Logic found his way onto Billboard Top 100 just this past year with his single 1-800-273-8255, which peaked at number three. For many, this was their first exposure to the 28-year-old rapper.
But Logic’s original following, know as Rattpack, have been riding with him since 2010 – long before the radio play. “Young, Broke, and Infamous” and “Young Sinatra” are the mixtapes that set the foundation for his fanbase. Most recently, Logic released Bobby Tarantino II this past month, numbering as his sixth mixtape.
So to those who aren’t familiar with his entire discography, Bobby Tarantino II might be a letdown. Where are the heart-stopping messages about being unashamed of who you are? Where is the sociopolitical commentary that new fans are expecting?
To the original Rattpack, Bobby Tarantino II is about as close are they’ll get to the Young Sinatra days. Logic is once quoted as describing the duality of his early mixtapes.
“There’s stuff on there for the [people] that don’t pay attention to lyrics and just want to have fun, but every line is constructed with such depth that the real lyricists and nitpickers have something to listen to.”
That would be the perfect description of this new mixtape.
“Grandpa’s Space Ship” is the opening number, where the voices of “Rick and Morty” engage in a playful debate surrounding what they want to hear on the ship – mixtape Logic or album Logic. For any true fan, there is a difference. Mixtape Logic is what you want to turn up to, and album Logic is where you get the message.
From there, the mixtape produces bangers but is also peppered with tracks that feel out of place. “Everyday,” and “Overnight” two of the album’s singles, give no justice to his lyricism. It’s a weird attempt at mixing electro-pop with rap to reach a mass number of people – overall a miss.
He finds his footing in tracks like “Yuck,” “Indica Badu,” “Warm It Up,” “Wizard of Oz,” “State of Emergency,” and “Wassup.” Logic’s producer 6ix can be credited with the top notch production quality, while Logic brought the rhyme schemes and confidence.
Features from Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz and Marshmello round out the album. Often times we hear features that were randomly stuck and feel awkward, but all the featured artists add to each song.
The mixtape debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, so there is no denying the quality of the work. But be prepared to be entertained and not moved to tears.
Overall, the project is a solid 8/10. If Logic could find that perfect blend of rap that combines his heartbreakingly intriguing upbringing, identity, the woes of the world AND turn up on one project, he would easily be sitting at a perfect ten.
