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A successful artist is only as good as their core fan base allows them to be. Outside of the mainstream media outlets and publications, it is still the consumer that determines whether an artists reaches great commercial success. Some fan bases are smaller but more intimate because they are in a small group, while other fan bases grow into millions and shows itself in the form of sold out shows in arenas like Madison Square Garden.
The latter is the growth and profession of Maryland rapper Logic. A product of the polarizing datpiff.com mixtape era, Logic has built what is now an 8 year career off of the strength of his traditional hip-hip roots. His debut mixtape Young, Broke & Infamous in 2010 served as an ode to hip-hop’s golden age in the 1990’s. Whether it was freestyling to Craig Mack samples to a nod to OutKast’s ATLiens album, there was no denying that the DMV artist was a student of the game.
Fast forward to present day, and Logic hasn’t lost a step lyrically, and has added different sounds to expand his catalog. His debut and sophomore albums, Under Pressure and The Incredible True Story both served as contemporary hip hop gems. Mixing in harmony with a traditional flow, the music stayed consisted to the spirit of a lyricist while adopting elements of the newer style of rap that’s become common today. Logic’s third album Everybody, took those elements and focused on the central themes on race, purpose and mental health, specifically depression and anxiety; highlighted the best on the emotional hit record 1-800-273-8255. In the aftermath of this run. Logic soon found himself in the position of being one of the most popular and successful artists out today. This has manifested itself in domestic and international tours (including a sellout of Madison Square Garden) and recognition from pundits and peers as a force in rap music. And with all of that success, Logic decided to make his latest effort a homage to his journey to this point.
The fourth and latest album, Young Sinatra 4 (YSIV), is simply Logic giving his fans a refresher on his hip-hop roots and reminding them why they became fans of his in the first place. His Young Sinatra moniker debuted on the 2011 mixtape titled Young Sinatra, where Logic rhymed over traditional boom-bap beats as well as some classic hip-hop tracks. He would drop two proceeding projects, Young Sinatra: Undeniable and the Def Jam debut mixtape Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever. Each tape carries its own sound but they all manage to stay consistent in putting Logic’s lyricism at the forefront.
Releasing in late September 2018, YSIV served as a perfect album for the transition into the colder months and holiday season. The message is consistent with Logic’s entire career; it’s open and honest, with much nostalgia and respect to those who’ve helped him get to this point.
The opening track Thank You couldn’t have been titled better, with the rapper reflecting with his fans on their journey over the course of his career including the three previous Sinatra mixtapes. Lucy Rose’s vocals give sincerity to the track over loud and beautiful proidicoton. The lead single to the album, The Return, follows the intro and may be the most direct and straightforward Logic has been in a while. Proclaimiations of being top 3 as well a future legend ring boastful and confident. The Return is a personal hype song to keep persevering and know one’s worth while The Glorious Five is a look back at hardship, while acknowledging that the future holds greater things. The highlight of the album can be found with the two most unique tracks, both with a unique approach. On Wu Tang Forever, he gathers the entire Wu-Tang Clan for a classic posse cut that’s simply lyrical excellence. The following track, 100 Miles and Running, is an ode to the old school with funk and live audience samples with fast rapping and witty one liners. Fellow DMV artist Wale goes for bar with Logic on one of the most impressive songs of the year, bar none. The title is also the name of Wale’s earlier mixtapes, showing the respect that the rappers have for one another.
The album soon transitions with the pop infused Ordinary Day, and followed up by the staple title track YSIV. The song follows the classic YS model, sampling parts of Nas’s classic song Life’s A Bitch. The first two verses find Logic exercising his signature flow, paying homage to his hop-hop influences. The important third verse rhymes from the perspective of money and just how much it can control lives and priorities. The track ends with a touching tribute to the late artist Mac Miller. The album begins to conclude with the lighter and fun smoker’s track The Adventures of Stoney Bob, and the emotional Legacy speaks from the perspective of an entire family and the plights and struggles than many households experience on a daily basis. The song is somber but honest, a tone that Logic expresses strongly in his music. ICONIC plays as yet another claim for the title of best rapper alive. Focused, proud and hungry, Bobby Tarintino seems ready to take the next step on the ladder to legend status. The album concludes with Logic’s version of the Kanye West inspired Last Call, which brings the album to a close in the same thankful tone that it began with.
YSIV will be the last of the series, according to Logic. But the hope is that this is far from the last time that fans get to hear this sound, message or delivery. In modern hip-hop, it’s refreshing to see that certain artists haven’t abandoned one of rap music’s core values: lyricism. It’s much needed today. Logic has once again delivered as one of the best rapper’s in the game today. With his Ultra 85 album always in the rumor mill, it will be interesting to see where his career go. For now, he leaves listeners with one of the best listens of 2018.
Top 5 Songs:
1. 100 Miles and Running
2.The Return
3. EverybodyDies
4. Wu Tang Forever
5. The Adventures of Stoney Bob