Logic delivers near-perfect LP College Park where he explores all his emotions.
Our rating: 9.6/10
Logic has had a successful career in rap, but his popularity has been somewhat polarizing. Despite impressive streaming numbers, he’s never been regarded with the same weight as other artists. His unorthodox approach to fame, primarily via YouTube, has earned him a unique following. ‘College Park‘ marks his first independent album, though it’s tied to BMG, revealing the challenges of true independence in the modern era. For those interested in Logic’s technical abilities as an artist, this album is a great starting point. It’s like Logic is returning to his basics. In this article, we will review Logic’s New Album College Park, and tell how it is!
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‘College Park’ is a reflection of Logic’s life during his rise in 2011, chronicling his club performances, couch-surfing, and efforts to overcome past traumas. The album has an old-school vibe, featuring several guest artists. Its standout tracks include ‘Clone Wars III’, Wake Up, Self Medication & others which are a perfect mix of confidence and self-doubt, the album offers a compelling and pivotal moment in Logic’s career.
Logic told fans: “I love y’all and I’m making sh-t from the heart. I’m loving hip-hop. I was not really feeling it for a while. I don’t really mean the music, I just mean the bullsh-t of the industry. But I realize now more than ever that none of that sh-t matters. I’ve missed you guys and I’m here and I just want to have fun and I’m so excited for College Park.”
On the second track of ‘College Park’, “Wake Up” packs one of the year’s most powerful beats. Logic showcases his rapid-fire flow, reflecting on his challenging journey to success and offering advice to those in similar predicaments. The song stands out for its vivid imagery and honest depiction of how Logic has trained his mind for productivity. It’s a noteworthy track that demonstrates Logic’s artistic prowess.
While Logic may be the most well-known artist on the posse cut, “Gaithersburg Freestyle,” all of the featured artists deliver fantastic rap verses. Logic’s verse is particularly standout, but C Dot Castro’s slick verse, Big Lenbo’s competitive verse, Fat Trel’s goonish verse, and ADÉ’s quirky verse all add their own unique flavor to the track.
“Self-Medication” has a therapeutic quality to it that listeners will appreciate. The beat provides a calming effect despite its hard-hitting nature, and Logic’s laid-back flow adds to this effect. The addition of Seth McFarlane’s impressive vocals only adds to the overall tranquil atmosphere of the song. However, the standout feature of the track is Redman’s verse, which serves as a reminder of his exceptional rap skills and why he’s considered one of Eminem’s influences. Overall, this track is a standout on the album, thanks to its unique blend of therapeutic and hard-hitting elements.
The track “Shimmy” featuring Joey Badass showcases Logic’s impressive versatility as a rapper. Known for not always exuding “black vibes,” Logic delivers a strong performance on this track that exudes confidence and swagger. The aggressive delivery and braggadocios lyrics, along with nods to ODB and the “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” piano keys in the beat, create a memorable and impactful hip-hop experience. Joey Badass’s verse adds even more to the track, showcasing his own wordplay and clever punchlines. Together, they create a standout track that demonstrates both artists’ skills.
While this album features tracks with a more aggressive edge than “Paradise,” there are none that match its level of beauty. Logic delivers a powerful and confident verse, but it’s the combination of Norah Jones’ enchanting vocals and the captivating neo-soul beat that truly shines on this track.
Logic tackles the destructive effects of alcohol addiction in “Village Slum” with powerful storytelling and consistent flows. The tranquil hip-hop beat adds a haunting quality to the track, making it a standout on the album. It’s a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and a testament to Logic’s lyrical ability.
Upon listening to the project, the first thing that immediately catches your attention are the impressive array of features, which include hip-hop icons such as RZA, Bun B, and Redman. In addition, Logic collaborates with fellow DMV rappers Big Lenbo, Fat Trel, ADÉ, and former Visionary Music Group label mate C Dot Castro. While unexpected features from Norah Jones and Seth MacFarlane may initially raise some eyebrows, the end result is far from gimmicky, and will not disappoint even the most discerning hip-hop fans.
Another notable aspect of the album is the instrumentation. From the piano and guitar on “Lightsabers” to the saxophone and strings on “Insipio,” each track features a unique blend of instruments that add a sense of depth, quality, and timelessness that is not often heard in modern hip-hop.
Lastly, the classic hip-hop sound is prevalent throughout the album. The boom-bap-infused “Self Medication” and the Tribe Called Quest-inspired “Clone Wars II” are just a few examples of the nostalgic sound that is showcased on this project. Overall, the combination of impressive features, unique instrumentation, and classic hip-hop sound makes this album a must-listen for any true hip-hop enthusiast.
Logic’s keen musical ear shines throughout College Park. As a true hip-hop fan, one can appreciate the project from every angle.
There is no denying Logic’s exceptional rap mechanics. As you listen to College Park, you’ll notice how skillfully he rides beats and crafts thoughtful punchlines. But what truly sets him apart is his willingness to tackle difficult topics. Despite occasional moments of cockiness and competitiveness, Logic frequently addresses the struggles of mental health and overcoming adversity. As someone who may have once been critical of Logic, I can appreciate his meaningful contributions to the genre.
The album College Park debuted at number 21 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
