Feeling under pressure to succeed is common. When you look at Logic’s career so far, his quest to prove himself after releasing four years worth of quality mixtapes means his next effort has to make an impact. Since the release of his breakout tape Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever—which came right after making 2013’s XXL Freshmen class—Logic has stacked up some key milestones within a year. The Def Jam signee went on a 32-stop US-wide tour, joined Kid Cudi on The Cud Life Tour, and quietly worked on his debut album Under Pressure with his Visionary Music Group team and executive producer No I.D. A year later, Logic’s status in rap is growing fast. He’s been co-signed by veterans like Lupe Fiasco for his lyrical ability, and showed he’s a top contender in this year’s BET cypher.

The Maryland MC chose to have no features on his album in order for casual listeners to fully understand his life and mission in hip-hop. His lyrics are aided by his longtime producer 6ix, who is on the bulk of the LP, and a few outside contributors (Dun Deal, S1, Tae Beast, Skhye Hutch, DJ Dahi). Together, Under Pressure feels like a roadmap to the influences he states on the album—OutKast, A Tribe Called Quest, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Quentin Tarantino films. 6ix laces up “Intro” and “I’m Gone” their bright textures, but truly shines on “Nikki” by giving its haunting sound that enhances Logic’s cravings for his addiction. In a broad sense, the production brings alive his words that focus on moods and vibes.