Ultra 85

Ultra 85 is Logic’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, finally released in 2024 after years of speculation, teases, and delays. This album serves as the conclusion to the narrative arc that began with his 2017 album Everybody and has been long-awaited by fans eager to see how Logic would wrap up the saga of Thomas and Kai, characters central to the story.

The journey to Ultra 85 began in 2017, when Logic first hinted at the album’s existence in a hidden message within the Everybody album booklet. Over the years, Logic continued to tease the album, describing it in various interviews as a unique blend of genres, with a particular emphasis on live instrumentation. He cited influences ranging from James Brown to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, promising an album with no samples and featuring renowned drummer Travis Barker. However, despite these teasers, Logic kept fans waiting, even suggesting at one point that the album might never be released.

In September 2021, Logic reignited excitement by confirming that Ultra 85 would be released in 2024. This announcement followed years of speculation and a brief period of retirement from music, during which Logic focused on other creative endeavors. The first version of the album leaked in 2021, featuring collaborations with artists like Hailee Steinfeld and Wale, but these tracks did not make it to the final cut.

The official rollout for Ultra 85 began in January 2024, when Logic wiped his Instagram page and posted a cryptic black screen, confirming the album’s imminent release. Shortly after, he conducted an interview with Guy Raz, where he revealed that he was in the final stages of completing the album, describing it as a culmination of years of work and evolution in his artistry. Logic emphasized that he had approached the album with openness and a sense of fun, but now he was ready to own it and deliver a definitive statement in his music career.

The promotional campaign included a website, atm301.com, where fans could explore snippets, easter eggs, and eventually discover the album cover art by entering a password. The album’s lead single, “Fear,” was released on February 2, 2024, followed by “44ever” on April 19 and “Deja Vu” with DJ Drama on May 31. These singles showcased Logic’s growth as an artist, blending introspective lyrics with grand instrumentation.

On July 5, 2024, Logic revealed the final tracklist for Ultra 85, consisting of twenty tracks. The album’s release marked the end of an era for Logic, as he confirmed that Ultra 85 would be his final album as a rapper. After this release, Logic plans to transition into a full-time producer, focusing on creating musical scores for other artists and projects. The album’s cover art, designed by Sam Spratt, symbolically represents this transition, with Logic stepping back from the mic to embrace his new role.

Ultra 85 is not just the end of Logic’s rapping career but also the culmination of his journey as an artist, encapsulating his diverse influences, storytelling prowess, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.