Retirement from a beloved passion can seemingly come randomly. That's even when you’re at the peak of your ability and making millions of dollars. This uncanny trend lands on Logic who now bids ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to hip-hop, after recently launching his sixth and final album “No Pressure.” The returned partnership of veteran producer No. I.D and Bobby delivers 15 reflective tracks to bring in Logic’s new role “to be a great father.”
Sir Robert Bryson Hall II accomplished a decade of decadence with chart topping albums /mixtapes, multiple tours, a NY Times bestseller, and a savior of countless lives. Many underestimate Logic’s impact in music for not being “hood or poor enough” but the plaques and world recognition of “1-800-273-8255” redefined acceptance terms for a boom-bap emcee. “No Pressure” sequels Logic’s debut and greatest hit Under Pressure. From a scrawny appreciator of golden hip-hop to a brawny, revitalized adult, Logic makes new life his primary mission. In doing so, he creates a full circle ending to his rap journey.
The opener starts with his android narrator Thalia, the one who detailed his earlier projects and now causes Logic to be incensed with his former usage of prodigious lyrics. Rapping on his Maryland rejected education to spiritless critics judging his music, he sets the familiar boom-bap flow that Rattpack fans always yearned for. The fast yet conscious rhyming next on “Hit My Line” feels like a soulful escape to God from disturbing violence and celebrity lifestyle he’s grown to. Despite all the police brutality of today, Sir has been woke about the injustices since the “Everybody” album, referencing evil politicians and ‘Twitter warriors’ copying the movement yet not pitching in.
Bobby shouts out cultural heroes Erykah Badu, Kanye West, and Outkast through the interpolations of “GP4” and “Celebration” as he flexes the success light years from his past life. The rebuttal on his commentators telling him how to rap and praise is classic comeback. “Cause it's what they wanna do if they had an opportunity to but too scared /That's why they live vicariously through you.” The only turn up record “Perfect” is the beastly, Bobby Tarantino with the slick bars that continued his commercial ascent.
“Being rich is not a blessing, fame is not a blessing /Wasn't 'til I was rich and famous, I learned that lesson / What's the meaning of life, to live it, what I'm guessing.”
As switches occur from the new, family centric missions in Robert’s life (Open Mic\Aquarius) to closing off the Internet for his depression (Dark Place), his retirement becomes more believable. He reflects on hip-hop teaching him more than his mother and says that his daily views of racial division are what shaped his adamant lyricism to be so optimistic. The monitoring of social media and overthinking his profession led Logic to address his mental state from the heart.
“Writin' this from a dark place with humility and grace/ peace, love, and positivity was my nativity, but not when socials are in my vicinity.” Listen as he calls rapping painful now and less important in various tracks. It’s a message on being okay with your sadness and maturity will turn it around eventually.
I salute legendary producer No. I.D for these soul-infused, solaced productions because the elements- angelic vocals, jazzy horns and rhythmic synths-are what make the 6ix (right-hand producer) year reunion special to close out Logic’s career as a complete wonder. On “Man I is,” Sir Robert enlightens us on his youth and rap come-up over Erykah Badu to Pimp C samples that are so soulfully enticing they deserve airplay on Beats 1 Soulection Radio. “Soul Food II” continues from 2014’s Under Pressure and explains Logic’s evolution as an artist and then explains The Incredible True Story’s meaning. He hints at retiring as he states love in this industry is so corrupt that you can’t stay forever, because you'll burn out.
“If you're searching for love in the industry you'll be let down /They don't love you 'til you dead and then they call you profound /No matter how mainstream you was in the end, you still underground.”
The new Logic is still the peaceful nerd streaming Super Mario gameplay; however, he’s a father now to Little Bobby and husband to Brittney. He slays the alphabet lesson to Lil’ Bobby on “A2Z” (You going to need more than bed rest when I hit you with these 26 bullets, no excess) and embraces fatherhood while trolling his fans through the supermarket.
"I used to be about the B-Rabbits and Mekhi Phifers, Hit the stage, grip the mic and murder you like a pro-lifer /But I'm done now, I got a son now, F**k the rap game, I'm done now."
Motivational track “Heard Em Say” brings the early Kanye influence into moving toward a new life phase through overcoming your obstacles or addictions. Same vibe on “Amen” praising his Rattpack fanbase for over a decade of undying love and support. He thanks God for a biracial Maryland native that launched a compassionate brand of rap tunes over societal norms of sex-laden, drug infused hip hop.
"No Pressure" sounds like the official end to Logic's Incredible True Story because the whole album's on point in lyrics, production, and pure significance to complete a rap career. He doesn't have to worry about his 2014 song "Work so f**king much my greatest fear is Imma die alone"; because his life has hit a 360 turnaround. Logic has a family and millions to keep him happy.
This album was created out of pure love for his art, family and himself because there's happiness emanating from Logic's whole-being. Catch Logic on his Twitch and future ventures but in terms of rapping- he's out.
I rate this release 5/5 Swoops.
