Grammy-nominated rapper Logic continues to flaunt his electrifying flow and unshakable confidence on his follow-up single to “One Day,” “The Return.”

Logic has ‘returned.’  That’s right, the Gaithersburg, Maryland rapper drops his second post-Bobby Tarantino II single, “The Return,” which follows “One Day” featuring Ryan Tedder.  The results are positive all in all. “The Return” commences with an old school sample at the beginning. As always, he impresses with his flow, his best attribute as a rapper in my humble opinion.  The beat supporting him, produced by frequent collaborator 6ix, is well-suited for this record. Perhaps it doesn’t wow per se, but it has an old-school sensibility and features a balanced sound (drum programming, synths, sample, piano).

From the start of the first verse, Logic is confident to the nth degree – “B*tch, I’m here to win it now / L-O-G-I-C, I’m feeling free, I’m finna bring it now / If you know the words take a step back and sing it now.” There’s more cockiness, as he asserts, “…Ain’t nobody built himself a brand like me / I ain’t signed a shoe deal ‘cause I’m waitin’ for Nike.” Following the first verse, he drops an ultra-repetitive hook.  It’s nothing profound, but works perfectly.

“I get up, when I’m down / Had enough, almost drowned, when shit rough / I get tough and when I’m beaten to the ground / I get up, I get up…”

On the second verse, Logic remains tough, unapologetic – “Never address me as ‘Robert’ unless it’s about that dinero / Far from a hero, I ain’t never savin’ hoes.” Perhaps that’s shallow, but he goes onto say that money doesn’t matter, “‘Cause in the end we all six feet deep.” The most eyebrow-raising lyric finds the rapper channeling his socially-conscious side:

“Not made to feel bad for speakin’ ‘bout this shit on my mind / Or called a f****t or a n***er or cracker who wish he was blacker / I wish I could face my homophobic, racist attacker and smack the / Shit outta they ass as peaceful as possible / It’s highly improbable, it’s stoppable…”

There’s also a third verse.  Here, he references Trump, disses mumble rap, mentions Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M,” rap beef, status, and notably, how he wants Jay-Z on a track with him.

Final Thoughts 

As always, there’s lots to take in with a Logic record given the speed of his flow.  He definitely has his moments here, but let’s not rush to call “The Return” the second coming. All in all, it’s enjoyable and fitting for the rapper.

Logic • The Return – Single • Def Jam • Release: 8.24.18

Photo Credit: Def Jam