Five years later, and the rap game still has its share of issues that Logic and Eminem took aim at with their 2019 banger Homicide.
As the artform continues to evolve, certain negative trends have persisted: the overuse of autotune, the rise of mumble rappers, and the lack of authenticity from artists using ghostwriters.
In 2024, a large segment of popular hip-hop is still violated by tracks drenched in robotic vocal effects and mumblings that prioritise vibe over substance.
Genuine lyricism and wordplay seem to be taking a backseat as many acts forgo penning their own bars. This waters down the artform that was built on forthright self-expression and masterful rhyme schemes.
It was against this backdrop of mainstream rap’s shortcomings that Logic and Eminem united for the scathing Homicide in 2019.
The iconic collaboration marked a defiant stance against cheap imitators and lacklustre rappers resting on gimmicks rather than skills.
Release and Background
Homicide debuted as the third single from Logic’s album “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” in 2019.
The anticipation for this track was palpable, given the stature of both Eminem and Logic. Upon release, Homicide garnered attention for its blistering lyrical delivery and commentary on the state of hip-hop.
Homicide Lyrical Breakdown
The song’s title serves as a metaphorical assertion of Logic and Eminem’s lyrical prowess, suggesting they are “murdering” their detractors and rappers who lack depth.
As Homicide lyrics unfold, the artists showcase their rapid-fire flows, with Eminem’s verse being particularly praised for its intensity and complex wordplay.
In the opening lines, Logic comes out swinging, delivering quick bars and a nod to Eminem’s iconic “My Name Is” track.
He boasts about his place in the rap game while potentially drawing inspiration from Nicki Minaj and Beyonce’s “Feeling Myself” flow.
Throughout the song, both artists express their distaste for the current state of rap, taking aim at the overreliance on auto-tune and the lack of substance in popular music.
This sentiment was echoed by Logic in a 2018 interview: “I f*** with him. I want to work with him. I think that could be pretty cool.”
Eminem’s explosive verse kicks off with a shout-out to his friend and fellow legend, Jay-Z, and the New York Yankees.
He further cements his stance against ghostwriters, calling out rappers who don’t pen their own rhymes.
Some fans speculate his lines could reference his early 2000s feud with rapper Canibus over ghostwriting allegations.
Towards the end of his show-stealing cameo, Eminem throws it back to his early days, reminiscing about his iconic fashion choices from that era, adding a nostalgic touch for long-time fans of the rap god.
Production Style
Produced by SHROOM and Bregma, Homicide features a minimalistic instrumental backdrop that allows the rappers’ vocals to take centre stage.
The beat incorporates boom-bap drum loops, creating a raw and gritty texture that complements the track’s aggressive tone.
As Logic explained, “The production, handled by the trio BREGMA, features a beat made across three different laptops, with a focus on boom-bap drum loops to provide texture.“
This bare-bones approach puts the onus solely on Logic and Eminem’s lyrical fireworks, making Homicide a pure showcase of their skills as elite rappers.
Lasting Impact and Accolades
Upon its release, Homicide quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and securing a spot at number 2 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song also received widespread international acclaim.
Critical acclaim complemented its commercial success, further solidifying Logic and Eminem’s status as rap heavyweights and their enduring influence on the genre. Several countries certified the track as multi-platinum.
Five years later, as manufactured rap music continues to plague the mainstream, Homicide and its call for authenticity and lyrical dexterity remain as relevant as ever.
While rap continues to evolve, the song serves as a timeless reminder that we should never sacrifice true artistry for fleeting trends and gimmicks.
Conclusion
With its blistering lyrical delivery, social commentary, and minimalistic yet hard-hitting production, Logic’s Homicide verse alongside Eminem’s breathtaking cameo cemented the track as an indisputable rap classic upon release.
As the years go by, the impact of this musical statement has only grown stronger.
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Logic Homicide Lyrics Featuring Eminem
Intro: Smokey Legendary, Logic & Both
Son, you know why you the greatest alive?
Why, Dad?
Because you came out of my balls, nigga
Hahahahahaha
(Roof!)
Chorus: Logic
Fuck rap
Bustin’ like an addict with a semi-automatic
Who done had it, and he ready for anybody to buck back
Hold up, catch a vibe, ain’t no way in hell we leavin’ nobody alive
Leave a suicide note, fuck that
Bobby feelin’ villainous, he killin’ this
I’m comin’ for your man and his lady and even the baby
I’m feelin’ like I’m, chika-chika-chika, Slim Shady with rabies
Verse 1: Logic
I’m foamin’ at the mouth, ain’t nobody takin’ me out
Every single rapper in the industry, yeah, they know what I’m about
And I dare you to test me
‘Cause not a single one of you motherfuckers impress me
And maybe that’s a little bit of an exaggeration
But I’m full of innovation
And I’m tired of all of this high school “He’s cool, he’s not” rap sh*t
Can a single one of you motherfuckers even rap? sh*t
No, this ain’t a diss to the game, this is gas to the flame
Nowadays, everybody sound the same, sh*t‘s lame
Like a moth to the flame, I’ma reel ’em in and kill ’em
Know you feelin’ lyricism when I’m spillin’ it, I’m feelin’ myself
Yeah, yeah, Bobby Boy, he be feelin’ himself
Mass murder like this can’t be good for my health
When I rap like this, do I sound like sh*t?
Well, it don’t really matter, ’cause I’m killin’ this sh*t
Yeah, I’m killin’ this sh*t
Oh yeah, oh yeah, I’m killin’ this sh*t
Bobby, how many times you been killin’ this sh*t?
Find another rhyme, goddamn, nigga, sh*t
Chorus: Logic
Fuck rap
Bustin’ like an addict with a semi-automatic
Who done had it, and he ready for anybody to buck back
Hold up, catch a vibe, ain’t no way in hell we leavin’ nobody alive
Leave a suicide note, fuck that
Bobby feelin’ villainous, he killin’ this
I’m comin’ for your man and his lady and even the baby
I’m feelin’ like I’m, chika-chika-chika-chika
Chika-chika-chika-chika-chika, Slim Shady
Verse 2: Logic
There’s nowhere to hide, we call this sh*t genocide
Hit ’em with that (Do-do-do) and they die
We gon’ leave ’em crucified, we call this sh*t genocide
I got bitches, I got hoes, I got rare designer clothes
No, we ain’t fuckin’ with that
Yeah, there’s a time and a place
But if you ain’t comin’ with the illest of raps
Callin’ yourself the greatest alive
Then you don’t deserve to do that
No, no, oh no, no, please do not do that
You gon’ get smacked
You gon’ make Bobby attack
You gon’ make Bobby Boy snap
You gon’ make Bobby Boy snap (Bobby Boy!)
Chorus: Logic
Fuck rap
Bustin’ like an addict with a semi-automatic
Who done had it, and he ready for anybody to buck back
Hold up, catch a vibe, ain’t no way in hell we leavin’ nobody alive
Leave a suicide note, fuck that
Bobby feelin’ villainous, he killin’ this
I’m comin’ for your man and his lady and even the baby
I’m feelin’ like I’m chika-chika-chika-chika
Chika-chika-chika-chika-chika, Slim Shady
Verse 3: Eminem
Jigga-jigga-jigga-jigga-jigga like JAY-Z
Jig is up, you fuckers who didn’t write anything
Are getting washed, liga-liga-liga, like bathing
Young Hova, I know hitters like Yankees
Gun toters that pull triggers like crazy
Unloadin’, leave you shot up in your Rover
Your body goes limp and slumps over
Like A-Rod in a month lull, but he just homered
Hol’ up, I said “Rover” because now your Rover is red
Like Red Rover, so you know what I meant
But I roll over my opponents instead
Makin’ dog sounds ’cause I gotta keep breakin’ these bars down
I’ll go slow for the speds
But when I go (Roof!) like the Dobermann said
I still think the (Roof!) would go over your head (Ha-ha)
Beast mode, motherfuckers ’bout to get hit
With so many foul lines, you’ll think I’m a free throw
Figured it was about time for people to eat crow
You about to get out-rhymed, how could I be dethroned?
I stay on my toes like the repo, a behemoth in sheep’s clothes
From the East Coast to the West, I’m the ethos and I’m the G.O.A.T
Who the best, I don’t gotta say a fuckin’ thing, though
‘Cause MCs know
But you don’t wanna hear me spit the facts
Your shit is ass like a tailbone
Or you’re trapped in your cell phone
Or my chicken scratch, or my self-loathe
I don’t wanna fuckin’ listen to you spit your raps someone else wrote
Used to get beat up by the big kids
Used to let the big kids steal my big wheel
And I wouldn’t do shit but just sit still
Now money’s not a big deal
I’m rich, I wipe my ass with six mill’
Big bills like a platypus
A caterpillar’s comin’ to get the cannabis
I’m lookin’ for the smoke but you motherfuckers are scatterin’
Batterin’ everything and I’ve had it with the inadequate
Man, I can see my dick is standin’ stiff as a mannequin
And I’m bringin’ the bandana back, and the fuckin’ headband again
A handkerchief and I’m thinkin’ of bringin’ the fuckin’ fingerless gloves back
And not giving a singular fuck, like fuck rap
I sound like a fuckin’ millionaire
With a Derringer with a hair trigger
‘Bout to bear hug a fuckin’ terrier, the Ric Flair dripper
Y’all couldn’t hold a candle at a prayer vigil
When I vent, they compare me to a fuckin’ air duct
I’m ’bout to bare-knuckle it, nah, fuck it
I’m gonna go upside their head with a Nantucket
Abraca-fuckin’-dabra
The track is the blood, I’m attracted, I’m attackin’ it
What? Dracula, fuck that shit
I’m up, back with a thud
Man, stop
Outro: Chris D’Elia
Look what I’m plannin’, plannin’, I’m plannin’ to
Do all this while ya panickin’
And you’re lookin’ and starin’ at mannequins
And I’m goin’ to Fanagans
Trying to get up a plan against
All of the blana-kazana-ka-fam-bam-bannigans
While of all the bana-kazanika Hanna in a cabana
You’re in a cab-
I’m in a cabana and a Janet
I’m in a cabana chantin’ all this standup banter
While you don’t got the stamina, you’re lackin’ the stamina
You’re lackin’ the stamina while you’re divorcin’ Harrison Ford
And I’m in a Porsche on the floorboards
While I’m world tourin’
You usin’ way too many napkins, papkins
Lapkins and chapki-
You using ChapStick and napkins while I’m bapkin’
Flappin’ around like a bapkin’
Flamminababbitapannitajampkin
Dammit, a can of pada-
