Logic’s latest offering, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, arrived over the weekend on May 10, 2019. The album is the Def Jam artist’s 5th studio release and boasts features from some of Rap’s biggest names. The Maryland rapper delivers his familiar introspective flows in rapid-fire time and his core fans will get what they’ve come to expect. For folks that are only aware of Logic from his massive hit, “1-800-273-8255” Confessions will appear to come out of left-field.
There is something to be said for an artist that takes the time to honor his influences. However in Logic’s case, when he names artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover as inspirations, it’s hard to not hear sub-par imitations of these artists. This is especially true when he name drops the same people (Kanye) on multiple tracks. In other words, Logic shines brightest when he tells his own story with his own style. Creative growth is one thing but his singing is unimpressive and comes off forced more often than not.
The best cut on the album is the title track, which sets the tone with lyrics like
“What’s your name? What’s your game?
Come now boy, just spit your flow
Feel the pain with the game, what you tryna say though?
Novocaine to the brain, I can’t feel nothing no more
In my lane, can’t refrain from lettin’ these people know.”
While “Homicide” feat Eminem is climbing the charts, as a song it is one-dimensional. We’ve all heard Eminem describe the hundreds of ways he’ll kill a rapper in a song and pairing him with Logic doesn’t make the concept fresh. “Keanu Reeves” on the other hand is authentic sonically and stylistically. Unfortunately, “Icy” feat Gucci Mane feels almost like a parody and while “Don’t Be Afraid to be Different” feat Will Smith is well-intentioned, the ’90s throwback sound and “just do you” mantra seems cliché. On a positive note, the collaborations with G-Eazy, Wiz Khalifa and YBN Cordae are strong and the album ends on a high note with Lost In Translation.
Logic sounds more in his lane when spitting over boom bap than pandering on trap beats. His wordplay is often clever but gets recycled so much that it loses its impact. His artistry is most clear when he shares his personal story (both literally and conceptually) rather than trying to spit battle bars or take the braggadocious route. Overall, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is a good addition to Logic’s catalog in that it caters well to its target audience, but will do little to bring new listeners into the fold. Regardless, Logic has proven that he has staying power and has no problem experimenting with vulnerability and humor while getting features from some of Rap’s biggest names.
Rating – A’ight
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