DJ Rhetorik was one of the best DJs in Blacksburg during my last few years there. He's moved on to bigger audiences these days; now the personal DJ for Gaithersburg, MD rapper Logic.
Logic performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night, backed by the legendary Roots. Check out DJ Rhetorik's sweatshirt during the performance!
UPDATE: This is now his cover photo on facebook #gohokies
Full performance can be seen here.
Cool backstory: During the Fallon performance, the rapper notices some one brought a rubik's cube so he sits next to him and raps while solving it. Logic's widely known in the rap game for his rubik's cube skills.
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Comments
Hmmm....not sure this is a "good" advertisement for VT
Why not?
"That rap trash isn't music, get off my lawn!!"
Please elaborate, HIFC.
Should be good.
O he gone.
Cheers, Fireman.
When you realize you're commenting on a 15-month old comment:
It's 2015 man, welcome to the real world. Rap is the new pop and the most influential form of music among the youth. The same music that you're condemning is the same music a lot of people live and love; the kids that you'll root for, and with, in Lane Stadium one day. Trust me, this is good advertisement.
and the choice of music listened to by a majority of the kids who wear the VT uniforms we cheer for on fall Saturdays
I don't think he was down on rap, I think he was just down on bad rap...
It's unfair to the genre and the lovers of the genre to automatically think "bad rap" at the mere mention of a rapper. Like I said below, I don't like "bad rap" either; I understand it and can vibe to it but I don't necessarily like it. Regardless, Logic is one of the furthest things we have from "bad rap" in today's manipulated mainstream rap arena. Go Hokies.
Chief Keef is bad rap, Logic isn't.
I actually like Chief Keef, he has a unique sound and he's gangster rap. Nowadays I feel like a lot of guys who try to do gangster rap are really fake, but he actually lives what he's rapping about, at least in my opinion. I don't approve of his lifestyle but I do appreciate honesty.
There's been a lot of comments on here about the negative reaction rap gets. Gangster rap, especially late 80s into the 90s rap, gave it that reputation. But in reality it is a very challenging and poetic art form with a wide range of messages. What it has transformed to today is away from gangster partying rap to a couple of mainstream messages: there is the more soul searching and exploring/illuminating male vulnerability (Drake does this best), there's the high confidence I'm a star themes that can involve other things (Kanye), and then there's what I've noticed all across the board is the message of work hard play hard--the "I've worked my ass off for this, I'm dedicated, I won't quit til I reach my goals, and I'll celebrate my success". That last one is not a bad message. Compare that with the widespread message of a lot of country music which can be I'm going to put off work and get drunk, not that I'm opposed to that, but how is that better than rapping about work hard, play hard?
EDIT: I know the syntax in this post is terrible, but it's finals and I'm brain dead
When I think of gangster rap, I think of Ice Cube, Tupac, Dr. Dre, and early Snoop Dogg, not Chief Keef. I can barely understand a word Chief Keef says and Love Sosa and Hate Being Sober don't scream the same message to me as 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted and Nuthin' But a G Thang. To me there really are no more mainstream gangster rappers any more in today's mainstream rap scene, aside from Dr. Dre. His album "Compton" he released this year was real and raw that talked about real stuff and real issues, not sippin on dirty Sprite and bangin' bad bitchez like Chief seems to include in all his lyrics to every song he's ever written. That's not gangster rap IMO.
There really isn't gangsta rap in main stream any more. People aren't really interested in that subject matter right now.
Mainstream, definitely not. I find that the more hardcore stuff is usually a more local type of thing.
Or just more underground, "deep cut" songs that hip hop lovers may appreciate but don't make the club/radio scene. Jadakiss is still pumping out mix tapes and there is a lot of Atlanta "gangster rap." It just has a different vibe and sound than NY rap or old school Coast vs Coast rap. Both T.I. And Nas started as "gangsta rap" but their sound is completely different. Jeezy was the same way but like others, acquiesced to the demand for R&B hooks and club favorable singles.
There are very few artists who stay with their original sound after they sign a major label deal, but it's out there if you look for it and I find it ironic when Baby Boomer's say it isn't real music when their parents said the same thing about the artists/bands of the 60's and so forth.... I love artists/bands/groups from many different decades
I get what you're saying. It may not be quite the same vein as those OG guys. But with Dre, when was the last time he was actually living that life? That's what I see in Chief Keef, a "gangsta" mentality that he actually approaches his daily life with. And I agree gangster rap has faded from its heyday, but I think that is more of the category that he falls into. Just my opinion. Also artistic talent disparity between him and Dre.
One of University of Richmond's most famous alumni is a rapper named "Lil' Dicky"...he hasn't hurt the UR "brand". I don't think a DJ (a very talented one at that) is going to do anything to obscure the academic reputation of Virginia Tech. I'll put it this way, when I see this:
I don't think, "Wow, that Georgetown must be a pretty bad school if people of ill repute are wearing their clothes".
That bulldog does seem to enjoy the melon he's being fed.
Cannot unsee
You mean this Lil' Dickey??? I didn't know he was from UR. This is awesome. If you haven't seen this you must.
Eh...
It's a funny idea, but it's amazing to me that a key concept of rap seems to be jealousy over money, not a celebration of how you can get by without it, like 99% of the population does.
Part of the reason people are poor is because they blow the little money they actually get hold of overpaying for things they don't need with a particular name brand on it, or because some celebrity puts their name on it.
Now, get off my lawn! lol
Lil' Dicky is awesome. For those interested in hip hop [lyrics are NSFW]. Also here is Logic solving a rubiks cube while doing a freestyle.
Logic
Lil' Dicky
This didn't hurt things either. Serious. If anything, brought tons of attention to South Florida. And a few rings along the way too.
Even if you don't care for the music why can't you just be happy a fellow Hokie is having some success?
Pfff, dude, Logic is one of the best hip hop artists out there today. I don't like his newest album, "The Incredible True Story" quite as much as last year's "Under Pressure" — I ranked "Under Pressure" as my favorite album of 2014 — but it's solid and Rhetorik crushes it as always. Go Hokies!
I think it's time for best albums of 2015 thread now.
It's coming. I've already started my write-up. Keep a look out Christmas Week — looking forward to hearing about everyone's personal favorites.
the off season is coming...
MichaelScottrepeatedlysayingno.gif
Not only is Logic one of the most talented rappers out there and that his message is very positive, but Rhetorik is an alum, he's not just wearing the shirt, he's showing some of the really cool things you can do with a degree from Virginia Tech
He's all about positivity. Nothing wrong with that.
????
I don't like the newest album as much as Under Pressure either; it kind of feels like an Under Pressure 1.5 to be honest, just with better skits and a cooler concept. However, it's growing on me the more I listen to it. Definitely not a bad album, just expected a little more.
damn it man, I haven't had time to sit down and listen to the album yet. My brother was pushing for me to give it a listen about 3 weeks ago... I guess I should've taken advantage while driving to Seattle.
Logic raps about peace, love, and positivity
He said that right there on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
#sauces
I think DJ Rhetoric should send one of those hats to Frank. Or maybe just some Arbys coupons.
"Got a Rubik's? Yo, I'll solve it. Check out the hook while my DJ BeamerBalls it."
I regret that I have but one leg to give.
Not to worry, we got you!
Just realized I've blown right by 4,000 legs. Thanks guys. First time >4k since the big reset.
Make that pharrell hat maroon and he might have something. Killer sweatshirt though, love the old style long sleeve no hood sweatshirt
#HOKIESWAG
Guess I should have asked for his autograph at that party a few years ago? And Logic went to one of my rival high schools. small world!
Am I the only moron who spent several minutes zooming in on the guy in red trying to figure out what the heck we were talking about?
This is awesome. Logic is dope.
SEEEEERIOUSLY! His Under Pressure album is insane. One of my new faves! I can't tell you how many times I've listened to Buried Alive. Go Hokies for getting connected with him!
I didn't know who Logic was until now. I'm going back to my I Love Lucy reruns and early bird specials.
I've never heard of Logic (the signer that is), but then I've also never really been a fan of rap. But I followed the link to see his performance. While I was not impressed, I don't see this as a negative for VT. The rapper was not offensive or vulgar, and having the school's name displayed on national TV in the background of his performance gets it out there in the mainstream even more.
So, while not a fan of the performance, and having no feelings either way for the artist, I think it's a positive that the school's name was on that show. Go Hokies!
Very cool to see, love it.
I didn't know who Logic was, and I don't really like rap, but here I am listening to Logic and trying to find stuff from DJ Rhetorik.
At least someone from VT can represent on national television
/sarcasm pls don't downvote pls
Favorite Logic song sub-thread
1. Man of the Year
2. Ballin
3. Numbers
Driving Miss Daisy just misses my top 3
1. Under Pressure (the second half of that song....my goodness)
2. Nikki
3. Till the End
4. Never Enough
...I loved that whole damn album, to be honest.
1. Welcome to Forever
2. Driving Miss Daisy
3. I'm Gone
4. Lord Willin'
Man of the Year (not the Schoolboy Q version) will forever be one of my favorite songs of all time
I'll forever know Logic as the guy with the lyric "they wonder why my raps rock, cuz im so 5th letter to the right of caps lock."
*reads comment*
*counts on keayboard from caps lock*
"Ooooooooooohhhhhhh"
*ponders the existence of a keayboard*
I'm leaving it as is. For posterity.
New life goal is to become successful enough to have Pete Moris asking me to contact him for free Hokie swag.
I'm partial to Rhetorik namely because he's my son....haha. As far as how he represents VT, he will never put himself (or the university) in the position of being portrayed in a negative light. He works with Logic because he's (Logic) a nice kid and you would never guess he grew up in a household with drug addicted parents and was basically homeless before the age of 18. The reason you would never know of his background is because he is very nice, polite, articulate.....and, he doesn't drink or do any kind of drugs....smoking cigarettes is about his only vice.
While his music isn't 100% clean, he's not our there preaching violence, drugs etc....which is automatically assumed when you say "hip hop" or "rap". He's just into making good music that his fans really like and promotes being a good person. He stayed at our house the night before they performed at the NORVA last spring and all they did was hang out, eat food, watch movies and play some video games...nothing wild and crazy.
Now that's what I call a name drop! I kid I kid. Your son has a ton of talent. Congrats on his success.
Haha....you're right. That's funny.
In all seriousness, I don't have a twitter, don't use Facebook.....and I generally don't "publicly" talk about my son prior to the post on the TOS with regards to Fallon. I just thought it was cool to know a VT alum is performing on national TV AND he's gonna be reppin' Virginia Tech. They were on Fallon in Nov of 2014 and Kimmel in Jan of 2015 but again, I thought this go 'round with the VT shirt was certainly worthy of a shameless plug for my kid.
Thank you for the compliment by the way! He's certainly been able to cram a whole lotta living in his 24 short years travelling all over the country and the world. Their tour starts Feb 5th and goes until May 10th.....60 shows including about a dozen shows in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Czech and Switzerland....I think that's it). My advice to him....stay away from the terrorists and make sure you get your frequent flyer miles!!
Yo this is dope. This comment made me starting this forum so worth it!
If you listen to Logic's music you know he comes from a troubled background, but what's great about him is that he uses it as motivation and inspiration to try to help others in similar situations through his music. Yes violence and ignorance is usually associated with rap/hip hop but there's a lot more to it than what the mainstream broadcasts. The culture has been manipulated so terribly but I won't get on my soapbox here about that. I run a hip hop website/blog called www.hiphopintellekts.com - it's full of good rap that promotes messages and I constantly speak out against the manipulation of hip hop and the negative influence of ignorant/gangsta rap (my last blog post was actually a Logic song haha). I plan on doing a post for your son and how he repped VT. I try to refrain from inserting my personal stuff but when a rapper's DJ reps VT on national TV, I kinda have to post it to the site.
Wow. That's cool.
What's ironic is my son's favorite musical group of all time is Led Zeppelin. He likes a wide range of music genre's as well. We've gone to a few concerts together....Steve Miller Band, The Eagles. He's definitely not tied to only hip hop/rap music.
He recently competed and won The Flavor Battle (for DJ's) sponsored by McDonald's. He represented the East Coast and made it to the finals in NY last month. Here's the video of his final set (hope I linked it right). Check out the jersey he's wearing...haha.
DJ Battle Final Set
Going back to Logic....he's a straight up self-proclaimed nerd. He likes the Rubik's cube, anime and playing video games. He told me that growing up, he had a hard time fitting in. As a "white looking" kid (his father is black and his mother is white), the black kids didn't associate with him because he looked white. And the white kids didn't associate with him because they knew he was black (based on his siblings' skin color and features). So he sorted of ended up associating with hispanic kids. As he got older, he decided it was best to stop trying to fit in and just be himself.
Nice. Reminds me of a newer DJ Baby Yu mixing songs across ages and styles. Check out his Mashed Potatoes mixes...
Yup I'm half black half white myself so that side of Logic really resonates with me. It can be hard to find where you "fit in" when the world has such narrow definitions of what it means to be black or to be white, but like Logic I found out that just doing what the fuck I want, despite what people think about me, is best for everybody.
And that's whats up about the battle, will def check it out! And I'm the same with my taste in music; I love it all (besides edm/electronic). I have a Michael Jackson tat, next to my Red Hot Chili Peppers tat, next to my Kanye West tat, I love playing rock music on my drum kit, and I run a hip hop website - hard to get more diverse than that ha.
Man he killed that! That's real DJing right there, unlike these edm clowns that operate all off the same exact quarter note basslines and push buttons to pre-recorded sets.
I did the same thing when I mowed my lawn last month, but did I get my own thread? Nooooo.
Hypocrites.
You were on Fallon mowing your yard?
Dude was on Jimmy Kimmel tonight wearing a VT shirt again.
I think I saw him a couple weeks ago on good morning America wearing a Tech shirt.
Let's talk about this new Logic album though....
It's boo-boo.
Edit:
Daaaaamn, down legged for calling Logic's album boo boo?
He might just be like me and 90% of his informal and/or non-work attire has a VT logo somewhere.
Haha, I'm the same way man.
Now's probably a good time to bring up the fact that Logic's new album, Everybody, is damn good. I like it better than Incredible True Story. Under Pressure is still my favorite though..
...I hated this album. Way too preachy. Did you know Logic was bi-racial?
I mean...
I'm specifically talking about Everybody though. I like Logic, hate his new album though.
Too preachy, too much talking, too on the nose, and very surface level.. Logic completely missed the mark with this one.
For example...
take it back chorus: 134 words
take it back verse: 236 words
take it back outro: 859 words
Stolen from reddit. But yeah...
I could agree that it came across as a little preachy. I'm going to his D.C. concert in July so I'm looking forward/interested to see how that is compared to his latest album.
Did it ever occur to anyone that its not "good press for VT" for no other reason than Jimmy Fallon is a terrible comedian? The Roots are great, but Jimmy Fallon is just awful. Awful on SNL as well.
#TeamCoCo