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Logic (rapper)

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This article is about the musician. For the systematic study of arguments, see Logic. For other uses, see Logic (disambiguation).

Logic
Logic at the Verge Campus Tour in 2014
Born
Sir Robert Bryson Hall II

(1990-01-22) January 22, 1990 (age 34)
Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2010–present
Spouse
Jessica Andrea
​
(m. 2015)​
Musical career
GenresHip hop
Instruments
Labels
Websitemindoflogic.com

Sir Robert Bryson Hall II[2][3] (born January 22, 1990), known by his stage name Logic, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Logic expressed an interest in music as a teenager, and ventured into a musical career in early 2009, releasing a mixtape titled Young, Broke & Infamous in 2010. He would then sign with Visionary Music Group, before releasing two more mixtapes over two years.

His fourth mixtape, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever (2013), was released to critical acclaim, and allowed Logic to secure a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings. He later released his debut studio album Under Pressure in October 2014, which debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200, eventually becoming certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and having sold more than 171,000 copies.

Logic's second studio album The Incredible True Story was released in November 2015, receiving mostly positive reviews from critics. Also certified gold in the US, it was later confirmed to have sold over 185,000 copies in the country. Logic soon released Bobby Tarantino in 2016. It is his fifth mixtape and the first since Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever. Logic released his third studio album Everybody in 2017.

Life and career

1990–2005: Early life

Sir Robert Bryson Hall II was born on January 22, 1990, in Gaithersburg, Maryland to Robert Bryson Hall, an African-American Maryland native, and a Caucasian mother. Logic spent much of his youth in the West Deer Park neighborhood of the city, where 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line, including 40.2% of those under age 18.[4] Both of Logic's parents suffered from cocaine addiction and alcoholism.[5] Despite his father initially being absent in his childhood, Logic was able to reconnect with Hall due to his burgeoning rap career. During his early adolescent years, Logic witnessed his brothers produce and distribute crack cocaine to "addicts all over the block,"[6] as well as seeing his siblings sell the drugs to his father. Logic maintains that he accurately knows how to manufacture and produce crack cocaine following these experiences.[7] He attended neighboring Gaithersburg High School. However, he did not graduate and was soon expelled after he began skipping classes in the 10th grade. Logic would comment on the expulsion, stating "I started doing badly and failed every class but English, so they kicked me out of school, they gave up on me." [8]

2005–12: Early career and various mixtapes

At the age of 13, Logic met Solomon Taylor, who would soon become his mentor. Logic first became interested in rap and hip hop after watching the movie Kill Bill: Volume 1, directed by Quentin Tarantino, that same year. The film's score was completed by RZA, a member of the rap group Wu-Tang Clan.[9] Following this, Logic began listening to the group, and soon expressed a deep affection for hip hop. Logic bought The Roots album Do You Want More?!!!??!, later that year,[10] which prompted Taylor to bring Logic a large number of CDs containing instrumental beats, for him to write lyrics over.[11] In 2009, Logic performed under the stage name "Psychological" with Logic describing the name as "one name that really stuck [with me]. I just loved this word because it was about the mind and I knew that's what I wanted my music to consist of; something that really challenges the mind."[12] He released an unofficial mixtape titled Psychological – Logic: The Mixtape under his original stage name. The mixtape allowed Logic to serve as the opening act for artists like Pitbull, EPMD, Method Man, Redman, and Ludacris at various shows all over Maryland. Soon after, he shortened the "Psychological" moniker to "Logic."[12]

Following these introductory experiences, Logic released his first official mixtape, Young, Broke & Infamous, on December 15, 2010. The mixtape was well received by critics and was the genesis for Logic to establish an early following. Chris Zarou, the president of Visionary Music Group, heard the mixtape and signed Logic to the independent label. Upon signing, Logic stated in an interview, "Visionary Music Group is like Roc-A-Fella. Damon Dash, that's like Chris Zarou of Visionary Music Group, I like to see myself as a Jay. In no way am I arrogant or cocky, I have to see it in order to do it. They did it independent and when they signed with a major, they did it the way that they wanted to do it."[13] The mixtape was then confirmed to have been downloaded over 250,000 times on online mixtape sharing platform DatPiff. Soon after, Logic released his second mixtape, Young Sinatra, in 2011. It serves as the first installment in the Young Sinatra chronology, and the mixtape received critical acclaim from various publications, including XXL.[10] The music video for "All I Do", released on YouTube, gained over a million views in the week following its release.

After the success of his previous two projects, Logic released his third mixtape Young Sinatra: Undeniable on April 30, 2012.[14] The mixtape is notable for Logic addressing various personal topics, including his future, his father's drug use, his expulsion from school as mentioned earlier, and his mother getting stabbed.[15] Speaking about the mixtape, Logic said, "Fans tend to think that if you fall in love with an artist because he makes this kind of sound [but if he gets] bigger and he grows and [his sound changes, people also think he changes]. But with me, I created all types of sounds from the get go, so you can never say I'm changing."[14] He commented on the musical aspects of the mixtape, stating, "There's stuff on there for the motherfuckers that don't pay attention to lyrics and just want to have fun, but every line is constructed with such depth that the real lyricists and nitpickers have something to listen to."[10] After the release of Young Sinatra: Undeniable, Logic completed his first national headlining tour, the Visionary Music Group Tour, alongside then-label-mate Tayyib Ali.

2012–13: Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever and recording contract

In early 2013, Logic was again featured in an edition of XXL, being included as a part of the publication's annual "Top 10 Freshmen List", alongside artists Trinidad James, Dizzy Wright, Action Bronson, Joey Badass, Angel Haze, Ab-Soul, Chief Keef, Kirko Bangz, and Schoolboy Q.[16] Logic soon after completed his first European tour in March 2013, and soon confirmed his fourth mixtape, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever,[17] would be released on May 7.[18] He then also announced his second headlining national tour, the two-month-long Welcome to Forever Tour, to promote the project.[19][20] When released, the mixtape would serve to be another critical success for Logic, with fans and critics alike praising the project, calling it a "free album," as well as noting the rapper's rapid growth and adaptability. The mixtape received over 700,000 downloads on DatPiff.[21]

On April 15, it was announced that Logic had signed with Def Jam Recordings, with esteemed Def Jam producer No I.D. serving as the executive producer of his debut album.[22] Logic released a public statement about the signing, stating, "I'm excited to take this next step in my career. It's incredible for Def Jam [Records] and Visionary Music Group to work together, and the opportunity to collaborate [with No I.D.] is priceless. I'm very humbled to be a part of the most iconic hip hop label of all time."[23] Logic would then go on to tour with Kid Cudi, fellow Def Jam signee Big Sean, and Tyler, the Creator on "The Cud Life Tour 2013", throughout the fall of the year.[24]

2013–14: Under Pressure

Main article: Under Pressure (album)

On November 5, Logic revealed that No I.D., former GOOD Music producer Hit-Boy, RattPack member 6ix, and C-Sick would be providing production on his debut record, with No I.D. and 6ix serving as executive producers for the album.[25] On January 27, 2014, Visionary Music Group released the song, "24 Freestyle." The song was released in celebration of Logic's birthday and serves as the first noted collaboration between all VMG artists.[26] On February 11, Logic had announced that he would be touring alongside EDM band Krewella on the 2014 Verge Campus Spring Tour.[27]

On April 8, Logic released "Now," originally scheduled to be featured on his upcoming free EP titled While You Wait. Logic then soon embarked on the month-long While You Wait Tour alongside fellow Visionary Music Group member, QuESt.[28][29] On April 22, he released "Alright," the third and penultimate song from the While You Wait project, and features Big Sean.[30] Logic then concluded the four-track project, releasing "Finding Forever" on May 7.[31]

In summer 2014, Logic announced that no featured artists would appear on his debut album, making it "personal [to Logic] and focused on only me."[32] On August 27, Logic released "Driving Ms. Daisy," featuring Childish Gambino. September brought the announcements of his album title and release date, October 21.[33] The title track, serving as the album's primary single, was released on September 15.[34] On October 14, Logic released the second single titled "Buried Alive," which was the final single to be released as promotion for the album.[35] On October 21, Logic released Under Pressure, selling over 70,000 copies in its first week after debuting at #2 on the Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Chart.[36]

On November 12, Logic made his network television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by performing "I'm Gone" alongside The Roots, 6ix, and DJ Rhetorik.[37]

2015: The Incredible True Story

Main article: The Incredible True Story

On September 8, Logic released the trailer for his upcoming sophomore album, announcing that the album will be released in the fall of 2015 and is considered a "motion picture sci-fi epic," due to the story told throughout the album. The story, which takes places 100 years into the future, begins with Earth being uninhabitable due to severe human intervention. The primary characters begin traveling to a new planet called "Paradise," and as they travel, they play The Incredible True Story.[38] It features Logic, Steven Blum (as Thomas), Kevin Randolph (as Kai), and Anna Elyse Palchikoff (as Thalia) as main characters, and the cast took part in a panel discussion to promote and talk about the album at New York Comic Con.[39] Logic, Blum, Randolph, and 6ix returned to New York Comic Con in 2016 to discuss "life after The Incredible True Story."[40]

On September 22, 2015, Logic released "Young Jesus," the first single from the album, featuring longtime friend Big Lenbo. "Like Woah" and "Fade Away," the second and third singles from the album, were released on October 14 and November 5, respectively.[41][42] Just over a week later, The Incredible True Story released on November 13, 2015, surpassing his debut album on the Billboard 200, debuting at #3, with a combined first-week sales of 135,000. The album also topped the Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Chart. It was also the second Logic commercial release to gain widespread critical acclaim.[43] Logic soon announced The Incredible World Tour, taking place in spring 2016.[44] Soon after the conclusion of The Incredible World Tour, it was revealed that Logic and rapper G-Eazy would be co-headlining The Endless Summer Tour, a nationwide tour, together in summer 2016. Rappers YG and Yo Gotti would be the supporting acts.[45] Two weeks ahead of the start of the tour, Logic released "Flexicution," a song that he teased on social media for months and was highly anticipated by his fans. It also features Jessica Andrea on the latter end of the song, where she provides backing vocals.[46]

2016–present: Bobby Tarantino and Everybody

Main articles: Bobby Tarantino and Everybody (Logic album)

On July 1, 2016, Logic released a mixtape titled Bobby Tarantino.[47] It is Logic's fifth mixtape, and his first since 2013's Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever and was released unexpectedly via Logic's Twitter account. The mixtape includes singles "Flexicution" (which became his first solo Billboard Hot 100 charting single) and Wrist featuring Pusha T, with the production being handled mainly by Logic and 6ix. On October 3, 2016, Logic revealed the original title of his third studio album to be AfricAryaN, stating that "It's about me being black and white, and seeing life from two sides. [It's about] the cultural evolution and how you can go from the darkest of skin to the lightest of skin […] At the end of the fucking day, we all have so many different ethnicities in our blood, no matter how pure we think we are."[48] On March 29, 2017, Logic revealed the new title of his album called Everybody.[49] The news of his third album was shared and revealed publicly on Logic's Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube account in the form of videos revealing the official album cover designed and painted by Sam Spratt and directed by Andy Hines. The album was released on May 5, 2017. In an interview with Genius, Logic said that his fourth album is likely to be his final one. [50][51][52] [53]

Personal life

To properly delve into music as a full-time occupation, Logic terminated a five-year romantic relationship in 2009. He had then stated, "You can put your everything into a relationship, but that doesn't mean you're going to get back what you give. When I created my first mix tape, I realized everything I put in my music — the hours, the lyricism, the time, the grind, pain, sweat, blood, tears — I get it back. I see it."[54] He further commented, saying "The thing is, I feel like so many artists, well, not really artists but so many people think they can rap and they just want a deal and the glitz and the glamour and the women but they don't understand that all I do and want to do is rhyme... I think I've sacrificed so much from my relationships to my friendships to my family; I've literally sacrificed my entire life, and I'm honest."[10] In October 2015, Logic married Jessica Andrea, a singer and Logic's then girlfriend of two years.[55]

Logic has referred to himself as a huge pothead when he was growing up. He has said, "I don’t drink; I don’t smoke weed. I used to smoke; I used to be a pretty big pothead when I was younger, but I don’t smoke. I might have an occasional glass of champagne." Logic, however, had a serious cigarette addiction, dedicating the song, "Nikki", from Under Pressure to talk about the subject. He talks about smoking since he was 13 and that when giving up marijuana and alcohol, he could not muster the courage to give up cigarettes. He, however, pledged not to smoke another cigarette concluding the release of Under Pressure.[6]

Logic also has a YouTube channel where he posts videos about all of his favorite video games like The Last of Us, the Uncharted series, and the Grand Theft Auto games.[56]

Artistry

Despite being a hip-hop artist, Logic cites Frank Sinatra as his main inspiration. Sinatra's influence can be seen with many of Logic's persona, with Logic having the "RattPack" (a play on Sinatra's "Rat Pack" and an acronym for "Real All The Time"). The group of friends consists of Logic's manager Chris, producer 6ix, and friend Big Lenbo. He also describes his female fans as BobbySoxers, as well as referring to himself as "Young Sinatra."[57] As a child, his mother made him watch old black and white movies, which formed his love for the singer. Logic cites Sinatra as instrumental to him being able to carry and articulate himself the way he does, with Logic describing him as an individual who "showcased peace, love, grace, positivity, honor, and valor."[13][14]

Logic has said that various forms of entertainment across many platforms have influenced him, including A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Red Hot Chili Peppers, J. Cole, Drake and films by Quentin Tarantino.[6][58][59] When talking about music in an interview conducted in late 2013, Logic stated, "I love all subgenres within hip-hop and all genres of music, and I think that's what allows me to make the music that I do, because of my appreciation for the music."[14]

Discography

Main article: Logic discography

Studio albums

References

  1. ^ "Logic Announces "Elysium" Label". Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  2. ^ Case, Wesley (June 21, 2013). "Logic: From Gaithersburg to Def Jam and Hollywood". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  3. ^ "Sir" is part of his name, not an honorific title. Source: "My Father". Retrieved July 4, 2014. my Mother threw a "Sir" in the beginning Official website Edit this at Wikidata.
  4. ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. ^ Fleischer, Adam (July–August 2012). "Show & Prove: Logic". XXL Magazine. 16 (5): 38.
  6. ^ a b c Nguyen, Michael. (May 17, 2013) Logic Details Aligning With No I.D. & Def Jam While Maintaining His Lyrical Approach | Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop. HipHop DX. Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
  7. ^ Calloway, Sway. "Logic Tells His Story, Looking White, Using the N-Word, & 1st Album Being Strictly for Hip-Hop Heads". YouTube. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  8. ^ Smith, Greer (May 25, 2012). "Montgomery County rapper rises to fame". The Churchill Observer.
  9. ^ Victorious, Dro. "Logic Interview". YouTube. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d DelaCuesta, JP (February 9, 2012). "Logic: Enter the Mind of the Maryland Spitter". All Hip Hop.
  11. ^ "Logic Interview with Gowhere Hip Hop". Youtube. August 1, 2012.
  12. ^ a b "RealTalkDMV Presents: Logic – The Genesis". YouTube. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  13. ^ a b Larew, Tim (April 30, 2012). "The Fresh Heir x Decriminals present… An Exclusive Interview with Logic". The Fresh Heir.
  14. ^ a b c d Grube, Dan (May 1, 2012). "Logic – Young Sinatra: Undeniable [Exclusive Interview]". Fresh New Tracks.
  15. ^ Moore, Marcus J. (May 15, 2012). "Download: Logic's Young Sinatra: Undeniable". Washington City Paper. Retrieved September 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed". XXL. March 27, 2013.
  17. ^ "Logic announces title of fourth mixtape". Twitter. Logic. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  18. ^ "Logic announces Welcome To Forever release date". Twitter. Retrieved May 4, 2013.
  19. ^ Logic Announces "Welcome To Forever" Tour Dates – XXL. Xxlmag.com (April 16, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
  20. ^ Guarino, Nick (March 26, 2013). "Visionary Music Group Presents: Logic -Welcome to Forever Tour Powered By Thissongissick.com : 32 Date Nationwide Tour [TSIS PREMIERE]". This Song Is Sick.
  21. ^ Logic – Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever Hosted by Visionary Music Group // Free Mixtape @. Datpiff.com. Retrieved on August 12, 2013.
  22. ^ Paine, Jake (April 15, 2013). "Logic Signs To Def Jam Records, No I.D. To Executive Produce Debut Album". Hip Hop DX.
  23. ^ Rapper Logic Signs to Def Jam. Complex (April 15, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
  24. ^ Kid Cudi Announces ‘The Cudy Life Tour’ with Big Sean, Tyler, The Creator & Logic (Updated). MissInfo.tv (July 15, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
  25. ^ Logic Grabs Hit-Boy, No I.D. For Debut Album – XXL. xxlmag.com. Retrieved on 2015-12-06.
  26. ^ Llamoca, Janice. "QuESt, Castro, Jon Bellion & Logic "24"". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  27. ^ Spira, Daniel. "Krewella to Headling Verge Campus College Tour This Spring". YourEDM. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  28. ^ Ortiz, Edwin. "Logic "Now"". Complex. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  29. ^ Guarino, Nick. "[PREMIERE] Logic Releases New Song "While You Wait" + Tour On Sale". This Song is Sick. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  30. ^ Frydenlund, Zach. "Premiere: Logic "Alright" f/ Big Sean". Complex. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  31. ^ Guarino, Nick. "[PREMIERE] Logic – Finding Forever (Prod. By 6ix)". ThisSongIsSick. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  32. ^ Smith, Trevor. "Logic May Scrap "While You Wait" EP, Will Have No Features On Debut Album". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  33. ^ Amaya, David. "Logic to Release "Under Pressure" on October 21, Highly Anticipated Debut Album on Def Jam Recordings/VMG". Def Jam. Def Jam. Retrieved September 15, 2014.[dead link‍]
  34. ^ Frydenlund, Zack. "Listen to Logic's "Under Pressure"". Complex. Complex. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  35. ^ Jules, Marvin. "Logic "Buried Alive"". XXL. XXL. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  36. ^ Gatti, Walker. "Logic First Week Sales Projections".
  37. ^ Gatti, Walker. "Logic – I'm Gone (Live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)". Free On Smash. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  38. ^ C.M., Emmanuel. "Three Things You Need to Know About Logic's New Album Read More: 3 Things To Know About Logic's New Album". XXL. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  39. ^ "Mind of Logic, Video: The Incredible True Story". Mindoflogic.com. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
  40. ^ "Logic and Steve Blum Discuss The Incredible True Story - Where Music and Anime Intersect Part II". New York Comic Con. New York Comic Con. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  41. ^ Frydenlund, Zach. "Listen to Logic's Latest Single "Like Woah"". Complex. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  42. ^ Frydenlund, Zach. "Check Out Logic's New Song, "Fade Away"". Complex. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  43. ^ Mendizabal, Amaya. "Logic's 'Incredible True Story' Crowns Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  44. ^ Lilah, Rose. "Logic Announces "The Incredible True Story" World Tour". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  45. ^ Schwartz, Danny. "G-Eazy, Logic, YG, & Yo Gotti Announce "Endless Summer" Tour". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  46. ^ Goddard, Kevin. "Logic - Flexicution [New Song]". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  47. ^ "ℒσgic♫ アキラ on Twitter". Twitter. July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016. This mixtape is for my fans. I wanted to give u something for the Summer. Thank you for always supporting me. Enjoy.
  48. ^ "Logic Explains "AfricAryaN" Album Title".
  49. ^ "Logic Announces New Album Everybody, No Longer Titled Africaryan". Pitchfork. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  50. ^ "Rap Larry David on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  51. ^ "Instagram post by @logic301 • Mar 29, 2017 at 7:21pm UTC". Instagram. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  52. ^ Logic (March 29, 2017), Logic reveals NEW ALBUM COVER and RELEASE DATE, retrieved March 30, 2017
  53. ^ Is Logic's Next Album His Last?
  54. ^ Fleischer, Adam (July–August 2012). "Logic". XXL Magazine.
  55. ^ "Logic: 'Do Something For Yourself'". NPR. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  56. ^ Yoh. "Logic Just Launched a Gaming Channel, This Is Why It's A Big Deal". djbooth.net. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  57. ^ "HandsDownMusic Exclusive: Interview with Logic". Hands Down Music. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  58. ^ "The Break Presents: Logic". XXL Mag. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  59. ^ Logic (Rapper) – XXL Freshman 2013. Xxlmag.com (September 30, 2012). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
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