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.
Where It's At
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where it's at, where it's at
Ayy, yeah
Rise and shine, I come around, ayy, yeah
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Look, 40 acre my reparation, yeah
Tax in action, that's for my places, yeah, ayy
I'm like, where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, look
Where they speakin' facts ain't catch no flak, ayy
Guess they guarantee your money back, sss
Fuck that, I'ma need all my money back, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Ayy, fuck your deposit, I don't want half, ayy, ayy
When you got it all, you can call me back, ayy, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Rise and shine, I come around, ayy, yeah
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Uh, rise and shine, I come around, tss, ayy
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Turnin' location on, yeah
Turnin' location on, in this bitch cussin' 'cause it's not for radio
Play me on the day you agree to pay me on
Golden like the team that KD on
They gotta hand out like achy bones
Heard that you burn those, and I don't mean sick kids, ho
Mention on me, you receive what you bankin', ho
Like tell her, it ain't shit you can tell us
My life gon' spoof just like Pusha T, that mean no malice
But we right back at it if they say New Balance or, Canada
This is the anthem, or janitor, now I'm a rapper
I didn't love college, no I was no extra
So I just dropped out, in the projects like catapult
Oh boy, like that's that boy
Where is he, where is he, you better tell the boy
'Cause when they tell the boy
My niggas'll take your legs, turn you to Brandon Roy
No I'm not the man that do it
But you best have it when you say you have it or
It's gon' be problems
Problems I'm not sure that you can endure
Rise and shine, I come around, ayy, yeah
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Uh, rise and shine, I come around, tss, ayy
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
The lyrics to Saba's song "Where It's At" reflect a sense of self-assuredness and finding peace of mind in one's journey. The repetition of the phrase "where it's at" emphasizes the search for a place or state of being that brings contentment and fulfillment. The artist expresses the need for recognition and respect, questioning where the truth and authenticity reside in a world where facts are often dismissed.
Saba also touches on the concept of reparations, suggesting that the acknowledgement and compensation for past injustices are necessary for progress. He criticizes those who make empty promises and demand deposits without delivering on their commitments, asserting his right to receive what he is owed in full. The lyrics also allude to the idea of being underestimated or overlooked before achieving success, as Saba references the basketball player Brandon Roy, who overcame obstacles and became a standout player in the NBA.
Overall, "Where It's At" encourages listeners to seek clarity and self-empowerment, asserting the importance of finding one's own path to happiness and refusing to settle for less.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayy, ayy, where it's at, where it's at (where it's at)
Expressing curiosity and eagerness to know the true essence or location of something
Where it's at, where it's at
Repeating the question, emphasizing the search for a specific place or concept
Ayy, yeah
Indicating agreement or excitement
Rise and shine, I come around, ayy, yeah
Awakening and approaching with determination and confidence
Peace of mind I finally found, ayy, yeah
Discovering a state of tranquility and contentment
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy
Continuing the pursuit of the desired location or truth
I said, rise and shine, I come around, ayy, yeah
Reiterating the previous declaration of awakening and determination
Where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Persistently questioning the whereabouts or essence of the sought-after entity
Look, 40 acre my reparation, yeah
Stating the claim for rightful compensation in the form of land
Tax in action, that's for my places, yeah, ayy
Noting the imposition of taxes, highlighting the ownership of multiple properties
I'm like, where it's at, ho where it's at, ayy, yeah
Expressing continued curiosity and emphasis on the search for a specific place or truth
Where they speakin' facts ain't catch no flak, ayy
Referring to a situation where speaking the truth does not result in backlash
Guess they guarantee your money back, sss
Implying that speaking the truth should come with a guarantee of financial returns
Fuck that, I'ma need all my money back, ayy, yeah
Expressing dissatisfaction with inadequate compensation and demanding full repayment
Ayy, fuck your deposit, I don't want half, ayy, ayy
Rejecting a partial payment and insisting on receiving the entire amount
When you got it all, you can call me back, ayy, ayy
Implying that the person should contact once they possess the complete sum of money
Turnin' location on, yeah
Enabling the geolocation feature to determine one's current position
Turnin' location on, in this bitch cussin' 'cause it's not for radio
Using explicit language in this unfiltered environment, not suitable for airplay
Play me on the day you agree to pay me on
Requesting that the song be played only when the agreed payment is fulfilled
Golden like the team that KD on
Comparing oneself to a successful team, like the one Kevin Durant plays for
They gotta hand out like achy bones
Drawing a parallel between giving out opportunities and the discomfort of physical pain
Heard that you burn those, and I don't mean sick kids, ho
Acknowledging rumors of burning bridges but clarifying that it refers to personal relationships, not literal harm
Mention on me, you receive what you bankin', ho
Suggesting that mentioning the artist's name may result in receiving the financial rewards one is aiming for
Like tell her, it ain't shit you can tell us
Asserting that no one can influence or change their perspective or decisions
My life gon' spoof just like Pusha T, that mean no malice
Comparing their life to the artistry of Pusha T, implying a parallel between their experiences and his creative expression
But we right back at it if they say New Balance or, Canada
Indicating a readiness to resume their pursuits, especially if someone mentions the brand New Balance or the country Canada
This is the anthem, or janitor, now I'm a rapper
Claiming the position of significance, considering themselves as the voice of the people or the artist, not just a low-ranking worker
I didn't love college, no I was no extra
Expressing a lack of interest or satisfaction with the college experience, not being an overachiever
So I just dropped out, in the projects like catapult
Deciding to leave college and entering an environment characterized by limited opportunities, comparing it to being launched abruptly like a catapult
Oh boy, like that's that boy
Referring to oneself as the noteworthy individual, someone worth recognizing
Where is he, where is he, you better tell the boy
Emphasizing the importance of locating and acknowledging the artist's presence
'Cause when they tell the boy
Highlighting the consequences or actions that may occur once someone informs the artist
My niggas'll take your legs, turn you to Brandon Roy
Warning that one's associates have the capability to incapacitate or harm others severely, using a reference to Brandon Roy, a retired basketball player with knee issues
No I'm not the man that do it
Clarifying that the artist themselves might not directly engage in harmful activities
But you best have it when you say you have it or
Advising others to possess what they claim to possess, especially if they make bold statements
It's gon' be problems
Warning that conflicts or confrontations will arise if someone fails to deliver what they promise
Problems I'm not sure that you can endure
Implying that the problems or challenges that may arise will be difficult to withstand
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tahj Malik Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Beki Mafu
Intro]
Ayy, ayy, where it's at, where it's at (Ayy)
Where it's at, where it's at, (Ayy, yeah)
[Chorus]
Rise or shine, I come around (Ayy, yeah)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy)
I said, rise or shine, I come around (Ayy, yeah)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, uh)
[Verse 1]
Look, 40 acre my reparation (Yeah)
Tax in action, that's for my places (Yeah, ayy)
I'm like, where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, look)
When the speedin' facts ain't catch no flack (Ayy)
Guess they guarantee your money back (Sss)
Fuck that, I'ma need all my money back (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy)
Ayy, fuck your deposit, I don't want half (Ayy)
When you got it all, you can call me back (Ayy, ayy)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yeah)
[Chorus]
Rise or shine, I come around (Ayy, yeah)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Yeah)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yeah)
Rise or shine, I come around (Ayy)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, ayy)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy ayy)
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yah)
[Verse 2]
Turnin' location on (Yeah)
Turnin' location on, in this bitch cussin' 'cause it's not for radio
Play me on the day you agree to pay me on
Golden like the team that KD on
They gotta hand out like achy bones
Heard that you burn those, and I don't mean [?]
Don't rattle on me, you receive what you bakin', home
Like tell her, it ain't shit you can tell us
My life gon' spoof just like Pusha T, that mean no malice
But we right back at it if they say New Balance or, Canada
This is the anthem, or janitor, now I'm a rapper
I didn't love college, no I was no extra
So I just dropped out, in the projects like catapult
Oh boy, like that's that boy
Where is he, where is he, you better tell the boy
'Cause when they tell the boy
My niggas'll take your legs, turn you to Brandon Roy
No I'm not the man that do it
But you best have it when you say you have it or
It's gon' be problems
Problems I'm not sure that you can endure
[Chorus]
Rise or shine, I come around (Ayy, yeah)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, uh)
Where it's at, ho where it's at
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, uh)
Rise or shine, I come around (Ayy, yeah)
Peace of mind I finally found (Ayy, uh)
Where it's at, ho where it's at
Where it's at, ho where it's at (Ayy, yah)
Cebollas
This man can’t stop dropping amazing songs
TaeDaSpiritual
Straight facts
77Dragon Slayer95
The production 🔥🔥🔥
Dylan Chow
Saba and Krit have been really blessing us with the singles lately 🙏
Dylan Chow
@Yeehee my comment is referring to the fact they've been pretty much dropping singles every week for the past few weeks. What other artists did I fail to mention that are doing specifically that rn? Not a ton. Lol
Yeehee
And a ton of other artists you fail to mention.
AS
I was literally thinking the same thing!
Daniel Voltaire
factsss
Montel Conteh
Saba too consistent 🙏🏿🔥
AS
In a lane of his own! Chi-town loves you Saba!! Please don't sell out lbs