Album Review : Logic “Everybody”
Quiet storm is a good way describe the rise of Maryland rapper Logic. Since releasing his first mixed tape in 2010 “Young Broke and Infamous.” He has gone from strength to strength, releasing a slew of mixtapes and two full albums. The Def Jam artist has drawn on his considerable talents to give us his third major feature “Everybody”. Logic has served up concept heavy projects with his past efforts “Under Pressure” & “The Incredible True Story.” Both received critical acclaim as he showcased his wordplay, spirit and overall ability to think outside the box. Logic is attacking the power structures in America head on grappling heavy topics such as race relations and social justice.
He gives us his complex truth about how he’s perceived in society being a man of mixed heritage (white mother, black father). Multiple skits and interludes builds the narrative of this album. The standout contribution comes from scientist Neal De Grasse Tyson, who literally plays God. It’s entertaining but at the same time thoughtfully intriguing stuff based around the meaning of life and our journey through time and space. All tying into the albums message of more love and more life amongst us all. Being of mixed heritage means that Logic truly can see the argument from both sides of the coin.
The biggest criticism of him is that he sounds like J Cole, Kendrik Lamar with a slice of Kanye West. He’s clearly a big hip hop fan and perhaps you get the feeling that he draws a little too much influence from those mentioned. That being said the boys got melodies to make harmonies, when he flows there’s a soulful vibe he emits which has captured him plenty of fans and supporters.
He comes into his own on “Everybody” the concept of the album and message is just so timely in the wake of Donald Trumps presidency.
This album is for the people and it’s simply a selfless piece of music. A lot of critics have labelled it idealistic with its “Can’t we all just get along” narrative. I think we need rap like this as we’ve got plenty of artists who’re hell bent on genocidal destruction with their violent narratives.
In between the strong political and social justice themes. Logic shares a personal tale about his bouts with anxiety on track “Anziety.” Featuring Lucy Rosie, who adds a rich sweetness in amongst the dread that Logic describes as he raps. It’s a brilliant the way that this song is crafted do depict the ups and downs of the illness.
“Take it Back” is hard as nails as he really gets into racial politics of the world. “Take it back to first black man / Long ago before the white man could paint the black man with gun in his hand.” An intense delivery which echoes the racial climate which he was brought up in. He gives a stirring account of the conditions he survived and eventually thrived in. Drugs, Kidnappings and guns are all name checked. The production is top notch new wave hip hop but manages to have nostalgicGeorge Bush don’t care about black people / 2017 and Donald Trump is the sequel. boom bap feel.
“America” is perhaps the hardest hit on the album featuring the likes of (Chuck D, Black Thought and Big Lenbo) it’s a vicious critique about the conditions that people of colour face. Fighting the power is definitely in order as Black Thought drops piercing lines like “The man in a high castle in the hot tub / we locked in a pine casket we botched up / like plastic surgery, classic purge scene.” Trump is the clear target throughout and in Logics second verse he affectively assassinates him as he spits “George Bush don’t care about black people / 2017 and Donald Trump is the sequel” He goes onto question Kanye West’s loyalty to the cause whilst also paying homage to Kanye clear influence on his music. “America” is a seminal moment on this record and sums up the political conflict in the country currently.
“Killing Spree” is a venomous tirade about the way in which social media and celebrity culture has numbed our senses and general awareness of wider more important aspects of life. “Real shit going on in Lebanon / but I don’t give a shit my favourite show is coming on.” Those lines brilliantly convey the apathy that we’re all guilty of slipping into.
Soulful, powerful and luxurious are all words that describe the production quality behind this album. Laced with Inventive instrumentation which makes each song stand on its own with a unique sensibility.
Not the most cohesive of albums but a hell of a good attempt at something meaningful full and significant.
For more Logic info/news: Logic
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