Logic - Young Sinatra

Up and coming rapper Logic dropped a mixtape last fall that ranks as probably my favorite mixtape of all time, and my favorite hip hop production of 2011. One of the first things I wanted to write about on this blog was music I was into and I've been meaning to say this for months now: Logic is the shit. I love Watch the Throne, it might be the most swagged out album of all time. I liked Take Care and Return of 4Eva but I haven't really gotten into them. Of any genre, the recording that I have listened to most in the last couple months is not by a big name and it wasn't sponsored by a multi-million dollar deal like J. Cole's or A$AP Rocky's. Logic's Young Sinatra mixtape blew my mind and if you're a fan of hip-hop, jump on this now.

Logic is a young kid out of Maryland, a.k.a. the stomping grounds of Mittens and Frat Boy Griff, who's been making music for a couple years and 2011 saw the release of his sophomore effort: Young Sinatra. From Track 1 to 22, it's much better put together than any mixtape (or album for that matter) I've heard in a long time, and his lyrical ability and creativity are off the charts. Young Sinatra samples the likes of Lykke Li, Jay-Z, and Queen Latifah even throwing in snippets of Stewie Griffin and Star Wars. Logic even borrows Nas and AZ's "Life's a Bitch," a song as old as he is. Don't let the idea of Stewie Griffin and Lykke Li on a rap album fool you, there's serious talent here and the great production manages to be diverse without sounding fragmented, giving the album a great flow start to finish.

Speaking of flow, this kid can rap. He's a true lyricist, quick-witted and clever, filling his verses with complex wordplay and clever punchlines. Young Sinatra presents Logic at his finest, rapping fast over fun, sample-heavy beats, setting his sights on the top. In a recent XXL interview Logic said: "to be honest and in no way am I trying to sound arrogant, I’m not going to be the next anyone. I am and will be known as the first Logic." I fully agree with him on this, and I expect Logic to blow up and keep his sound and his passion. He's dedicated, talented, refreshingly humble, and he's here to stay.

Best of the Best:
- "One" The tape starts off with a bang, sampling Frank Sinatra himself
- "Shine On'
- "All I Do" - catchy, head-bobbing song, complete with Gumby music video
- "Mind of Logic" - fucking banger, probably my favorite track on the mixtape
- "Young Sinatra II" (see III here, even better)
- "Let Me Go"

p.s. had to note: featured Phil Ade drops a great Len Bias reference on "Are You Ready." Respect

I'm going to see this guy at a free show in Alexandria, VA (near DC) April 14th, who's coming with me?