GRAMMY-nominated rapper Logic released "The Return" today, slipping back into his "Young Sinatra" persona to come hard and challenge the state of the genre. Produced by 6ix, the track's rhymes close with Logic's call-out to Jay-Z to join him in a "real rap" collaboration to "smack the whole industry."
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While last month's release of "One Day" with Ryan Tedder reminded listeners of their own ability to get up when they're down, "The Return" keeps the focus more on Logic himself, setting up an unconventional take on the tough-and-boasting song format that is one of rap's classics. While superficially he's bragging on his own history of rising to the occasion and getting back up after beat-downs, the track also embodies a tribute to how rap helped him accomplish that feat.
The sample behind Logic on "The Return" is from Nina Simone's "Wild Is The Wind," blended with horns. Rolling Stone summarizes other references in the lyric, but for many, Logic's aspirational twist of "Let's make America rap again" will stand out. The call-outs are all future-facing, like his suggestion he's been waiting to hear from Nike, and their context is confidence based on experience that getting back up is doable, for him, for you and for rap itself.
Logic received Song Of The Year and Best Music Video nominations for "1-800-273-8255" at the 60th GRAMMY Awards earlier this year, with Alessia Cara and Khalid helping to deliver the song's message that the U.S. suicide helpline is one phone call away. As much as he admonishes individuals not to stay down, he also gives recognition to the help that's out there. Knowing how much rap has done for him and millions of others, Logic shows he's a champion for rap to help us make it through the new challenges we're facing.
