On May 5th, 2017, Logic released his third studio album, Everybody, set to debut high on the billboard charts. I was very excited for this release.
In the weeks leading up, the album cover was debuted, and that itself made me satisfied with the album. Sam Spratt, the artist, created the work with so much intricacy that Paolo Veronese would be smiling from the heavens. (Paolo Veronese created The Wedding At Cana, which is the gigantic work of art that Sam Spratt took his inspiration from).
Everybody pulls me one way, and then the other. It is a 70-minute-long album including topics such as race, domestic violence, happiness, mental health, acceptance, and much more, while featuring Alessia Cara, Khalid, Killer Mike, Black Thought, Chuck D, and J. Cole, whose appearance is uncredited in the specific song, perhaps to give it more depth and surprise. Logic is known for creating a conceptual storyline, so to no disappointment, he included just that, with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson portrayed as God, which is pretty spectacular for Tyson fans. I feel as if the storyline didn’t deliver as well as The Incredible True Story. The adventures of Kai and Thomas in Logic’s second studio album are so intertwined with the music that it’s almost impossible for me to listen without following the sequence. Although I love the appearance of Neil deGrasse Tyson and the interactions between him and Atom, the storyline didn’t pack the punch for me the way Logic’s previous work. However, the dialogue will leave you thinking about it afterwards.
I think Everybody is an important work that portrays an important message, but I also am slightly overwhelmed with the repetition. The album starts with a promising intro titled “Hallelujah,” which definitely makes the listener excited for what’s to come. We then take a journey through multiple topics. “Everybody” comes next. It’s the song Logic wanted his audience to hear first, and it’s the introduction to Logic’s most discussed topic on this album: his race. Logic deserves to rap about the fact that he struggled growing up being biracial, and how that still affects him as a young adult. I think he has every right to talk about that; the problem is when it is repeated multiple times through the album, as if he is trying to drill it into our heads. That is the only issue I have with this album: the repetition of ideas. One beautiful song is much more effective in my opinion, so when it comes to rapping about his identity and struggles, “Everybody” (the song, not the album) is on top. He could have cut down the album in numerous sections and we would have still heard him loud and clear, and my appreciation for him being open about himself would not have been any less.
“Confess” is an incredible track. The gospel vibes ring throughout this whole album, but the twist that is put on the beat and instrumentals in this song is one to remember. It ends with dialogue from Killer Mike; a chillingly powerful plea to God that can resonate with millions of people in this day and age. “Killing Spree” sheds light on the social media craze, and how there is a stark difference between real life and the life we live through our phones. “America” brings us back to 1989 where Public Enemy was voicing “fight the power” to the masses. Logic introduces Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo, and No I.D. on this track. “1-800-273-8255” is a beautifully orchestrated piece that describes the struggles of depression and suicide, something Logic wasn’t prepared to write about, but executed elegantly regardless. Alessia Cara and Khalid support him through this emotional track.
Other songs, including “Black Spider Man” and “AfricAryaN” pack just as much punch as the songs I previously described. Overall, I believe Logic came through with this album. I think he stayed true to his fans and didn’t fall down the infamous path of going mainstream with his sound. He didn’t stay in his comfort zone, considering the sound is vastly different than what he has ever done before. The sequencing and arrangement of the tracks and his priorities of what to discuss could be edited a bit more, but overall, the message is important, the album is important, and Logic is happier than ever for this accomplishment; being a fan of his, I am happy for him. He did this for the fans and although it was mentioned that he may be planning the end of his career here soon, I am eager and hopeful that he will continue making music for years to come.
