Logic - The Incredible True Story

Pitchfork 61

New artists face intimidating challenges after signing to major labels. For starters, creating a debut that not only sees the light of day, but is successful enough to warrant a follow-up. In certain cases, that first album is everything they’ve been waiting to say for years, but the second album is the bigger test, as it proves that the artist has something to say beyond the cathartic release of emotions heard on their debut effort. For instance, Logic’s 2014 debut, Under Pressure, was a detailed account of his chaotic Gaithersburg, Md. origin layered with his method of coping with stress while trying to escape the situation before it consumed him. It was honest and, on occasion, impressive. The announcement of his second collection, The Incredible True Story, generated questions about how Logic could follow something as intricate and personal as Under Pressure. Where could he go? The answer: outer space.

Under Pressure was evidence of Logic’s attention to specifics, which he remains committed to on The Incredible True Story. You may have noticed him often wearing a NASA flight jacket leading up the album’s release, similar to a movie director wearing a t-shirt or hat emblazoned with the name of his latest film. On The Incredible True Story, he assumes the role of screenwriter and director, claiming to have written a script for the album. It’s set 100 years in the future, as the two narrators, Thomas and Kai, search for a planet named Paradise following Earth’s destruction. (Thalia, who served as the Midnight Marauders-inspired virtual guide on Under Pressure, returns as the computer for the ship driven by the narrators. Thankfully, she’s still more Siri than HAL 9000.) During their journey, the duo revisit the past through Logic’s music.

Because Logic’s catalog serves as an artifact in the album’s narrative, the early placement of "Fade Away" is calculated. Over a dreamy sample reminiscent of a doo-wop song, Logic reflects on death’s inevitability: everyone dies eventually, so strive to create something that lives on after you. "Upgrade" maintains the futuristic theme (The Fifth Element allusions and all) as Logic explains how success has altered both his day-to-day existence and his perspective.

Despite being set in the future, the album takes time to dip into the past. On "Young Jesus", Logic and guest Big Lenbo trade verses over producer 6ix’s recreation of '90s hip-hop ambiance. Its highest points come on the second and third verses, where Logic hands the song off to Big Lenbo like they’re performing live and sharing a mic. Logic’s introspective thoughts match the mellow calm of "Innermission", as he longs for the ability to revisit certain moments just to dwell in them again. It’s a moment of clarity most folks arrive at as they get older: you’ll never be present in your memories again.

This is another constant theme on The Incredible True Story—Logic’s evolution under the spotlight. "City of Stars" finds him at his most sincere. Once Logic’s harmonizing breaks, his and 6ix's production becomes more aggressive as Logic unloads his frustrations with hip-hop, including the fixation on the biracial MC’s appearance. "I didn’t talk about my race on the whole first album/ But black versus white bullshit was still the outcome," he rhymes, clearly exasperated. He then takes aim at critics, amateur and professional, who chide Drake for harping on "money and bitches" yet praise 2Pac for doing the same. Logic is at his best when getting shit off his chest, but even in the midst of these brazen admissions, there are still missteps.

From its off-kilter drag to his deployment of boast-riddled yells in the place of bars, "I Am the Greatest" reeks of Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Recycled flows and rhyme schemes are common in this era of hip-hop, but there’s a fine line between homage and imitation. Furthermore, while Logic has proven himself to be a talented MC who respects hip-hop culture and puts obvious effort into his work, there’s very little on The Incredible True Story that's worth constant replays. The music is enjoyable and Logic’s ambition is evident, but the final product just doesn’t attach itself to the memory.

The Incredible True Story is a pleasant voyage to Paradise orchestrated by an artist who’s earned the approval of legends from Rick Rubin to Big Daddy Kane. Logic has the tools to create music that has longevity, but has yet to unlock the characteristics that truly set him apart. If he’s able to tap into that, his subsequent releases will have the impact he aspires for.