When “Unforeseen Shadows” – Illogic’s debut full-length album – dropped in 1999, hip-hop fans sat up and listened. Even though he toured extensively, forming relationships with his growing fan base as well as with other artists, a gap in albums led to a diminished profile in the world of hip-hop.
Illogic re-emerged recently and is gaining notoriety. He appeared on “One Brick,” a song from Aesop Rock’s 2001 album Labor Days, on which two rappers flowed over one another. In 2002, Illogic released the EP “Got Lyrics?” and in 2003 put out the tour-only “Write to Death.” This year will see the long-awaited release of Illogic’s second proper full-length, “Celestial Clockwork,” which is being released by the now nationally recognized Weightless Records on April 13.
Illogic’s style can be described as a poetry slam with complex rhymes drawn from the rapper’s life set to a beat. He writes from his heart and his experiences – emphasizing the positive.
“Most of my songs are autobiographical, as you will see with ‘Celestial Clockwork.’ All of the stories on this album are true or based on true events that I have experienced. I feel I write my best when I write from my soul and ‘Celestial’ is just that: my soul on record,” Illogic said.
Inspired by groups like The Roots and Outkast, Illogic has developed a sound that is unique.
“These artists showed me that everyone has a message and the only way to survive this game of hip-hop is to have a message that no one can imitate or take a way from you, and the only way to do that is to be yourself,” Illogic said. “No one can be you or live what you live so as long as you are true to yourself you will be heard.”
With two full-length albums under his belt and another soon to be released, one might assume Illogic is on his way to making it in a difficult business, but Illogic is modest in discussing the future of his career.
“I want my music to reach the masses because I believe that God has given me this gift and I feel it needs to be heard,” Illogic said. “I would like it to go as far as my career is supposed to. I don’t want to overstay my welcome and I don’t want to leave before my time. I’ll let the fans and God decide where it takes me.”
