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2020 has proven to be perhaps the most unprecedented year in modern history. Uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the world have rightfully taken center stage in the lives of countless people all over the world. Yet for many, life only continues, and they have no choice but to muster up the strength, courage and faith to persevere through it all. That is no small feat, given just how hectic life was when it was still safe to do even the simplest of tasks. The mental strain of life can break down any person regardless of status, wealth, health and mentality. And for those who struggle with mental health, this year has been statistically one of the most difficult to date. That is why it is imperative that anyone dealing with anxiety, depression and any other mental health issue, finds the appropriate medium in which to express themselves and in turn, help themselves get to a place of normalcy. Those feelings touch many more people than we realize, even celebrities who seem like they have everything. Those same individuals fight the same battles, while living under a public microscope that could easily break their spirit if negativity is the focus. And in some cases, they feel as if the best option for them is to simply walk away from their successful careers.
Maryland based MC Logic has enjoyed a career that many hip-hop would trade their own for. He has experienced a truly organic career rise; from free mixtapes and college show performances, to sold out concerts at legendary venues such as the famed Madison Square Garden. A well-known artist during the datpiff.com era of the early 2010's, many hip-hop purists and newer fans alike often regarded Logic as one of the most promising and refreshing voices in a genre that had long strayed away from the "golden age" of the 1990's, where many of rap music's undisputed legends staked their claim to fame. Heavily and rightfully inspired by the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest among others, he crafted a style filled with nostalgic sounds of the past matched with his patented anime, science and movie references. This unique combo helped usher Logic into a lane that would allow him to collaborate with artists of different age groups and genres while getting consistently better with every project. This past decade, Logic's career could be defined by the projects he released, their messages and the reaction they received, whether positive or not.
The Incredible True Story was a celebrated realization of superstar status and hip-hop merit, while knowing there was much more work to be done. Everybody was a highly polarizing and controversial project focused on race and the inclusion of all people in improving race relations in America. And while commercially it has served as his biggest project to date (#1 album in the country) with features from legends such as Killer Mike, Black Thought and Chuck D, it left many in the hip-hop community indifferent due to Logic's perceived "struggle" with his own background, being biracial, but looking like a white man. Bobby Tarintino and Bobby Tarintino II were refreshing mixtapes free of from the pressures of having to be cohesive albums, allowing listeners to see a more lighthearted and free flowing MC still out to prove his one of the best rappers in the game. YSIV was a return to the aforementioned mixtape era that Logic gained popularity in before there was a sold out show or a studio album, where he takes time to embrace the success of his career while paying respect to his peers, influences, idols and most importantly, his fans for their role in his accomplishments. The 2019 release Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was a venture into more of a modern-day hip-hop sound, and for many of Logic's fans, an unsuccessful attempt for commercial success.
Coming off the fallout of his most criticized project to date, many fans wondered if perhaps complacency had set in, or maybe other interests put making the best music possible on the backburner. Conversations regarding mental health and its effects provided a better picture of where the past decade had brought Logic, and he helped to inspire several vulnerable conversations in hip-hop regarding mental health, depression and anxiety, topics Logic touched on in previous songs. But it had become clearer than ever of just how much it had affected him in his day to day life. And towards the end of 2019, life outside of rap music would take center stage. Logic would get remarried and then announce that he and his wife were expecting a son in 2020. Soon after, he would announce that his forthcoming sixth studio album, would be his last. Every hip-hop forum, show and outlet had an opinion about the 30-year old's decision, and what this farewell effort would sound like. With his swan song album on the horizon, he decided to go back to the beginning of the journey in order to celebrate its end.
On July 24, 2020, Logic would release his sixth studio album titled No Pressure, the sequel to his 2014 debut album Under Pressure released under Def Jam. From the onset of the album's announcement, hip-hop fans aware of the details of the debut album were excited to see Logic's return to his boom-bap roots, but more importantly, returning to work with iconic producer and A&R No I.D.. Best known for his contributions to the music of countless hip-hop superstars such as Common, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nas, Rick Ross, Big Sean and Drake. His impact from his production and even his own songs have almost turned him into a folk legend amongst the genre's community, which made him almost exclusively producing a young upstart's project the ultimate cosign. Logic would pay that back in kind with one of the best debut albums of the decade, launching him into a special career. Six years later, and the duo returned to help close a chapter and deliver an album that would tie a bow on what has been one of the more unique runs in hip-hop's history.
The No Pressure Intro is small sample of the content that was soon to come throughout the project. Logic uses a radio transmission to talk to the audience about the project and how the reunion with himself and No I.D. was done for the day one fans who were eager to see the two work together just one last time. What follows is 2 minutes of the flow and lyricism that gained so many loyal fans in the first place, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The track Hit My line feels like a prayer for peace and understanding in a crazy world, even as a person who has experienced tremendous success. It displays the need for a uplifting and positive message, regardless of one's current situation. The track Amen echoes that need for positivity, even touching on depressing thoughts and the benefits of failing and rising back up again in order to move forward. The piano-laden track is uplifting, hopeful and promising, all of which are vital to someone dealing with the pressures of everyday life. He makes sure to thank the people who guided him and expresses that he has made peace with the decision to leave his career behind. Dark Place is the spacy, sobering and slow-paced admission of the ongoing battle with depression, anxiety and insecurity for a man who has everything in the ideas of many. For anyone who has struggled with the same battles, the song serves as a reminder that difficult days will happen, but the victory is in being able to be okay in those times, and not seeing being sad or not motivated as weakness, but understandable and natural. It is perhaps the most important song Logic has ever released.
For the serious topics that the album covers, there are plenty of moments where it is simply good hip-hop. Two standout tracks GP4 and man i is could easily be considered the best produced tracks of the year. Using Outkast's Elevators and a combination of Outkast's SpottieOttieDopaliscious and Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know, Logic pays homage to those legends with some of the best versions of his career. He reflects on his early life, the toil the fast past life has taken and being proud of how the low moments of his life have turned him into a person who has seen himself become better for experiencing and overcoming those negative or challenging situations. He calls hip-hop therapeutic and it will always be a part of who he is as an individual. He campaigns for the greatness of his career and ability on Soul Food II, the sequel to one of the most popular tracks from his debut album. Open Mic\\Aquarius III is appropriately named as Logic begins the song with a poetry club introduction and raps with an ease that feels like simple spoken word. Both present and reminiscent, he raps about providing a life for his newborn son while leaving behind the only lifestyle he has known. But in that, he raps about find peace, or at least what feels like it. His son also serves as the focus for perhaps the most relaxing and lighthearted track of the album, DadBod. A catchy, laid back track about the simple life of a father and husband, it is an easily relatable song for anyone who is in that stage of their life.
As the album concludes, one of Logic's most interesting songs to date shows an understanding that no obstacle is too difficult to overcome with the right spirit and mental makeup. Heard Em Say is another display of vulnerability on the album, but this time matched with the confidence and bravado of someone who has overcome what they thought was the end for them, and is focused on what their future holds in a positive light, instead of operating in fear. The album concludes with Obediently Yours, an open letter from Logic to whoever is listening, discussing the state of the nation we are currently living in, and the role that race relations has played in forming the makeup of the country today. He denounces racism and anyone who has policy or ideals that encourage that mentality. He acknowledges as a public figure; he owes his status and position to the audience who helped him get into that position. He spends the final minutes of his career speaking on the injustices that plague the country, and speaks to the generations to follow, encouraging them to fight for the same things their ancestors are fighting for now. He then signs off for good.
The beautiful aspect of hip-hop is that fans can connect with an artist, and as they progress through life and their career, through highs and lows, success and failure, there is a bond that is developed where the listener is connected to that artist. When they say something that their audience relates to, there is no stronger bond that can be made in that relationship. There are countless hip-hop fans who do not relate to Logic's message, his style, his influences and clearly, his appearance. But that's the same for every artist who has ever lived, they will never have unanimous support or appreciation. And that is okay. For Logic fans and peers alike, the majority will be quick to acknowledge that he is one of the best rappers of the past decade, and that is tough to see such a young star with a positive message move on from providing that content for the foreseeable future. But hopefully, as time moves forward, his music is appreciated by those who it impacted. A career rooted in the motto "Peace, Love and Positivity", it is hard to find a negative word about the DMV area's most successful rapper, even in a society where negativity is everywhere. No Pressure is debatably Logic's best and most important album, leaving fans with many "what if" questions, but undoubtedly, so much to be proud of. Choosing happiness can never be disrespected, and as a fan, nobody in the industry deserves that freedom more. Congratulations Logic and thank you for helping us fans who fight battles that nobody may see or understand.
Top 5 Songs
man i is
Soul Food II
GP4
Open Mic\\ Aquarius III
No Pressure Intro
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