Albums, Featured, Hip-Hop | Logic – Under Pressure [Album Reflections]
Posted by Grubeats on October 21, 2014
Where do I begin?
Exactly 1,163 days I received an email. That email just so happened to be my first official introduction to Maryland hip-hop artist, Logic. Described as a young, talented MC known for his lyrical prowess – I couldn’t have said it better myself – and fortunately for us, that’s still the same Logic we’re looking at today. Since that introduction, Logic has been my favorite artist, period. To call out a few – he’s genuine, personable, tenacious, confident, well spoken, and last but certainly not least, one BEAST of a rapper. Preaching “peace, love & positivity” since the very start, he’s one artist who has stayed true to his message, through and through. His story has undoubtably changed hundreds if not thousands of people’s lives for the better. The craziest part is, Under Pressure is still just the beginning.
When asked what “Under Pressure” means to him, Logic responded,
“For me, it’s the duality of who I am. Being Bobby and being Logic, being under pressure personally in all the things that I go through in my life. Just as a regular dude, ’cause outside of music, there’s people who look at me like I’m not shit. I’m just little Bobby, dealing with the pressures from my family, where I come from. All that. Also, being in the rap game and just being under pressure to sell whatever you gotta sell.” [via XXL]
He’s right though – he’s the debonair “Young Sinatra” on the street, then he steps into the booth and all previous conceptions vanish. He embodies some form of legendary lyrical machine. That to me is what separates Logic from much of his competition.
It’s clearly been a long time coming to deliver the album and as you’ll hear on “Growing Pains III”, he has recorded over 1,700 songs in the past 10 years, only 150+ of which have been released to date. Under Pressure is far from a grab bag of records. Carefully crafted, Logic and team have put countless hours into this album and I hope that after listening, you’ll recognize that. The 12 tracks (15 on the Deluxe version) collectively paint a bigger picture. As expected, the album is a very raw, personal look into Logic’s life, and more specifically his upbringing. From family struggles to personal and musical accomplishments, you’ll truly understand the person behind the mic after listening to this album.
As if I haven’t already giving you enough of a reason to go buy the album, legendary producer No I.D. blessed it with his executive production. I don’t mean to jump the gun, but typically anything he touches turns gold. Then platinum.
“Conversations with No I.D
Who made hits with Ye, got hits with Jay
Now he wanna fuck around and make hits with me
If it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be
Can’t express what that meant for me, what it mean to me
Man, I swear the shit like a dream to me, what it seemed to be” – Till The End [Track 12]
Last but not least, I want to once again give a shout out to the whole team at Visionary Music Group. Logic’s in house producer, 6ix stepped up and destroyed the production on half of the album. The rest of the team is too humble to take credit, but I thank you all for the work you’ve put in. VMG is a blueprint for organic growth, keep at it boys (& girls?).
Without further adieu I suggest you GO GRAB BOTH DIGITAL VERSIONS on iTUNES and take a trip to your local record shop (or Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc.) and clear out the shelves (if you can beat Henry to it)!!! 100k the first week!
Hip-Hop, Rap | Logic – Under Pressure
Posted by Grubeats on September 15, 2014
I’m lost for words. I’ve been playing this moment out in my head for years, forecasting scenarios and making predictions on Logic’s debut. “Is Logic ever going to let me buy a song? What will the first single sound like? Who’s going to produce it? What will it be called? When will the album drop?” …I could go on and on but I’ll spare you. I’ll continue to play out new scenarios in my head, but what is boils down to is this. LOGIC IS OFFICIALLY ON ITUNES AND HIS DEBUT ALBUM, UNDER PRESSURE, WILL HIT BOX STORE SHELVES & DIGITAL STORES ON 10/21!! Not only is his debut self titled single crack, but he produced it himself. Put your seat belts on kids, the ride has officially begun. #UnderPressure
Purchase on iTunes: Logic – Under Pressure [Prod. by Logic]
Indie, Pop, Videos | Jon Bellion – Carry Your Throne
Posted by Grubeats on September 11, 2014
Wait, this is all for a free album? F-R-E-E. Seriously though, Jon Bellion is making lazy artists on major labels look SILLY. He’s single handedly carving his niche in this industry and independently putting more work into one video than a lot of artists put into an entire project. Thought, creativity, collaboration, talent, a tenacious hunger to innovate, and an immaculate focus contribute to the art which was gifted to us today.
“The record was produced and recorded in an actual castle cathedral in France. Live orchestration and all,” Bellion tells Complex. “Me and award-winning country producer Chris DeStefano looked at each other after the final playback and just hysterically laughed for about an hour. We knew how progressive and incredible this shit was.” [via Complex]
If you thought “Simple and Sweet” was cinematic, you might lose your pants when you watch this. Sonically, I’m not sure there is any other artist in the business consistently delivering music of this caliber – mainstream or indie. Channeling a combination of his inner Wolverine and Kanye West, Bellion rocks his heart out for the girl of his dreams. No, I don’t think you understand, he’s going to war for this girl. The creative direction, the lighting, the angles, the scenery, the tone, the wolves – everything was on point. This marks the last release before Jon’s FREE album, The Definition, which drops on 9/23. I’m hoping all of you will accept my recommendation to add it to your library when it comes time.
Hip-Hop, Pop, Videos | Jon Bellion – Luxury ft. Audra Mae
Posted by Grubeats on September 2, 2014
Coming off his last abstract visual production, “Simple and Sweet”, Jon Bellion returns with a track which counters his first single, “Munny Right”. It brings me back to my middle school days when I would thrash on my trumpet. The sweet sound of brass…that hardly ever came out of my instrument, but that’s besides the point. Stringing together an anthem-esque production over slightly deeper, slightly raspy verses & the signature JB hook sound. The OKC folk singer (previously recognizable from Avicii’s “Addicted to You”), Audra Mae, lends her powerful vocal chords for four very heavy lines to complement Jon’s effort.
2moros Record Is A Response To MUNNY RIGHT…. BUT It's Also The Score To My First Animated Short Dropping Days After.
— Jon Bellion (@jonbellion) September 1, 2014
You can hear Jon battling Miss Luxury in his head. He continues to grow, but it’s a constant battle to keep his feet grounded and retain his roots. This marks the third single off The Definition due out 9/23 and will also be followed with a short animated film later this week (likely Thursday) entitled “Jon Bellion’s Luxury”.
“We’re not sad at all We know you have to leave and we’re not mad at all You’ll be back in town and we’ll play basketball And if you fall off track we’ll be your adderall We won’t let your soul drown in luxury”
Hip-Hop | QuESt – May 10, 2012 (Prod. by 6ix)
Posted by Grubeats on July 22, 2014
We told you months ago that Florida hip-hop artist, QuESt, would be next in line to receive “the VMG treatment”. Joining the established roster of Logic, Jon Bellion, & 6ix, QuESt brings another lengthy resume of musical intelligence as well as a trunk full of rhymes to Visionary Music Group’s concrete foundation.
John Q hasn’t been traveling on a paved road since day one. He’s been at this rap thing for years now but it wasn’t until he crossed paths with Visionary’s President, Chris Zarou, when his hopes and dreams of making a career out of music actually became a reality. “May 10, 2012” is an introduction into his life, his struggles, the drive to continue and the adversity he faced in his personal life that led him to this place. 6ix’s vibrant production led by brass instrumentals sets the tone for Q’s storyline, which in turn sets the stage for the full story…Searching Sylvan, the mixtape dropping 9.3.14. Catch him on social below and stay tuned as QuESt continues to unveil his compelling journey.
Hip-Hop | Logic – Now (Prod. By 6ix, Arthur McArthur & Swiff D)
Posted by Grubeats on April 8, 2014
Those who have been following Logic from the start know him, his outlook on music, and his demeanor. Confidence > Cockiness. A few noteworthy lines from previous songs…
“Never cocky I’m just confident the flow is prominent” – via “Ask ‘Em”
“You gotta realize, a lot of the time when I talk
And I’m talking extremely cocky, I’m not talking
About myself, I’m talking about the work.” – via “Numbers”
Since his last mixtape, Welcome to Forever, Young Sinatra has further developed his voice into a powerful, charismatic sound. With this, some fans may argue his music has changed. Changed? No. Developed? Yes. His versatility continues to improve and his fan base continues to grow. With that comes clingers (#RAPGAMEBARNACLES). Everyone and their mother wants a piece of the pie. Once-haters are suddenly starving for a taste. Logic’s newest release, “Now” addresses those naysayers and urchins with heavy production and a balance of swift and machine gun raps. This marks the first single off his newly announced Free EP, While You Wait, which will serve as an appetizer to his full length Def Jam debut.
Gotta give it to 6ix, Arthur McArthur, & Swiff D on this one. This production KICKS.
One more thing – Logic will be touring with Krewella & Radical Something in part of the Verge Campus tour starting this week AND he will also be crossing the country with labelmate QuESt and ©. Castro this summer.
Freestyle, Hip-Hop | 24 Freestyle – Logic ft. QuESt, Castro, & Jon Bellion (Prod. By 6ix)
Posted by Grubeats on January 27, 2014
Those of you who watched the Grammy’s last night likely have an opinion, one way or the other, on the Best Rap Album of 2013 award. I have endless amounts of respect for both K.Dot and Mack & RL. Both deserved multiple Grammy’s for their performance in 2013 and the fact that Kendrick came out with a donut is disappointing for hip-hop. You may ask how this is relevant to the new track VMG dropped today- valid question. Music has evolved over the years. There are more sub-genre’s in 2014 than ever before. Artists are experimenting with different sounds, fusing different genre’s, and new sub-genre’s are being born. The artists representing Visionary are a prime example of this.
Although these artists often experiment to create new sounds, you can’t help but love a raw, bar dropping freestyle cypher. Last week Logic celebrated his 24th birthday with a few friends. Those friends just so happened to be label mates Jon Bellion, QuESt, ©. Castro, & producer 6ix. The celebrating just so happened to take place in the studio. Do you think the rest of the game is scared yet?
Free Download: 24 Freestyle – Logic ft. QuESt, Castro, & Jon Bellion (Prod. By 6ix)
While we’re talking about Team VMG, take a few minutes to enjoy the additional goods below…