Logic’s album release of Bobby Tarantino II had me in surprise. His previous album, Everybody, although not one of my favorites, branded his name as an artist that cares about the world around him. His album was the first concept album that I’ve ever heard, spanning a theme of what inclusion should be. He addresses issues that are close to his heart; illusions of identity and how we should overcome judgments to unite as a whole. Through the way he displays these matters, not drowning them in music nor speaking about them carelessly, it is apparent that this is album showcases some of Logic’s hardest work. After a beautifully composed concept album such as this (and a feature of world-renowned astronomer Neil DeGrasse Tyson), what should we expect?

To those who bear Logic’s name purely in association with his most popular song of the Everybody, “1-800-273-8255”, this album is for you. Although alluding to a similar realm of concept and commentary, Logic opens up and tells his life story. He also explains this album as a mixtape one, featuring artists to casually rap and have fun.

The opening monologue of the album, “Grandpa’s Space Ship” features some of Logic’s favorite TV characters, Rick and Morty. Initially released as the teaser for his mixtape, this skit humorously cleans the slate for Logic, reflecting his past album as deeply connotated and motivational, but also teasing for an anthem ‘to turn up to’. This gives room for Logic to freestyle without carrying the weight of Everybody.

With a smooth opening and hard adrenaline, “44 More” was released as a solo 4 days prior to the official release of his album. Showing off Logic’s witty lyrics and skill, it established the production of this album as fluid and fun, the essence of this genre. After being nicknamed ‘the suicide guy’, Logic used this song to shed light as an artist who could preach about the weight of unjust perspectives but could also loosen up to freestyle rap. He glides over his lifestyle growing up as someone who would’ve never achieved such fame, “I been down this road before/ Everybody thinks that they do but they don’t”, a precursor of the lifestyle he would talk about in his album and his evolution thereof. Breaking his modest reputation, however, Logic boasts his success and fame that he raked up from his previous album.

A common theme of the album of boasting and reflecting is also shown in the third song of his album, one that also alludes to Logic’s more nerdy side, in reference to a classic video game from the late 1980’s. Borrowing beats from Bryson Tiller, Logic used the energy of “Contra” to exude his confidence and talent. Although he flaunts his skill, he also makes sure to examine his fortune; “I’m livin’ the dream, yes, I’m livin’ the dream”.

Although Logic does take advantage of the loose concept of his album, the rhythm and mood of each song resonate in redundancy. Each instrumental begins at a moderate pace, speeding up with the flow of lyrics to seemingly pull the listener into the song. The tempo of the instrumentals, however, follow a standard uniform of staccato and crescendo. With the beats sounding too similar, it is hard to thoroughly enjoy. Although he manages to build thirst and enthusiasm for the meat of the song, the engagement doesn’t feel worth it, as it seems repetitive of its predecessors. The exception of these repetitive beats, however, are the true essence of the album, songs such as “BoomTrap Protocol” and “Indica Badu”. Both are his most chill songs and allow his classic-reminiscent taste to truly translate and his tech-instrumentals to feel more integrated throughout his music.

Shortly after the release of this album, there were circulating rumors and an eventual confirmation involving the separation of Logic and his wife. As they broadcasted a lot of their relationship and success as a two year married couple, it was heartbreaking to see the divergence of the love and the intimate best friend relationship they had together. Logic also repeatedly referenced his beautiful wife in the lyrics of his songs and gave her, and their family of dogs, a remarkable presence on the album cover.

Although the quality doesn’t lie in his thematic sound, the soul lies in his journey and fortune. Listen to Bobby Tarantino II to hear more of what Logic has to say.