The trajectory of Logic’s career has been strange to say the least- Logic No Pressure. Early on he grew his fan base with his Young Sinatra mixtape series showcasing his impressive technical ability over boom bap beats becoming one of the most beloved artist on the internet. Once he reached the mainstream, he dropped the ball.
His breakout single 1800-273-8255 is arguably one of the worst singles his catalog has to offer, but is one of his highest charting singles. While the song has a great message, the execution was poor. Admittedly it has been a rough few years as a Logic fan with every effort since Everybody being mediocre or just straight trash.
With Logic announcing ‘No Pressure’ as his final album before retirement he has gotten back to what many of his early supporters have been asking him to do. In a livestream, the Maryland MC says this album will be the first time he won’t be on the Internet.
“Every time I released an album I just wanted to be loved, and this time I don’t check the Internet because I finally love myself”
The album feels like he is free and loves himself. An album where he has matured and is comfortable with his place in hip-hop. This time around he does not seem to be trying to prove himself or spend an overwhelming amount of time addressing his critiques. It finally felt like we got a grown-up version of the rapper I became of fan of from the Young Sinatra mixtapes.
The computer program Thalia from several of his other projects makes a return. I believe the Thalia skits can be a distraction, but she does always drop at least one fact I enjoy; it was cool to know Logic is a Samurai Champloo fan. The title track Logic is completely in his element flexing his lyrical ability over a smooth boom bap beat.
One of Logic’s recurring criticisms is that he does not hide his influences in his music. GP4 mimics Elevators by Outkast, from the beat to the hook but he does it justice sliding on the beat effortlessly. Open Mic\\Aquarius lll is a very heartfelt track as he spits aggressively detailing his past, mental space and come up, this track is one of Logic’s most intense performances in the first half, with a fun beat switch where Logic raps about his family and prioritizing his happiness over the music industry in the second half.
The two instrumentals in this song accompany his lyrics perfectly. The first skip of the album is the track Perfect. It throws off the vibe of the project with an underwhelming trap beat with Logic delivering some mid braggadocious bars. Luckily the track is under two minutes long.
Looking at the track list the song DadBod scared me. Assuming we were going to be subject to cringe Big Day-esque I love my wife bars, I’m glad to be proven wrong. While there actually is, a Chance the Rapper reference the song is very humorous and enjoyable. Logic details his life as a father and even spits a verse about his trips to Target which doesn’t sound like it should have been as good as it was.
The song A2Z features Logic talking to his child asking if he wants to learn his ABCs proceeded by him rapping with his punchlines ending in alphabetical order. The rapping isn’t bad, but the voice in the track saying the alphabet in the background gets annoying almost immediately. Logic ends ‘No Pressure’ on a strong note with Amen. The song is a triumph as he doubles down on this being his final album celebrating his growth and success.
This album was bittersweet. Logic found his stride putting together an enjoyable project while staying true to his sound. As he said he won’t be on the internet, but If this truly is his final project, thank you.
Fav Tracks: No Pressure, Open Mic\\Aquarius lll, DadBod, Dark Place, Amen
Skips: Perfect, A2Z