orchestra
My paper origami
Been folded since Folgers
Like 4 AM
Or since I been 4 feet
Why it's niggas still rich 400 years deep
I been in this shit y'all talking Kylie
I am quite offended giving wisdom
Like it's my teeth
All black and mighty
They keep a tech IT
Tag-a-long like it
I am on my shit
Soap box on my stage 'bout to start a mosh pit
Tell them niggas forfeit
I am finally here
Checked in Foursquare
They all knew, foreseen
All these other niggas actors
They just do it for scenes
Been killing this shit since I was 14
Not for the fuck shit
I'll let you meet my team
I set a fire to the flames in Hell
Lord help, Lord help
I been too quiet now I'm outta my shell
They ain't rocking with it, oh well
And I've seen the days come and go
I'd swear that I've been here before
I felt the top I feel the low
Meet me on the ground ten toes
Black house beach bum
Bucket list completed
Bury me a legend when I die I might go King Tut
Soilder like atten-hut
Cut my granny pension
I might have to cut a nigga
Politicians pimped us
Heard another school closed
Districts discuss
God must be disgusted with us, with us
Yo, Imma need that back plus interest, interest
You are not a person nigga
You look like a serpent with a
Plan that's parallel to poverty I'm perpendicular
'Bout to split the dividends
Me and my degenerates
You in that party you deserve to be there lit as fuck
You ain't where I be nigga I be with them pivoters
Y'all look like zombies with y'all bodies children been in drugs
And it is so obvious that I speak truth it is a must
Like sweaty arms they carry arms I swear it is a must
I'm with a army I'm so squadely with my niggas love
I set a fire to the flames in Hell
Lord help, Lord help
I been too quiet now I'm outta my shell
They ain't rocking with it, oh well
And I've seen the days come and go
I'd swear that I've been here before
I felt the top I feel the low
Meet me on the ground ten toes
I set a fire to the flames in Hell
Saba's Soap Box is a song about his struggles and triumphs as a rapper coming from a poor area of Chicago. He starts by describing his surroundings, referencing the White House lawn chair, West side spawn, and piss poor corridor – all elements that paint a picture of his environment. Saba then contrasts this with the “real life law and order” he has experienced, likely referring to the violence he has witnessed and how it has affected his community. He also mentions Chief Keef and World Star, which are both relevant to Chicago's hip-hop scene and representation in the media.
As the song progresses, Saba talks about his own experiences as a rapper and how he has been honing his craft since he was 14. He expresses frustration at the inequality he sees and how some people are still rich despite the systemic oppression that has existed for hundreds of years. Saba asserts himself as an authority figure, offering wisdom and speaking truth to power. He also references his team, making it clear that he is not alone in his journey and that he has people who support and believe in him.
The chorus of the song talks about setting fire to the flames in Hell, overcoming obstacles, and meeting people on the ground with ten toes. This can be interpreted as a message of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
White House lawn chair
I have achieved success and comfort, even in the midst of political chaos and turmoil.
West side spawn yeah
I come from the West side of Chicago, where the struggle is real and opportunities are limited.
Piss poor corridor
I have witnessed poverty and struggle in my community, and refuse to accept it as the norm.
Real life law and order
I have seen firsthand the discrepancies and injustices in our legal system, and strive to speak out against them.
Six piece coleslaw
I am successful and able to enjoy the finer things in life, like a six-piece meal from a fast food restaurant.
Chief Keef World Star
I am aware of the impact that social media and online fame can have on young people, and the dangers that come with it.
Brought to you in part by Max Payne sawed off
I am familiar with the weapon culture in my community, and the harm it can cause.
Dodge 'em in slow mo
I am quick on my feet and able to navigate dangerous situations with precision and caution.
No homi's in Oak Park
I come from a neighborhood that may have a reputation for violence, but I know that there is more to it than that.
You late as Peter Parker with a pizza
You are slow and unprepared, like Spiderman being late with a pizza delivery.
I'm so far ahead I'm like Mozart
I am a visionary and ahead of my time, like the great composer Mozart.
Conducting an orchestra
I am in control and directing the flow of my own life and success.
My paper origami
I have been making something beautiful and complex out of something simple, like paper origami.
Been folded since Folgers
I have been working hard and perfecting my craft since a young age, like the coffee brand Folgers.
Like 4 AM or since I been 4 feet
I have been dedicated to my work and success for as long as I can remember.
Why it's niggas still rich 400 years deep
I question the systemic inequalities and societal issues that still exist after centuries of progress and change.
I been in this shit y'all talking Kylie
I have been working hard and experiencing the real struggles of life, while others are caught up in superficial things like celebrity gossip.
I am quite offended giving wisdom like it's my teeth
I take offense to those who do not value my hard-earned knowledge and wisdom, which is as important to me as my teeth.
All black and mighty
I am confident and powerful, dressed in all black like a symbol of my strength and resilience.
They keep a tech IT
Some people in my community carry weapons for protection or show of strength, and I am aware of this reality.
Tag-a-long like it
People may try to follow or imitate me, but I am focused on my own path and success.
I am on my shit
I am focused and motivated to succeed, and nothing can stop me.
Soap box on my stage 'bout to start a mosh pit
I am ready to speak my truth and make an impact, like a performer starting a mosh pit.
Tell them niggas forfeit
I am confident and competitive, and ready to challenge others to step up or step aside.
I am finally here
I have worked hard and overcome obstacles to reach this point of success and recognition.
Checked in Foursquare
I am celebrating my success and life achievements, marking them like a check-in on a social media platform.
They all knew, foreseen
I have always believed in my ability to succeed, and those around me knew it as well.
All these other niggas actors
I see through the fakeness and performance of others in the industry or community.
They just do it for scenes
Others may be more concerned with appearances or superficial success, while I am focused on my true goals and passions.
Been killing this shit since I was 14
I have been working hard and pursuing my dreams since a young age, and am now seeing the results of my efforts.
Not for the fuck shit
I am not in this for the superficial or meaningless, but for something deeper and more meaningful.
I'll let you meet my team
I am proud of the people who have supported me and helped me along the way, and am happy to introduce them to others.
I set a fire to the flames in Hell
I am fearless and willing to take on even the toughest challenges or obstacles.
Lord help, Lord help
I seek guidance and strength from a higher power or force.
I been too quiet now I'm outta my shell
I have been holding back and not showing my true potential, but am now ready to break free and show the world what I'm capable of.
They ain't rocking with it, oh well
Some people may not understand or accept my message, but I am not deterred and will continue to speak my truth.
And I've seen the days come and go
I have experienced the ups and downs of life, and have learned from them along the way.
I'd swear that I've been here before
I have a deep sense of intuition and familiarity with certain situations, as if I have experienced them before.
I felt the top I feel the low
I have experienced both success and failure, and understand the importance of both in my journey towards greatness.
Meet me on the ground ten toes
I am humble and grounded, and willing to connect with others on a real and authentic level.
Black house beach bum
I come from a modest background and have worked hard to achieve success, but still maintain a carefree and laidback attitude.
Bucket list completed
I have accomplished many of my life goals and dreams, but am still driven to achieve more and make an impact.
Bury me a legend when I die I might go King Tut
I aspire to be remembered as a legend and icon, like the great Egyptian ruler King Tut.
Soilder like atten-hut
I am disciplined and focused, like a soldier standing at attention.
Cut my granny pension
I have seen the devastating impact that financial struggles can have, even on our most vulnerable and cherished community members.
I might have to cut a nigga
I am not afraid to defend myself or my loved ones, and will do what it takes to protect them.
Politicians pimped us
I am aware of the political corruption and manipulation that has contributed to systemic inequalities and injustices in our society.
Heard another school closed
I am saddened and frustrated by the lack of resources and opportunities for education in certain communities.
Districts discuss
I am aware of the political bureaucracy and systemic barriers that can prevent progress and change.
God must be disgusted with us, with us
I question the morality and righteousness of our society and leaders, and wonder if God would agree with our actions and choices.
Yo, Imma need that back plus interest, interest
I am owed something or someone has taken advantage of me, and I demand compensation or justice with interest.
You are not a person nigga
You are not treating me like a human being with feelings and worth, and I refuse to accept that behavior.
You look like a serpent with a
You have a deceptive or cunning appearance or personality, like a serpent.
Plan that's parallel to poverty I'm perpendicular
I am determined to rise above poverty and create a successful and fulfilling life, no matter the obstacles or challenges that come my way.
'Bout to split the dividends
I am about to reap the benefits or profits from my hard work and success.
Me and my degenerates
I am loyal and connected to a group of trusted friends or associates, even if they may not fit traditional societal norms.
You in that party you deserve to be there lit as fuck
You are enjoying yourself and celebrating your life and achievements, and I am happy for you.
You ain't where I be nigga I be with them pivoters
You do not understand or appreciate the hard work and determination it takes to succeed and thrive, like me and my likeminded peers.
Y'all look like zombies with y'all bodies children been in drugs
I see the negative impact that addiction and drug use can have on individuals and communities, and am concerned for their well-being.
And it is so obvious that I speak truth it is a must
I am committed to speaking the truth and calling out injustice or falsehoods, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Like sweaty arms they carry arms I swear it is a must
Like arms covered in sweat, people carry weapons or violence as a means of protection or survival, often out of necessity.
I'm with a army I'm so squadely with my niggas love
I am part of a strong and supportive community or movement, and am bonded with my trusted friends and associates through love and loyalty.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOSEPH SABA, STEWART WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mon-Ski
Been rocking wit Sab since get comfortable!! #502Salute
Dopeloserlol
Dope Song