Self-described "ultra nerd" rapper and producer Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago as part of a deeply musical family. His immersion in the Chicago rap scene is evidenced by collaborations with fellow Chicagoans Noname and Mick Jenkins. Saba also sings the hook on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book standout "Angels".

Saba's past year was one of professional ascent. He packed venues every night on his first headlining tour. XXL nominated him for its Freshman Issue. Chance tapped him for a live performance of "Angels" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Saba himself has recorded several 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. 2016's Bucket List Project is a concept record. It transitions from track to track with voice mails from his family, friends, collaborators and fans, who all respond to a single prompt: What do you want to do before you die?