"Don't think too much man, just shut the fuck up and enjoy." These are last words Logic says when the intro track "Illuminatro" is played backwards. With this start, Logic tells you exactly what kind of trip Bobby Tarantino is going to take you on. That is, one of turning up, enjoying the moment, and not having to dig too deep to get the message, which is exactly how this tape will make you feel.
Since coming onto the Hip-Hop scene in 2009 Logic has had a cult like following of fans, and for good reason. Not only is he a genuine person, but the lyricist from Maryland has been putting out quality project after project. His last two albums Under Pressure and The Incredible True Story have added to this huge following due to their originality and critical acclaim. Thus far in his career Logic has always been one of diversifying his sound and being able to make music for everyone to enjoy. Some fans may be divided and not like certain sounds or directions he takes on a song, but one thing is always apparent, the lyricism is always there.
In a time where melodies and catchiness are at the forefront of the mainstream Hip-Hop world, there are still of course those that look for more substance in their music like hip-hop was during its golden age, and it's one that has been growing even more with artists like J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick etc.. Logic has always been one that's able to bring those two worlds together to make something special. Bobby Tarantino may seem to some as Logic starting to water down his music or take a step back. But, from the start of "Flexicution" to "Deeper Than Money" you can see this just is not the case.
One reason why this tape is so good is it adds substance lyrically to a sub genre of hip-hop that isn't known for it. The only other tape I can personally think of that compares to this album aesthetically is Drake's take on the genre on his platinum mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late, a project where Drake has more songs of trap and turn up beats but still delivering with aggressive, and at times, relaxed bars. This is in no way saying Logic is just trying to copy and do the same, he does his own take on it but it's still Logic from start to finish.
Some personal favorite lyrics from the project are "I feel like Indiana in Atlanta hotter than Havana , Coming with the stamina , Bitch put down your camera , And live in the moment," especially because of the flow while spitting this on the second verse of "Flexicution." Another song with some favorite bars are on "Super Mario World" when Logic starts the third verse with "Yeah, it's that Flexicution, I want retribution , Ya'll gone fuck around and make me wake up Lucian, And I don't think ya'll ready for the revolution , Boy your shit is pollution, Logic got the solution." These are not the only top lyrics in no way, shape, or form. The way Logic flows over these beats sounds so comfortable but not enough where he sounds like he's not challenging himself. He was really able to find a pocket on these beats the way artists like Kendrick or Big K.R.I.T. seem to be able to find on seemingly every track.
Bobby Tarantino may not be every Bobby Soxer's favorite, but they cannot deny that Logic still put out another great project to add to the collection. Since its surprise drop the album has been in heavy rotation with many people scrambling to hear the project, me included. The production, as with every Logic tape, seems to get better and better, with longtime friend and producer 6ix and Bobby himself handling the production on this short tape.
From the hard hitting "Wrist" with Pusha T(a well done and at the same time creative banger) to the "Rambo" by Bryson Tiller remake on "Slave II" these beats are not like anything Logic has rapped over on a project. And it definitely hits. The pop culture reference filled "Super Mario World" has Logic going over my personal favorite beat on the tape and really shows off his singing skills on the hook.
Logic's creativeness is prevalent as always with the song "Deeper Than Money" in which the first verse is Logic talking as someone whose only worries in life are money and success. It then goes to logic in the verses after telling us what he does everything for, the things that have given him such a huge following, he's not just in this for the money, he's here for the fans, for the music, and always for the culture of hip-hip.
A nice throwback to the Young Sinatra tapes appears with Logic reprising his role as the always funny Marty Randolph of Sell Out Records yet again trying to recruit Logic to his label, and again failing. This mixtape has everything a Logic fan would want. Incredible beats, great lyricism, and at the conclusion of listening, wanting nothing more than the next album he plans on dropping, hopefully with the song that he previews on "Studio Ambience At Night: Malibu."
The thing that makes this tape so good is the fact that surface level, it sounds more of a summer vibe turn up album, but when you really listen and immerse yourself, the substance is there. It's done so well that it makes the album even better. For those that want to turn up and jam out, you get the songs "Flexicution" and "The Jam." If you want to sit back and listen to Logic kick some flows with his always impressive wordplay you get "44 Bars" and "Slave" and "Slave II." As a long time fan and supporter of Hip-Hop I can without a doubt say that Logic has done it again. He's put out a project every year for six years, and Bobby Tarantino, as all those that came before it, shows Logics growth, his ability to consistently put out quality projects, and the projection of Logic, which only seems to keep going up.
Rating: 5/5.. It's Fire, Check it out.
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