As a teenager, Slug (Sean Daley) became entranced with hip-hop, graffiti, and breakdancing, forming the Rhymesayers label and collective (originally known as Headshots) with two high-school friends, Siddiq Ali (Stress) and Derek Turner (Spawn). After some early gigs as Urban Atmosphere -- where Slug DJed behind Spawn's rhyming -- the pair hooked up with producer Ant (Anthony Davis), as well as like-minded locals such as MC Musab, Mr. Gene Poole, and the Abstract Pack, forming an underground hip-hop clique dedicated to freestyling and clever lyricism. In 1997, Atmosphere released their debut album, Overcast!, which received college radio airplay and earned an underground hip-hop following thanks to Slug's deeply personal, poetic musings, as well as Ant's bare-bones -- but inventive -- production.
Atmosphere participated in the supergroup the Dynospectrum (who released a self-titled album on Rhymesayers in 1998) and Slug contributed to another supergroup, Anticon's Deep Puddle Dynamics (whose full-length The Taste of Rain...Why Kneel appeared in 1999). The Headshots collective concluded their series of underground cassettes with a seventh volume in 1999, later reissued as an Atmosphere release called Headshots: Se7en. The group also began a series of limited releases (often sold exclusively on tour) titled Sad Clown Bad Dub, beginning with an extremely scarce 1999 cassette.
A year later, Atmosphere (then down to the duo of Slug and Ant) released the Ford One and Ford Two EPs, followed by the Lucy EP in 2001. Collected as the 2001 full-length Lucy Ford: The Atmosphere EPs, the three EPs were built around the theme of Slug's complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend, the lost love of his life. As Atmosphere's following increased beyond underground hip-hop circles, they toured consistently, both at home and overseas; while Ant usually didn't accompany the group on the road, Mr. Dibbs of the group 1200 Hobos often joined in behind the turntables while Slug was assisted on the mike by young rappers like the teenaged Eyedea. In June 2002, Atmosphere unleashed God Loves Ugly, an 18-track effort that returned to previous themes ("F*@k You Lucy"), but also contained the group's pop-friendly single "Modern Man's Hustle," which reached the Top 20 of the U.S. rap singles chart.
By this time indie rap superstars, Atmosphere returned with their fourth album, Seven's Travels, in 2003, followed two years later by You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having. Following the record's success, Ant began regularly touring with the group. They continued to put music out during the next couple of years, including the free download Strictly Leakage in late 2007, a near-party album that they followed up with When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold in April 2008. The record featured plenty of live instrumentation and guest background vocal spots from Tom Waits and TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe; it was also their highest-charting album, hitting number five on the Billboard 200. The "double EP" To All My Friends: Blood Makes the Blade Holy appeared in 2010, with the full-length album The Family Sign following in 2011.
In 2014, the group released the album Southsiders, which featured the single "Bitter" and became another Top Ten-charting hit. The following year, Atmosphere celebrated the ten-year anniversary of You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having by reissuing the album as a four-LP set (including instrumental versions of all the album's songs), in addition to The Fun EP, a picture-disc vinyl issue of an EP of You Can't Imagine outtakes that was originally released as a promo CD in 2006. In 2016, they returned with Fishing Blues, an album that featured the single "Ringo" along with guest appearances from MF Doom, Kool Keith, and Aesop Rock. While the set peaked just outside the Top 20 on the Billboard 200, it became their second album to top the U.S. indie chart. Mi Vida Local, an urgent reflection on middle age, appeared in 2018, followed a year later by the full-length Whenever. The Day Before Halloween arrived on that exact date in 2020, with Atmosphere unexpectedly switching to sci-fi/horror-informed themes over spooky, synth-heavy backdrops. Nearly a year later, Ant and Slug swerved back to their signature sound with Word?, which included guests such as Evidence, Aesop Rock, Sa-Roc, and MF Doom.
Biography by Dan LeRoy
There are other artists with the same name:
2) A Polish rock group, established in 1993 in Leszno, Poland, with Marcin Rozynek as a vocalist. In 1994 the group appeared at Mokotowska Jesień Muzyczna, where they were runners-up just behind Myslovitz. Two years later they won competition Marlboro Rock In. In 1997, Atmosphere released their self-titled debut album, Atmosphere, and in 1999 released Europa Naftowa. Atmosphere was awarded the Album debut of the year 1997 by magazine Tylko Rock and was nominated for the award Fryderyk in 1998 in the category Debut of the Year. In 1998, Atmosphere appeared at the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole with song Niewielki Skrawek Ziemi. Disbanded after Marcin Rozynek departure for a solo career. However, Atmosphere regrouped recently with a new line-up and is recording a new album.
3) An obscure one hit wonder Italo-disco group of the early 80’s. The group was produced by Franco & Venise Scopinich, and their one single “Swede’s Scandal” was realased on Superradio Reccords (label owned by Franco & Venise Scopinich).
4) A thrash metal band of the same name from Vietnam who have released two demo's.
Brief Description
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you didn't hear it you're gonna hear it right now."]
[Slug]
Bam, the door way opened for me
I saw ways and told the story
Raw day dreams of holding glory
Junior high,
Lockin' faggot MCs
Beat boxin', breakin' Zulu Nation wannabees
It didn't take long to see who would stay strong
High school upon
Some be -Boys put their gang bangs on
But some kept on doing
Step on to ruin
Others that were pursuing the same shit we thought we ruled in
But what a surprise
The passion for being the best
Puts a quest for allies to rest
Dead
In the Midwest where heads
Is just a hand full
In a land of gangstas
Players, replacements, priests, banjos
We scramble
To break MCs that may appreciate it
Guided by their envy insecurity and their hatred
Separated by the gimmie props technique
And a desire to be the tops this week
I gotta floss the speak
Cause talk is cheap
Even the broke kids can afford it
That's why I stand close and if you're dope then I'm supportive
But if not
We'll keep the mic warm
For the next one
Respect the artform
And make your wishes on the stars born
Within the movement
Fact checkin' tryin' to completely avoid all channels of backstepping
From the lines of paint on the concrete
They reside on Lake Street
To the way we close our eyes to sleep
And drift through Deep Space 9 type shit
To find this
I've been around for as long as sound
I've been to that not so fresh faze
And that not so serious state but I've evolved
Metamorphed manifestate
I used to be young, dumb and full of vision
Like it was religious rituals
I made initial decisions
I wanted to be a rapper world renown
From Minneap to the Bronx
Capture girls in crowns
Snap, crackle and stomp
That's what I found
The abyss that sits in-between the one that holds the mic and those that
don't even listen
Formed some crews
Rocked talent shows at schools
Saturdays on the 18 make my way down to the record pool
I met a grip of people that was bullshit
Was down with a lot of people that was bullshit
But I pull shit from the asshole of an angel before I let him hassle and
strangle
The love triangle between me the mic and the turntable
Went to studios
We want to make demos
We want to do shows and rock our own instrumentals
Do our own production
Fuckin' around with this kid Kazir
Nitwit engineer
Barely knew his own equipment, Atmosphere
The prefix was urban
Wrecked shows
Made friends made foes
Overall we made flows
And right now as I sit here writing this
I'm buggin' off the people in my life that made me like this
Within the movement
Fact checkin'
Tryin' to completely avoid all channels of backsteppin'
From the lines of painted concrete
that reside on Franklin Ave
To the dead bird on the elevator
To that short in your cross fader
I never got lost later
For efforts to pester
Just throw your hands up in the air like a leper
I've been to that not so fresh faze
And to that not quite so serious state
Metamorph manifestate
Well sometimes it rings and I don't answer it
That's it no asterisks
No thirst to find the circumstances
It was planted in me deep
It was nurtured and it grew
Gave it sleep and nutrition
It was efficient let it through
There are a few that have developed when I let them in my spectrum
For the rest of em
I give them just enough to cause infection
Not trippin' on attention
But if you ? it's welcome
Open arms patient charms
I know the words and I can spell them
Seldom is it
When one inquisits
Do they leave with this interest
In fact most begin crave the business
Bringin' me to the table
That's it no more no less
The love the life the stress
Slug, the mic, the mess
Testin'
Yes, I've been tested and I've tested some
I'm not sayin' I'm the best
Believe I'm not
Like the rest of em
Just sayin' I'm better than you
That's my mind state
My rhymes take me into
When I check one two
I guess some do get pissed
But intentions were to inspire
Built the empire before I get tired
The ones that tare me down don't know it
But they're the same ones that build me
Now quietly in your head say, "Yes you can feel me."
[Sample: "Asking himself, even before the curtain goes up, what am I?
I am now 80 years old, and more, and I am determined to find precisely
what I am, what I amount to. They tell me I am everything, they flatter
me everyday, of my life. I am now going to subject myself to a rigorous
test in order to find out really what I am. I don't care about? I don't
about rule, anymore. It is of no importance to me, as such, but I must
find out what I am before I die."]
The song "Brief Description" by Atmosphere is a reflection on the journey of the artist. The song starts by describing the author’s childhood in Junior High where he had raw daydreams of holding glory. He also talks about his love for hip-hop and how it helped him be the Hall Way King in the school. High school was a turning point where some kids lost interest in hip-hop and became gang members, while others continued pursuing their dreams of becoming lyricists. The Midwest was a tough place where there were only a few heads who appreciated the art form. The song moves on to describe the artist's journey from being young and ignorant to being a seasoned musician who has been through it all.
The verse “Within the movement, Fact checkin’ Tryin’ to completely avoid all channels of backstepping” suggests that the author is now grown up and has a deeper understanding of the hip-hop movement. The song continues to express the author's journey in life, where he faced obstacles, met people who were trying to pull him down, and how he eventually overcame them. The song doesn't just describe the artist's experiences, but also talks about the state of the hip-hop industry in the Midwest and how it impacted the author's journey.
The song's lyrics are deep and show the author's wisdom and insight about the hip-hop industry. He talks about how the industry changes around him and how he adapted to those changes. The song is a reflection on his journey through life and how he has become the artist he is today.
Line by Line Meaning
Bam, the door way opened for me
An opportunity presented itself to me.
I saw ways and told the story
I observed paths and shared my experiences.
Raw day dreams of holding glory
Unrefined aspirations of achieving greatness.
Junior high, Hall way king
In junior high, I was the popular one in the hallway.
Lockin' faggot MCs
I shut down and dominated mediocre rappers.
Beat boxin', breakin' Zulu Nation wannabees
I outperformed and showed up those who imitated the Zulu Nation movement.
It didn't take long to see who would stay strong
I quickly recognized who had the determination and strength to succeed.
High school upon, Some be-Boys put their gang bangs on
In high school, some people chose to join gangs and engage in violence.
But some kept on doing, Step on to ruin
Others continued to pursue their dreams, while some faltered and ruined their lives.
Others that were pursuing the same shit we thought we ruled in
There were others who were also pursuing success in the same realm we believed we dominated.
But what a surprise, The passion for being the best
It was surprising how much people cared about being the best at what they did.
Puts a quest for allies to rest
Their drive to be the best eliminated the need for allies or companions.
Dead In the Midwest where heads Is just a hand full
There are only a few talented individuals in the Midwest.
In a land of gangstas, Players, replacements, priests, banjos
The Midwest is a place where there are many types of people, including those involved in gang culture and religious leaders.
We scramble, To break MCs that may appreciate it
We work hard to gain recognition and compete against other rappers who may not fully understand or appreciate our craft.
Guided by their envy insecurity and their hatred
Other rappers are driven by jealousy, insecurity, and resentment.
Separated by the gimmie props technique
Many rappers try to gain recognition through cheap tricks and tactics.
And a desire to be the tops this week
Some rappers only care about being the best for a short amount of time.
I gotta floss the speak
I need to use my words wisely and effectively.
Cause talk is cheap
Words without action are meaningless.
Even the broke kids can afford it
Even those with limited means can express themselves through music.
That's why I stand close and if you're dope then I'm supportive
I support those who are truly talented and put in effort.
But if not, We'll keep the mic warm
If someone is not talented, they will not be given the opportunity to perform.
For the next one
We will look for and support the next talented person.
Respect the artform
We must respect and appreciate the craft of creating music.
And make your wishes on the stars born
We hope to find and support new talent to succeed in the music industry.
Within the movement
In the music industry and its culture.
Fact checkin' tryin' to completely avoid all channels of backstepping
I am vigilant about verifying information and avoiding negative influences.
From the lines of paint on the concrete, They reside on Lake Street
I pay attention to small details and the environment around me, such as the graffiti on the street.
To the way we close our eyes to sleep
Even in our sleep, we must be thoughtful and aware of our surroundings.
And drift through Deep Space 9 type shit
We may experience strange and surreal situations, like those on the sci-fi show Deep Space 9.
To find this
To reach this level of awareness and consciousness.
I've been around for as long as sound
I have been involved in music for as long as I can remember.
I've been to that not so fresh faze
I have experienced times of stagnation or lack of creativity in my music.
And that not so serious state but I've evolved
I have grown and developed as an artist and a person.
Metamorphed manifestate
I have transformed and made my aspirations a reality.
I used to be young, dumb and full of vision
When I was younger, I had a lot of ambition and dreams, but lacked wisdom and experience.
Like it was religious rituals
My passion for music was akin to a religious experience or commitment.
I made initial decisions
I made choices and set priorities for my music career.
I wanted to be a rapper world renown
My goal was to become a successful and recognized rapper around the world.
From Minneap to the Bronx
I wanted to become a rapper known from Minneapolis to the Bronx in New York City.
Capture girls in crowns
To impress and win over women through my success as a rapper.
Snap, crackle and stomp, That's what I found
My style was explosive and energetic.
The abyss that sits in-between the one that holds the mic and those that don't even listen
There is a gap between those who create music and those who do not appreciate or understand it.
Formed some crews, Rocked talent shows at schools
I formed groups and performed at school talent shows.
Saturdays on the 18 make my way down to the record pool
I would attend record pools on Saturdays to discover new music and promote my own work.
I met a grip of people that was bullshit
I met many people who were untrustworthy and unreliable.
Was down with a lot of people that was bullshit
I associated with many people who were not truly dedicated to or passionate about music.
But I pull shit from the asshole of an angel before I let him hassle and strangle
I am resourceful and will go to great lengths to overcome obstacles and challenges.
The love triangle between me the mic and the turntable
My passion for music and performing strengthens the relationship between me, the microphone, and the turntable.
Went to studios, We want to make demos
I recorded music in studios and created demos to showcase my talent.
We want to do shows and rock our own instrumentals
We wanted to perform our own music with original instrumentals.
Do our own production
We had control over the production of our music.
Fuckin' around with this kid Kazir, Nitwit engineer
We worked with an inexperienced engineer named Kazir.
Barely knew his own equipment, Atmosphere
Kazir was not well-versed in his own equipment, but we made it work under the name Atmosphere.
The prefix was urban
We were associated with a urban, or hip-hop, style of music.
Wrecked shows, Made friends made foes, Overall we made flows
We made mistakes, formed relationships, and ultimately created music together.
And right now as I sit here writing this, I'm buggin' off the people in my life that made me like this
I am grateful for the people who have played a significant role in shaping me as an artist and person.
Yes, I've been tested and I've tested some
I have encountered challenges and have tested others.
I'm not sayin' I'm the best, Believe I'm not
I do not claim to be the best.
Just sayin' I'm better than you, That's my mind state
I believe in my own talent and abilities, but do not intend to insult or undermine others.
My rhymes take me into, When I check one two
My music takes me to a different state of being.
I guess some do get pissed, But intentions were to inspire
Some people may dislike my music, but it was made with the intention of inspiring others.
Built the empire before I get tired
I have created a strong foundation for my music career while maintaining my passion and energy.
The ones that tare me down don't know it, But they're the same ones that build me
Those who criticize me unknowingly only make me stronger and more determined.
Now quietly in your head say, "Yes you can feel me."
I hope to connect with my audience and inspire them through my music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Meechy
DOPE, DOPE, DOPE!!!! Hip Hop wasn't ready for a group this powerful and impactful!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️
sofi sofia9
one of the best hip hop albums of all time
Jason DeAngelis
Atmosphere… always puts a smile on my face ❤️
RKWDBMX
Amazing album. Puts today's rap to shame.
Wurst Finger
depends. but yea, harry mack is a rarity nowadays
mr. vincent van goghIII
Pure unadulterated bars....beats...this album is what the word...
"hip hop"means
Chris Radca
"Was down with a lot of people that were bullshit, but I'll pull shut from the asshole of an angel before I let em hassle and strangle the love triangle between me, the mic and the turn table" my God Slug is ridiculous 🔥🔥 Long live hip hop!
Wurst Finger
aah this flow always gave me goosebumps.
Mr. Grinch
Way ahead of his time. Now he's a classic.
James Overton
Still my favorite album in 2022!!