TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL – Making its world premiere at Tribeca 2025, Paradise Records marks the directorial debut of multi-platinum rapper Logic (born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II), who also wrote, scored, and stars in the semi-autobiographical film. Set in 1990s Maryland, the story follows Rob, an aspiring artist navigating adolescence, addiction, and ambition, all while finding solace and identity through hip-hop.

The film is anchored by Rob's relationship with his half-brother Solomon (Clark Furlong), a fellow outsider whose own struggles, particularly with addiction, mirror and influence Rob’s path. Their bond becomes the emotional core of the film, pushing Rob to question whether music can save them both or if it will become just another escape.

Paradise Records weaves together the gritty texture of suburban adolescence with the dreamlike pull of artistic expression. Logic’s score blends original beats with nostalgic nods to '90s hip-hop, and the film’s visual language mirrors the raw energy of mixtapes and basement studios, unpolished but deeply felt.

What distinguishes the film is its unflinching intimacy. Logic pulls from personal experiences with mental health, poverty, and growing up biracial in a fractured household. The result is a film that feels honest, even when its narrative drifts into stylized territory. The supporting cast, including Michael Beach and Marwan Salama, helps flesh out Rob’s world, but it’s the sibling dynamic that stays with you.

While Paradise Records occasionally leans into melodrama, its authenticity and heart make it resonate. It’s a story about survival, brotherhood, and the healing potential of creativity, told by someone who lived it. Logic’s move behind the camera may be new, but his voice as a storyteller remains unmistakably his own.

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