A balanced production on “Ultra 85” with a ton of records that reminds us of what Logic is amazing at. But it also displays an array of sounds, from electronic, boom bap, and even trap-Ish. He doesn't slack lyrically and is full of presence when rhyming. The flows stand out on every track as well. Despite it being a longer project with a track listing of 22 tracks that continues to peak as you get deeper and deeper into the album. Honest rhymes, transparency, confidence, humor, and a ton of passion throughout “Ultra 85.”
Although he’s stepped into some new roles in his life, he’s still a top-tier lyricist. The skits add an extra bit of humor and introspection leading into records, with the theme of galactic travel. With tongue-twisting rhymes, clarity is still present in the delivery. A line that perfectly encapsulates this energy is “My rhyming doesn't ever deplete," from the song “44Ever.” Altogether this is a beautiful piece of art and versatility displayed by Logic.
With the track “Paul Rodriguez”, the intro comes in with an interesting choice of a sample with a LoFi sound. The rhymes presented don't fail the beat either. Cadence and delivery are superb but have an unscripted feel as if it could possibly be a freestyle, which wouldn't be hard to believe if it was. Lines stating what Hip-Hop legends he admires and his perspectives on what brings happiness as a top-tier artist. Keeping the sound of conscious Hip-hop alive. “This ain't about the money and the fame, it's about the flow.” “Paul Rodrigues” is full of quotables and classic lyrics representing the creativity of lyricism Hip-Hop has. The record ends with an amazing chopped and screwed sample of Paul Wall playing on some banging drums.
“Mission Control” starts out with a Gucci Mane flip of “Lemonade,” which might be unexpected, but it drops into some intense rhyming. The chorus has a slightly gritty feel with flips of the lyrics from “Lemonade”, certainly a classic within itself. A short record, but a very good one.
“Deja Vu” has a bizarre twist in the production but a truly refreshing sound. He shows he’s able to rhyme and flow on the beat which sounds crisp and almost effortless to deliver his presence. Vocals from DJ Drama come in to add a slight humor. The track breaks down into a smooth Jazz-like style of production towards the end.
“Glorious Ultra Panavision (Skit)" leads perfectly into the next record. The skits are funny and add depth and suspense as well as a little story throughout the album.
“Fears” is the next track. The production sounds like an electric dance-style track. The vocals perfectly fit the style and complement his rhyming well. After the verse, it goes into a harmonic singing with melodies drawing the listeners into a trance. An excellent mix of Hip-Hop and dance.
“Favela” is one of the standouts from the album. Production has a classic boom-bap Hip-Hop sound with accenting keys. The keys and strings add depth to the record. Precise lyrics and a sharp flow with an emphasis on confidence, allow him to seem orbits above other emcees lyrically. Lyrics of him paying homage to his journey and Hip-Hop legends. The sample plays out at the end of the track. Beautiful production and elevating flows. “Black proud and louder than decibels.”
“Gardens III” is a funky track with an enticing vocal placement. This record has a unique feel and sound but displays a strong diversity. It shows he’s capable of rapping to beats that might not fit into a “casual hip-hop" box. Lyrics are full of passion and punches with tongue-twisting rhymes.
“Innerstellar” has soothing and soulful vocals from the vocalist Lucy Rose. A soft and smooth production introducing his niche. With the rhyming, he’s in the pocket with his cadence. Showing the transparency of his emotions. Almost as if he’s rapping to us as a reminder of how we should move in this thing called life. “I find it hard myself but I'm just tryna’ lend a helping hand.” A grabbing record.
Some of my personal favorites on "Ultra 85" include “Favela,” “44Ever,” “Innerstellar,” “Once upon a time in Hollywood,” & “City in the stars.”
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