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3.5 out of 5 stars

Logic, Bobby Tarantino © Def Jam / Visionary Music GroupLogic has become one of the hottest rappers in the game. After numerous mixtapes and two albums, Logic returns with a surprise mixtape, ‘Bobby Tarantino.’

Logic has become one of the hottest rappers in the game. The 26-year old Maryland MC can flat out split.  After numerous mixtapes and two critically-acclaimed studio albums, Logic returns with a surprise mixtape, Bobby Tarantino.  It should be clarified that Bobby Tarantino is a mixtape and not Logic’s third studio album. The two singles released prior to Bobby Tarantino hinted that (1) Logic was aiming for more commercial endeavors or, (2) he was releasing a mixtape.

Bobby Tarantino isn’t nearly as polished as either studio album.  Furthermore, Bobby Tarantino falls short of Logic’s phenomenal Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever mixtape.  Even so, the 32-minute tape has worthwhile moments.  Those worthwhile moments are led singles “Flexicution” and “Wrist,” featuring Pusha T.

“Flexicution”

Beginning with the crème de la crème, “Flexicution” kicks off Bobby Tarantino following the “illuminatro.” As previously analyzed, Logic brags about accomplishments in the rap game.  While devoid of substance, that’s not the M.O. “Flexicution” is a crowd-pleasing, flex-fest.

“Wrist” possesses more substance, literally:

“Yeah I’ve been flickin’ that wrist / Yeah I’ve been cookin’ that shit, now they f*ckin’ with this…”

While the hook is still a flex-fest, the verses impart a story about hustling.  When breaking down the track, Logic explains its fictional, though based around a drug lord.  From Pusha T’s perspective, rapping about crack is second-nature.  As always, Pusha T nails it:

“Curry over Kobe, we shootin’ n*ggas / Splash brothers with the coca / add in baking soda / Goodfellas to my n*ggas.”

“The Jam”

While “Flexicution” and “Wrist” are the surefire winners, Bobby Tarantino has other noteworthy moments.  On “The Jam,” Logic touts his success, yet affirms being grounded (“Still me and my homies and we all the same”). On slick follow-up “Slave II,” Logic is happy to be a “slave to this.” Naturally, Logic references “the life” – fame.  The MC does an awesome job of providing his reasoning on the first verse, essentially a troubled past and life.

Penultimate track “Slave” serves as the sequel…or prequel. Notably, in “Slave,” Logic addresses being biracial:

“Living as a black man, in the skin of the white man / everybody wanna fight man, and I put it on my right hand…/ looking for the sun but the shade in my face / best in my field, I’m a slave to the race”

Interlude “A Word From Our Sponsor” is worth mentioning, giving the tape a hilarious moment.  Its prolonged, explicit overkill, but funny.  Later “Super Mario World” is intense, with continued braggadocio and references to video games. It doesn’t supplant “Under Pressure” or “Young Jesus,” but it’s a fascinating joint.  “44 Bars” comes closer to the Logic most are accustomed to, but still reiterates rather than innovates.  Closer “Deeper Than Money” deserves credit, given superb production work and Logic’s unique flow.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Bobby Tarantino is sound, not transcendent. As of late, more is expected of mixtapes given how many high-profile tapes are being released. Lyrically, more is expected of Logic, who isn’t quite stale nor fresh. Bobby Tarantino won’t wrangle in new fans, but should appease true fans until album three.

Gems: “Flexicution,” “The Jam,” “Wrist” & “Super Mario World”

Logic • Bobby Tarantino (Mixtape) • Def Jam / Visionary • Released: 7.1.16
Photo Credits: © Def Jam/ Visionary Music Group
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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