Rapper Logic Opens up About Funding His Own Directorial Debut With New Movie
Seeing a musician take the leap into the movie industry is nothing new. Whether it’s an artist receiving their shot at acting roles, or even movies that have more personal meanings, such as Eminem’s film 8 Mile.
But what is unique to the film world is what popular rapper Logic is currently doing. The 35-year-old isn't just trying to carve out his spot in the movie world; he's creating his own path and refusing to let anything stop him.
Logic, a Grammy-nominated rapper, a New York Times bestselling author and a producer, is making his first leap into the film world, and doing so with his directorial debut of the film Paradise Records. However, the real story is how it all finally came together for the musician.
As Collider revealed, Paradise Records premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, and before that, the movie's director, writer and lead actor spoke to the site about his film. He first explained the type of movie it is and likened it to films like Clerks, Friday and Atlanta.
"I was terrified to make a movie. But the film itself, it is dialogue-driven, it’s a comedy. It's funny, depending, right? If you like things like Clerks and Friday and Atlanta and stuff like that, I think you'll genuinely enjoy this," Logic said.
The rapper-turned-director/actor/writer then revealed an eye-opening tidbit, explaining that he spent his own money to create Paradise Records, and his reason for doing so is exceptionally grounded and respectable.
"I made it myself. I spent my own money on it, and it's not a vanity project at all. That was just after years and years of Hollywood saying no," Logic explained.
"Because imagine, whoever's watching this right now, you're a studio head or an executive, and I walk in after a career of music and go, 'Hey, so I got this idea for a script, even though I've never written one before, and I'll write it. And then also I want to direct the whole movie, even though I never directed anything. And I want to star in it, even though I've never really acted in anything. Oh, by the way, I want my best friend to play the role. He's never acted in anything before. And I want you to give me millions and millions of dollars, and I want full creative control and final cut or f*** off.'"
"They're going to be like, 'Get the hell out of here.' So, when I made this, it was not about money. I've been blessed and lucky enough to make it out of where I came from, and I'm financially good. This is about the art, and this is about making people laugh and bringing us all together, and blood and bullets, as well," Logic said.
The creator of the popular album Under Pressure followed that by stating, "I just love film from the bottom of my heart."
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The most interesting part of Logic funding the project is what he revealed transpired with his close friend and director, J.J. Abrams. As he told Collider, Abrams had his head of film look at the movie's script, and a week later, he was "being sat down and they're basically telling me how they're going to make the movie."
Logic explained that over the next year or two, the musical chairs in various roles led to the movie never happening, which he described as "just Hollywood."
However, from there, interactions with Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith in which they both essentially told him, "you're rich, just use your own money," and his wife throwing tremendous support behind his dream led Logic to one place.
Paradise Records.
The popular rapper made his dream a reality after years of putting in work as a musician.
The movie is officially out and tells the story of a struggling store owner, played by Logic, trying to keep his doors open. When the bank takes control of his store, viewers are introduced to various unique characters and personalities.
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