Paradise Records, the feature film debut from American rapper Logic, brings a nostalgic yet modern take on indie cinema to the Tribeca Festival. Drawing inspiration from classics like Clerks, Slacker, and Dog Day Afternoon, Logic crafts a lo-fi hangout comedy set in a struggling record store in Greater Portland.
Logic stars as Cooper, an awkward, endearing record shop owner who couldn’t be further from the stereotypical “cool” rapper. He runs Paradise Records with the help of his cousin T-Man (Tramayne Hudson), the quirky Lord of the Rings superfan Tables (Reed Northrup), and the grounded, nurturing Melanie (Mary Elizabeth Kelly). Their unpaid dedication through the pandemic has left Cooper $178,000 in debt—but it’s also what gives the store its soul.
The film captures a timeless vibe reminiscent of High Fidelity, with hand-drawn signs and offbeat humor. Cooper’s character is self-aware and often pokes fun at his own mixed-race identity, leading to some edgy yet comedic dialogue. Logic isn’t afraid to let things get chaotic, especially when bank robbers hide out in the shop and take the staff hostage—a subplot that pays direct homage to Clerks, complete with the iconic line, “I wasn’t even supposed to be here today.”
One standout element is the eclectic group of side characters, including a flamboyant drag queen and the hilarious weed dealer Slaydro (Tony Revolori), who’s under house arrest but remains blissfully unaware. A surreal sequence leads to a memorable cameo by Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob, reaffirming the film’s deep indie roots.
While Paradise Records leans heavily into absurdity and satire, it avoids being pigeonholed as a hip-hop film. Logic’s music appears throughout, but the tone is more anarchic indie than rap-centric. The climactic moments—particularly Slaydro’s acid-fueled trip where he believes he’s in a Coen brothers movie—are over-the-top but strangely fitting.
Despite some uneven pacing and an overstuffed third act, Logic shows clear directorial promise. With a strong cast, a tribute-laden script, and a love for the indie genre, Paradise Records stands out as a confident, chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt debut.
Festival: Tribeca (Spotlight Narrative)
Director/Screenwriter: Logic
Cast: Logic, Tramayne Hudson, Reed Northrup, Mary Elizabeth Kelly
International Sales: The Gersh Agency
Running Time: 1 hr 46 mins
