Logic Takes a Gamble with Playboi Carti-Inspired Sound: Can He Pull It Off?
Logic and Playboi Carti might seem like polar opposites in the world of hip-hop. The Maryland-born rapper has carved out a space for himself in the boom-bap and jazz-inspired realms, often known for his introspective lyricism and intricate flows. In contrast, the Georgia-native Carti is the pioneer of the rage-fueled, trap-heavy sound that has dominated the last few years, especially with his groundbreaking 2020 album Whole Lotta Red. Despite these vastly different sonic landscapes, Logic has recently teased a sound that many believe could blur the lines between these two very different worlds—and it’s causing quite a stir.
For years, Logic has been criticized for lacking a distinct style. While he’s undoubtedly a skilled rapper, many fans feel that he’s never fully settled into a sound that feels uniquely his. This criticism reached a peak with his announcement of a new musical direction in 2024, just before the release of his MUSIC album. On Instagram, Logic previewed a snippet that many fans instantly recognized as heavily influenced by Playboi Carti’s trap aesthetic. The preview was a direct nod to Carti’s signature rage sound, filled with distorted basslines, minimalist production, and heavy use of ad-libs—a marked departure from Logic’s usual complex lyricism and jazzy beats.
The backlash from Carti’s fanbase was swift. Social media erupted with criticism, with many fans accusing Logic of “ripping off” Carti’s style. One user lamented, “Between him and Chance I can’t tell who fell off harder,” while another quipped, “Woke up to people talking like me – Playboi Carti.” A few even questioned if Logic was trolling, with some hoping that the rapper was just playing around with the sound.
Despite the backlash, Logic has been confident about his new direction. He had previously stated in a 2024 interview, “I made my money doing pop and turn-up tracks, and I’ve been lucky to make music from my heart. But next year, I’m about to drop all this Carti-style trap and have some fun. It’s okay to make money, too.” This statement shows that Logic is aware of the risks he’s taking, but he’s eager to explore a new genre that has captivated the youth over the past few years.
In addition to the MUSIC snippet, Logic has continued to tease his new music. On April 13, he shared a dark, trap-heavy teaser titled “SOLD OUT #sidequest” on his social media, leaving fans wondering what exactly “Sidequest” refers to. The cryptic references to “Sidequest” have fans speculating that Logic might be working on a new album or project, though nothing has been confirmed yet. A teaser trailer shared a week prior showed his young son narrating, adding a personal touch to the mystery surrounding the project. With the repeated mention of “Sidequest,” it seems highly likely that this could be the title of Logic’s upcoming album, but as of now, fans can only guess.
While Logic has flirted with trap before—most notably on his Bobby Tarantino mixtapes—this new focus on Carti-style rage could be a make-or-break move for the rapper. For years, Carti has been one of the most influential figures in shaping the modern trap scene, with Whole Lotta Red inspiring countless imitators. If Logic can find a way to incorporate Carti’s sound into his own musical identity, he could potentially tap into a new audience. However, if the execution falls flat, Logic risks alienating both his long-time fanbase and the Carti stans he’s trying to emulate.
Whether Logic’s venture into the Carti-inspired rage trap will be a success or a misstep remains to be seen. But for now, the buzz surrounding his next project is undeniable. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of whatever “Sidequest” turns out to be, wondering if Logic can pull off this drastic sonic shift—or if, in the end, the gamble will be a bit too much to handle.
