This is the latest project from Maryland rapper Logic, who had a big 2017 with the release of his album “Everybody,” which contained his first Top 10 single “1-800-273-8255,” a song that peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ended the year at #31 on the Year-End Hot 100. I just reviewed said album and found that while the message throughout is a bit inconsistent, there are quite a few enjoyable tracks on there, specifically the aforementioned “1-800-273-8255,” among several others.
However, this mixtape here is not a follow-up to said album, it’s a follow-up to his 2016 mixtape “Bobby Tarantino,” which is not only a project I really enjoyed, but it was a tape that (so I've been told) established Logic with a newfound sense of braggadocio in comparison to some of his earlier releases, so much so that even Rick and Morty joke about the differences between “album Logic” and “mixtape Logic.” So, having enjoyed his past few releases, I’m heading into this tape pretty excited, especially if “mixtape Logic” is gonna be coming out in full force. The first single off of this thing, “44 More,” only helped get me even more excited. Let’s see if he delivers, shall we?
Grandpa’s Space Ship: This is the same skit, word for word, that Logic posted on his Twitter to advertise this mixtape, where Rick and Morty argue about “album Logic” and “mixtape Logic.” I’m not a Rick and Morty superfan, and I obviously won’t listen to this much in the future, but it’s still a pretty humorous intro.
Overnight: Returning to the more braggadocious feel after “Everybody,” Logic talks on this track about how people think he got famous overnight, and he does that over a very bright, old-school video game-esque instrumental with more of the same great flow that we’ve come to expect out of him. I also really love some of the lyrics on this track, and there are also some really cool-sounding vocal melodies throughout. Really good first song for the mixtape.
Contra: I’m sure it should come as no shock that Logic named this track after a classic video game (anyone remember “Super Mario World?”), and it should also be no shock that Logic has some really great flow as he flexes over a kind of darker-sounding instrumental about how he has been blowing up and getting more mainstream attention. As you’d expect, Logic oozes with the braggadocio feel that he came through with on the first tape, and he has a lot of fun on this very good track!
BoomTrap Protocol: Logic details on this track how to become classified as a “BoomTrap” (an artist that mixes a boom-bap style with a trap style), and he does that over a slightly more jazzy 808-driven beat. His rapid-fire flow remains strong throughout this one, and his autotune-assisted vocals throughout the song help to add an extra layer of character and fun. The hook is also really memorable, and the song itself is really head-noddy and energetic. Really fun track!
Yuck: A song where Logic talks about anyone that may have beef with him, only to tell them that he’ll let his success do the talking, this track features a really dark, kind of string-driven instrumental melody to accompany the 808-drum beat. I once again like his rapid-fire flow, confident performance, and pretty solid lyricism, where he brags about his success while maintaining that theme of PLP that he brings to the table. It’s cool to see him refer back to Rick and Morty’s idea of “album Logic” versus “mixtape Logic” on this one, and while it’s not one of my favorites on the album, I do think it’ll grow on me in time.
Indica Badu (ft. Wiz Khalifa): Leave it to Logic to make a song that is 4:20, features Wiz Khalifa and talks all about the joys of smoking weed. The beat, while drum-heavy, is a bit more chilled and laid-back, obviously, to create the feeling of being on a weed high, and despite the laid-back feel of the song, Logic certainly isn’t laid-back here, maintaining that usual, rapid-fire flow that he’s most known for. The hook also has some really fun vocal performances, and Wiz Khalifa’s performance also features some really great flow. I’m no smoker but damn it all, this song is too much fun!
Midnight: Logic stays true to himself on this more nocturnal, synth-driven track that feels more vocal than some of his other tracks, and it’s all the better for it. Logic’s vocals are smooth, the instrumental is minimal, but it’s a very smooth, glossy track. The feel changes on the second part of the song, and while it’s still minimal, it feels much harder and less vocal, as Logic returns to his more rapid-fire feel here. His flow throughout the entire song is really strong, and the song is head-noddy and extremely fun! Great track!
Warm It Up (ft. Young Sinatra): Logic brings back his “Young Sinatra” persona on this track that feels like it’s kind of dominated by the kind of abrasive and overpowering drum beat. Logic continues to provide great rapid-fire flow, and his lyricism is quite clever, but I just kinda wish the beat wasn’t so overpowering here. Still, Logic’s vocal performance goes up against the beat very well, and I like that he has a few subtly-political lyrics on this one. This track might grow on me a bit in the future!
Wizard of Oz: Comparing himself to the Wizard of Oz, Logic talks about how far he has made it in his career, and he does that over another overpowering, but not as abrasive, trap drum beat, and while the hook on here isn’t the strongest, I do like Logic’s vocal performances and his autotuned-crooning is smooth and fun. A little too short, and not one of my personal favorites on here, but with a few more listens, this one might grow on me a bit.
State of Emergency (ft. 2 Chainz): Logic collaborates with 2 Chainz on this track, as the two brag about their success, with Logic clapping back at the haters that aren’t happy about him becoming a Grammy-nominated rapper. They do this over a hard-hitting, but not really too uptempo, trap beat that accompanies a very cool, dark instrumental. 2 Chainz’s verse once again reaffirms why he’s such a solid rapper, as he brings some clever bars, solid lyricism, and great flow, meshing well with Logic’s typical strong flow and decent lyricism. Another great track!
Wassup (ft. Big Sean): Once again talking about his success, Logic is joined by Big Sean, as the two of them discuss how they’ve become big enough to make their own requests. Logic and Big Sean provide some great flow as always on this one, and the instrumental has some cool moments, but I do feel this one doesn't have the best instrumental melody or drum beat, and the hook isn’t one of the strongest on the mixtape. Might grow on me in the future, though, specifically because of the amazing flow from both rappers.
Everyday (ft. Marshmello): Logic talks on this single about how hard he works and how he hasn’t given up, over a Marshmello-assisted instrumental, and I love the energy this song provides! It feels like a perfect pump-up song with a really fun and exciting hook, I love Logic’s vocal melodies on this song, and I know I’m repeating myself once again, but Logic reminds us that his flow and technicality is among the best in the game. Definitely enjoyed this one quite a bit!
44 More: Something of a sequel to the track “44 Bars” from his last mixtape, Logic brings out the braggadocio in full force on this cut, talking about a lot of different things, from his family issues to the industry as a whole, and he does that over a really bright, 808-driven instrumental. With this braggadocio comes some really strong flow, a really charismatic performance, and some extremely clever lyricism. This is probably one of Logic’s best songs yet, and it’s a great song to end this record off on.
Overall, “Bobby Tarantino II” reaffirms Logic’s talents as a rapper, and his return to more braggadocio-styled rap after the more socially-conscious “Everybody” is a welcome one. As always, Logic reminds us that he has some of the best flow of any rapper in the game, and he also reminds us that he is a great lyricist with a solid ear for production. It’s definitely not the political or social statement that “Everybody” was, but that doesn’t matter in this case, because Logic is instead coming through on here and displaying his rap talents without feeling like he has to be held back by a message he is trying to deliver. Furthermore, while he does include that Rick and Morty skit and the beginning, this isn’t like the Atom & God storyline from “Everybody” where it appears and feels wholly unnecessary, it’s humorous and it sets the stage well for the rest of the tape. This is definitely an enjoyable project from Logic, and it makes me really excited to see where he goes with what he claims to be his final studio album. Guess we’ll have to wait and see, but for now, “Bobby Tarantino II” is a great listen.
Welcome back, Bobby.
Favorite tracks: Overnight, Contra, BoomTrap Protocol, Indica Badu, Midnight, State of Emergency, Everyday, 44 More
Least favorite tracks: Uhh, I don't know, I thought all of them were pretty solid. None of them really.
Rating: Excellent
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