It has long been established by fans that there are two very distinct variations of Sir Robert Bryson Hall II: Album Logic and Mixtape Logic. Hilariously addressed by Rick & Morty in the intro to his last release Bobby Tarantino II, this particular multidimensional overview serves to — more than anything — illustrate the depth of his fanbase.
While the bi-racial artist, who used his own experience to (conceptually) confront a multitude of racial and social issues on his album Everybody, has become a punchline for the industry’s staunchest gatekeepers and most hardened fans of “keeping it real,” anyone who would even refer to his mixtapes generally has been along for the inspiring rise to notoriety.
His latest release — Young Sinatra IV — is mainly for these fans. It’s drenched in boom bap, big bars, and bops that mostly work well as a collective piece of art.
The fourth and (as we find out in the intro) and alleged final installment of the Young Sinatra series, unlike Everybody or Bobby Tarantino II, comes across as a hybrid of both Mixtape and Album Editions. Across the 14-song LP, he triples down on his TED Talk-esque messages of positivity and delivers what feels like a heartfelt thank you and pep talk to his biggest supporters.
More significantly, he reintroduces the hungry young MC entrenched in Hip Hop that many of his late-to-the-game haters overlooked.
He kicks off with “Thank You,” a grand salute you to his fans — featuring (aside from Lucy Rose and The RattPack) a bevy of fan voicemails from around the world sharing their love of his music — and the various ways in which his music has changed their lives.
Then there’s the searing wordplay on the title track that repurposes Lord Finesse’s “Hip 2 The Game” instrumental (mashed up with Milkbone’s “Keep It Real”) which he first rocked on his seminal first tape of the series. As he explains, his initial use of the song (a decade ago) was inspired by Mac Miller, for whom he shares a heartfelt story and goodbye in the song’s outro.
The take away is the normalcy to Logic, which is the most significant point of contention for many detractors. As far as flow and cadence, it can be argued that he doesn’t have one of his own. For example, “Thank You” bears a striking resemblance to Kendrick Lamar’s “Hol’ Up.” His version of “Last Call,” while cool, is a concept admittedly borrowed from Cole — which was originated by Kanye. Even the creative flex of Street Dreams II” comes off as an obligatory “telling a story (because real Hip Hop)” may force eye rolls.
But, looking past played out repurposing, when braggadocious hyperbole bubbles over (see “Everybody Dies“) it’s hard to chalk up his logic to being anything but a disciple of the culture. If one point is made on this project, that should definitely be that Logic is not fly by night; He was evidently raised on that 90s shit regardless how deep the knowledge of his fan base truly is and the props he’s able to garner from their inexperience digging in the crates.
Overall, Bobby has bars for days — and days — and as a consistent top to bottom play, YSIV has vibrant energy. If you can listen to this LP the whole way through and doubt his pen game, then the question becomes: “what does he have to do to please you?”
If getting the entire Wu-Tang Clan on a song doesn’t impress you, nothing will. However, as he lays out on “Last Call,” he isn’t trying to appease haters who tend to focus on his negatives.
You can’t save lives with your music and decorate your home with gold and platinum plaques without pandering just a little and turning off a few (million) purists. And after a decade deep in the game, Logic, for the most part, has remained the same (from a contextual standpoint).
While Young Sinatra draws to a close, we’re left to guess which Logic we’ll be exposed to as we approach the anticipated, Ultra 85.
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Logic had me bored in the past for some reason. I’ve never really been able to put my finger on exactly why I get no replay value out of his music but he absolutely murders this album. I would give it a 4.5. Any real hip hop head should love this album. Like the reviewer said, dude has bars for days and days…. From beginning to end, it’s all quality and that shit is so rare to find these days. It’s a must have in my opinion.
I felt the same way in the past but god damn it he kills this shit. 4.5 for me too
Some serious lyrics on this album. Definitely didn’t disappoint. I don’t care if you have a personal problem with Logic but you gotta admit this shit was hard.
i actually enjoyed this album.
What’s the best song on the album bar for bar? I will give him another chance.
First that comes to mind is 100 miles and running. Logic went off on that one Best beat is on Wu Tang Forever.
Y’all really have to help me understand this because this one of the most boring albums I’ve heard this year. The first 5 songs were practically identical, similar beats and subject matter with recycled bars he sprinkles in all his Albums. the Wu-Tang song is just him getting bodied by the entire group, and Wale destroyed him on 100 miles and running which ended with a him raping the same double time he’s been rapping since Under Pressure. Best song on this shit was YSIV and he fucks that up by turning it into a concept song 3/4th of the way through. Also the gangster and stoner song. Just smh dude, this isn’t like gang related this is his flaccid attempt to make a song like BIG while trying to make a narrative like he Tarantino. No wonder he looks up to that thief all the shit he steals. The stoner song was even more cringe easily the worst thing on this joint. The fact is this dude peaked at Welcome to Forever and a lot of people would say even earlier. Logic does have phenomenal production, I give it a 2 just for that, it’s a shame his lyrics never evolved and he continues to reuse the exact same bars. foh
Solid album. He’s on a roll
Beats were good, Lyrics was the same shit he raps on EVERY ALBUM, Best song on here YSIV turned into a concept song half way through. 8 songs were basically the same song, especially the first 5. That Stoner and Gangster shit was wack as Fuck. Not even like gang related just BAD.
Yawn. A review so wack they had to post it twice. And still no one cares.
I really don’t know what the fucks going on. My shit isn’t posting. If y’all like this impersonation of a good rapper feel free to listen to him IDGAF. I’ve been listening to Logic since his Undeniable this dude has not evolved 1 bit lyrically.
Why did you post practically the same thing under 2 different names and rate it two times? Afraid your point wasn’t getting across so you had to state it twice? NAH
fist one wasn’t posting
Messages great, beats great (as always), lyricism… nothing less than amazing
Pretty good lyrics, bars, and message just needed less talking.
Cornball. I’d still fuck his wife though
WEEAAAAK
Logic you did it again. Thank you for all you do for your FANS and who really enjoy hearing you play. FUCK ANYONE HATING!!
Ys|V get it now!
Straight awful biting ass album, as expected. This guy switches between biting Drake and biting KDot. Anyone who knows anything about Hip-Hop knows this guy sucks hard. Yeah, he paid the Wu to be on there, so did Fred Durst, who is lyrically on the same level as this poser ass clown. BTw, you aren’t black buddy. I don’t give a fuck what your parents are. Corny ass whiteboy… ALL YOUR FANS ARE FUCKBOYS! Quick shoutout to the closet homosexuals calling suicide lines that are this bait’s fan base.
He’s a much better rapper than Kendrick for sure. Kendrick makes absolutely no sense at all when he raps, I really don’t get how people like him so much. Seriously the guy comes off as partially illiterate. At least logic makes sense.
no no no no no no no no no this is a nightmare im just gonna pray this man is a troll
Why are you so mad, if you don’t like it fine but call the rattpack a bunch of fuckboys. Try and act professional while online sir, good day *fedora tip*
He doesn’t bite Drake, he writes for him
Same shit different album……
If you’ve been following Logic from Wayyy back you should’ve also noticed that he repeats the same concepts, lines, stories. It’s like he made this project for his new fans that didn’t listen to Welcome to Forever & older projects.
If you’ve been sleeping on him… it’s great but otherwise. Nothing new, very dated.
This is the reason why I don’t listen to media or publication, this album is a masterpiece and there treating it like it’s sonething average. Shout out to logic, you definitely have top 5 album of the year, easy.
Album is dope. 1st Time I’ve listen to any Logic. Take the album as a love letter to Hip Hop. A tribute to Tribe Wu Tang Nas / Az NWA Etc etc. I rate it Dope.
This comment here exactly.
If I wanna listen to Wu-Tang, Tribe, Nas, etc, then I’ll listen to them, not Logic’s corny ass.
You heard his one song, you heard all his albums. Same robotic flow and basically simple rhymes all the time. Overhyped
So this gets a better score than Drogas Wave lol really
Drogas wave way better, you tripping!
A terrible album. Dude bites everything period, all day. Total lame copycat culture vulture. Straight garbage. If you’ve heard one lame ass verse from this guy, you’ve heard it all. Embarrassing that so many cats are on this loser’s dick. They must be on the same psych meds that make people need to call suicide lines…
you probably listen to auto tuned rapper like travis with very little real talent..
Ooohhh, you sure told his ass. Fuck outta here!
Garbage. Just another album of logic talking about corny topics pandering towards white kids who use their moms credit cart to buy his music. If you like big words that are rhymed fast by an eminem knock off then this is for you. If you like originality or anything that progresses the culture than this is not for you.
Amazing, best album ever. Flow and beats (mashed by 6ix) absolute fire! YSIV is a GODLY album, much better than Bobby Tarantino 2
DOPE
Really Amazing
Best song on the album is where he got murdered by the entire Wu-Tang Clan. Suuuuuu!
Album was dope, not his best in my opinion but I did really enjoy it. Was really hyped to hear the Jack the Ripper verse on 100 miles and running though
back to back bops for logic w YSIV and BT2. great album. favorite song is ICONIC and a close second is 100 miles and running.
This is quite an improvement from Everybody. I like the way he sounds on this album, the story telling on Street Dreams II is impeccable. I really love this album, the beats are on point. The rhymes are amazing.
This might be the best album he’s dropped since under pressure. It’s very consistent top to bottom and had some great story telling. It’s a big improvement from Everbody.
Standout Tracks: The Glorious Five, Street Dreams II, 100 miles and running, ICONIC
Solid Project. With so much trap music out it’s nice for an album like this to come out. It’s something that was needed in hip hop at the moment.
This is probably Logics best album since underpressure. A big improvement from Everybody. This was consistent from top to bottom. This album is a vibe with great story telling. The Glorious Five, Street Dreams II, 100 miles and running, and ICONIC were standouts for me.
Its been his best project since The Incredible True Story actually.
My favorites are Ordinary Day, The Glorious Five, and well all of them lol
Logic’s J. Cole influence is far too strong on this project sounds like a stan on some songs but solid project probably his best project since Under Pressure.
This album isn’t a 4, it’s a 3-3.5 at best. The replay volume isn’t high, I do like his first album and Everybody album but this one gets a few listen and on to something new.
am I going crazy or am I the only one who sees how simplistic and bland this guy’s bars are? “Not even a contender, pretender, best surrender” what is this shit I can freestyle better than that and this is the wu you’re rapping with…
Then drop an album, ace. Where dat fire at?
solid effort by Logic, I enjoyed the latest offering
The album literally uses the same beat 5 times… This has bars but no substance besides a few tracks. 2/5 from me
2/5 from me.
This album uses the same beat 5 times in total. The album has bars, but no substance besides a few tracks.
STFU go listen to Lil pump or somethin
“OMG, he doesn’t like what I like. He must listen to Lil Pump.” Lame..
Now this is a TRUE hip hop/rap album. This a great body of work. It feels very structured and everything has a purpose. I’m actually surprised. Logic came with it. I would recommend checking it out if you haven’t.
Listened to it 3 times now end to end and each time I enjoyed it even more. Loved it
his best work
One of the best albums of the year
His best work
Worst rapper out.
Album if the year
Amazing Project. Boom Bap Resserection
One BAD Track, Otherwise HARD HITTING.
TOP 5 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ok but so overrated by his fanbois. I really don’t get it and I have tried.
so lame
Dude needs a Preemo beat already. I think, even though he’s technically skilled, he’ll never reach the people he wants to win over, because he’s essentially a try-hard. He tries too hard at rappitty rap bullshit, but it isn’t geniune. He can rap, but not from the heart. He studies hiphop, goes to the booth, and executes hiphop, but he’s not hiphop.
how can people suport logic s stupid ass ?
Lmao obviously you haven’t heard the album, and why you gotta hate?
He can rap, but hes gone way downhill since under pressure. idk why
great boom bap beats, great production, and good lyrical flow. Good ending to the young Sinatra series. looking forward to ultra85.
Best hip hop album I’ve heard in 2018 so far
crap
he can’t rap
definition of wack
dope
Front to back, dopest shit out in 2018
2018 AOTY