Logic: Everybody

Everybody is the third studio album from Maryland rapper Logic. Released May 5^th it loosely revolves around a meeting with God (voiced by popular scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson). The album packs the same high-minded introspection and affinity for cinematics that Logic is well known for. This time however, he appears at his most comfortable. It’s back to basics on this one, but with a fresh new take.

The concept for Everybody is deeply rooted in race, something Logic has always had an interesting perspective on. Anyone who has ever heard a Logic album is no doubt aware of his biracial identity. Some of his most moving tracks since the mixtapes have been about growing up with a racist white mother and absent black father. What’s new is the way Everybody approaches the subject with unapologetic ferocity.

The listener first gets a glimpse of this on “Confess”. Although Logic focuses his rhymes on personal sins Atlanta rapper Killer Mike gives an emphatic prayer about the pain of being black in America. It’s a combination of the album’s major themes: race, religion, and equality. “Take It Back” highlights a vulnerable Logic recounting his childhood and pleading with oppressors, “You can believe you’re superior, fine, just stop killing each other”. It’s a powerful moment that comes at the end of honest spoken word.

In fact, it is impossible for the listener to escape the moral of each song on the record. For that reason Everybody can come across as pretentious or grandiose. Interwoven with Logic’s personal story is Adam’s meeting with God, told through long interlude tracks and an outro to the last song. The purpose of the narrative is to elevate Logic’s principles of peace, love, and positivity. In their defense the interludes are very well scripted and performed, harkening back to classic Marty Randolph skits of old mixtapes. However, it feels like Logic was torn between telling two stories and never settled on one. Logic’s personal monologues don’t seem to inform the meeting of Adam and God or vice versa.

It’s a shame because the strength of this album comes from Logic’s return to personal honesty. The beats and production are flawless thanks to the work of Def Jam Records, No I.D., as well as guest producers, and Logic himself. Adam’s realization about identity at the end is an important message for the turmoil of today. All the while Logic delivers a feel-good that makes Everybody one of his best works yet.