Chicago Rapper Saba Brings Back Tribute Concert to Remember Slain Cousin John Walt, a Founding Member of Pivot Gang.
Over the past decade, Saba has experienced both tragedy and triumph. The gifted rapper from Chicago believes that "time is the greatest storyteller." This mindset stems from his personal experience with loss, specifically the tragic death of his cousin Walter Long Jr., aka John Walt, who was stabbed outside a CTA stop in River West at age 24. Walt and Saba were both members of Pivot Gang.
To honor John Walt's memory, Saba has organized a benefit concert to raise funds for the John Walt Foundation, which he co-founded with his cousin's mother Nachelle Pugh. The foundation provides scholarships to talented youth from Chicago. "This year is really a return in a sense," Saba said during a recent conversation about the event. "It’s always such a great homecoming event and a return to the love in that room at Metro."
Saba's own music career has been an outlet for his grief, starting with his groundbreaking sophomore album "Care For Me." In 2018, he released a critically acclaimed joint album with legendary producer No I.D. The duo features special guests including Kelly Rowland, Raphael Saadiq, Smino and BJ the Chicago Kid.
In recent months, Saba has released two new projects: "From the Private Collection of Saba and No I.D." in March, and the surprise nine-track album "Coffee!" Saba fully recorded during a creative burst while on tour. The proceeds from John Walt Day go back to the foundation, which empowers youth creativity in Chicago.
"Everything that he did was to encourage other people to be great at whatever it is that they were doing," Pugh shared about her late son's impact on the community. "He was a big cheerleader." Each year, the foundation provides $1,000 scholarships to talented young artists from Chicago. This year, recipients include up-and-coming songwriter/producer Akeem Griffin, fashion designer Kayla Perkins, poet/musician Sol Ruby and dancer/choreographer Victory Marie.
In addition to the scholarships, the John Walt Foundation sponsors T.I.P. Fest (Teens in the Park) each summer and partners with Lollapalooza through a program dubbed Lolla University. Saba has been instrumental in these initiatives, which aim to foster creativity and community engagement among young people.
Saba's connection to his late cousin is profound. They were like brothers, and their bond was rooted in music. Skillfinger, Saba's uncle, had stepped away from music for a while before returning to the craft in recent years. He produced one final song with Saba and No I.D. before passing away in 2023.
Reflecting on his experience, Saba finds solace in continuing John Walt's legacy through his music and philanthropy. "So much of the grief around someone being not physically here is set on that physical part," he said. "But I think Walt is just such a big energy that a lot of the things that made him... we do kind of still get to experience."
Over the past decade, Saba has experienced both tragedy and triumph. The gifted rapper from Chicago believes that "time is the greatest storyteller." This mindset stems from his personal experience with loss, specifically the tragic death of his cousin Walter Long Jr., aka John Walt, who was stabbed outside a CTA stop in River West at age 24. Walt and Saba were both members of Pivot Gang.
To honor John Walt's memory, Saba has organized a benefit concert to raise funds for the John Walt Foundation, which he co-founded with his cousin's mother Nachelle Pugh. The foundation provides scholarships to talented youth from Chicago. "This year is really a return in a sense," Saba said during a recent conversation about the event. "It’s always such a great homecoming event and a return to the love in that room at Metro."
Saba's own music career has been an outlet for his grief, starting with his groundbreaking sophomore album "Care For Me." In 2018, he released a critically acclaimed joint album with legendary producer No I.D. The duo features special guests including Kelly Rowland, Raphael Saadiq, Smino and BJ the Chicago Kid.
In recent months, Saba has released two new projects: "From the Private Collection of Saba and No I.D." in March, and the surprise nine-track album "Coffee!" Saba fully recorded during a creative burst while on tour. The proceeds from John Walt Day go back to the foundation, which empowers youth creativity in Chicago.
"Everything that he did was to encourage other people to be great at whatever it is that they were doing," Pugh shared about her late son's impact on the community. "He was a big cheerleader." Each year, the foundation provides $1,000 scholarships to talented young artists from Chicago. This year, recipients include up-and-coming songwriter/producer Akeem Griffin, fashion designer Kayla Perkins, poet/musician Sol Ruby and dancer/choreographer Victory Marie.
In addition to the scholarships, the John Walt Foundation sponsors T.I.P. Fest (Teens in the Park) each summer and partners with Lollapalooza through a program dubbed Lolla University. Saba has been instrumental in these initiatives, which aim to foster creativity and community engagement among young people.
Saba's connection to his late cousin is profound. They were like brothers, and their bond was rooted in music. Skillfinger, Saba's uncle, had stepped away from music for a while before returning to the craft in recent years. He produced one final song with Saba and No I.D. before passing away in 2023.
Reflecting on his experience, Saba finds solace in continuing John Walt's legacy through his music and philanthropy. "So much of the grief around someone being not physically here is set on that physical part," he said. "But I think Walt is just such a big energy that a lot of the things that made him... we do kind of still get to experience."
. It's crazy how music has been there for him since Walter was gone, you know? Like, it's almost comforting in a way. Reminds me of when I used to listen to old-school Lauryn Hill albums and just feel the vibe 
. But seriously, Saba's commitment to honoring John Walt's memory through his foundation and music is really inspiring 
. It's like he's finding ways to keep his cousin's spirit alive, you know? That "time is the greatest storyteller" quote from him really resonates too... it's like time can heal wounds, but in a way that's still super personal and emotional 
.
Saba's tribute concert for his cousin John Walt is actually kinda inspiring, you know? I mean, it shows how music can be used to honor someone and keep their memory alive. And its cool that he's using the event to raise funds for a foundation that supports young creatives in Chicago 
. It's so sweet that he's bringing back the tradition each year and it's lovely that the foundation provides scholarships to talented youth from Chicago 
. I love how music has been a huge part of their bond, it's beautiful 
. This concert is going to be epic! 
This concert is so fitting, you know? Saba's been through hell and back with his cousin John Walt's passing, but he's turned that pain into something beautiful. The fact that he's bringing it all back again for this tribute concert is a testament to the power of love and music 
. He's proving that his cousin John Walt would've wanted him to keep shining bright 
.
. saba's got this!
he's using his music as a way to process his grief but also to keep his cousin's memory relevant in the community. it's crazy how much of an impact one person can have on so many lives, especially when they're taken from us too soon 
. The fact that the foundation provides $1,000 scholarships is really inspiring 
. I wonder if he'll perform any new songs at the concert? 
his tribute concert for john walt is gonna be lit! can't say I'm surprised though, sabas music has always been a way for him to process his emotions. like, have you listened to "coffee"? that album is fire 
i'm all about supporting artists who use their platform for good, especially when it comes to giving back to their community 
... I'm sure it's just a PR stunt to make them seem all saintly and stuff. Saba's been through some rough times, but is this really his way of honoring his cousin's memory or just an excuse to get more exposure? The fact that he's releasing new music and doing a benefit concert seems like a lot of work for someone who's already got a successful career... I mean, come on, he could be using the funds for himself instead 
. Saba's dedication to the John Walt Foundation is truly inspiring - it's amazing how he's turned pain into purpose 
Saba's tribute concert is a beautiful way to keep John Walt's memory alive 
That's just heartbreaking. It feels like such a waste of potential, you know? Like, what could have been if he had more time?
