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.
Clay 2
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
anguish, anxiousness, and taking it for granted
but when i first landed i was so relieved i lost my focus
so we exceeded recommended dosages
now i hold the crib? that holds the soul that holds the poet skills
exlcusive it leaves illusions of unfocused flows
i don't suppose you're taking too much time
breaking too much mind trying to unravel the parable?
so i can find the secret key and free all the emcees
this planet spins on a thin axis
all axis passes won't help you to grasp the atmos'
i mean, what did you think
my agenda was to freestyle, smile, get paid to smoke weed,
and grab the mic and spoonfeed?
there's more to this than just paying the rent
if you're riding on this song you need to ride it to the end
what could you say as the earth gets further and further away?
planets as small as balls of clay
Some shells get broke
some keep their wigs closed
some get exposed as little man big pose
some make moves and some stay daydreamers
but everbody seems to want some loot, food amd a beemer
well make mine hunter green with camel insides,
10 percent tips, mr. pibb and some french fries
inch by inch i take it closer to the shoulder
but day by day it's getting harder to stay sober
once again on the edge, head's inebriated
movement needs motive, it's easier to be sedated
what makes me mighty and another tiny?
why does my psyche give a damn about whether or not you like me?
if this crime's right i might be wrong
i grip this mic tight because it's all i really have a grip on
so let the losers lose and let the players play
the difference is the day to the dust some clay, what
Who's world is that? it ain't mine, and i'm grateful
already got a plate full of clay on my table
i'm capable of handling fate, i know this
so do the people that get pissed when this microphonist spits
too many get caught up in the lines that emcees thought up
but it's clear to me the ones that fear me are the one's that outta
i spot a blemish on your planet's existence
i deliver subtle terror submerged in clever sentences
instantly pissin? away the misfits
the only residue that came of the hypothecially spew they sprayed
when they swayed i'd have em
half of 'em can't fathom
where the 'mats? from
i may be on those
you can ask 'em
at last, when we get down to it
there's more than sand and fluid
in how i revolve and evolve
can we solve the secrets? no.
can we take trinkets? no.
so when the ink hits it's more than just a sequenced flow
i can't bring you with me so i'm a leave me here
centuries from now they're gonna study atmosphere
carefully i steer, i'm aware life is fatal
when i go, i wanna go like ho, taken by the play-dough
In "Clay," Atmosphere delves into the existential questions surrounding human existence and the struggle to make sense of life's purpose. The opening lines describe the singer's arrival on earth and the overwhelming feelings that come with being alive. While the relief of survival is initially comforting, the singer soon finds themselves lost and seeking direction. Through introspection and experimentation with drugs, the singer seeks a deeper understanding of their place in the world.
The following stanzas touch on society's obsession with material wealth and success, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of life itself. The final lines suggest that no one can truly solve the mystery of existence or take anything with them when they depart from this world.
Throughout the song, Atmosphere employs clever wordplay and metaphors to articulate complex ideas. The singer's struggle to find purpose and meaning will resonate with anyone who's ever questioned the nature of their own life.
Line by Line Meaning
When i first landed the damage was outlandish
Upon my arrival, the harm done was tremendous
anguish, anxiousness, and taking it for granted
Agony, uneasiness, and negligence were my initial reactions
but when i first landed i was so relieved i lost my focus
However, I became so relieved upon landing that I lost my concentration
so we exceeded recommended dosages
Resulting in us surpassing the suggested amounts
now i hold the crib? that holds the soul that holds the poet skills
Presently, I possess the container that houses the spirit that possesses the artistry
exlcusive it leaves illusions of unfocused flows
However, exclusivity produces delusions of unstructured expression
i don't suppose you're taking too much time
I assume that you're not spending an excessive amount of time
breaking too much mind trying to unravel the parable?
Analyzing this metaphorical narrative may be overwhelming for you?
that dismantled and left the lines in need of some assembly
The allegory disintegrated and left the verses in disarray
so i can find the secret key and free all the emcees
In order to locate the hidden solution and liberate all the rappers
this planet spins on a thin axis
Earth rotates on a slender axis
all axis passes won't help you to grasp the atmos'
The axis passes will not aid in comprehending the atmosphere
i mean, what did you think
What were your assumptions?
my agenda was to freestyle, smile, get paid to smoke weed, and grab the mic and spoonfeed?
My goal was simply to improvise, appear happy, earn money to use drugs, and monopolize the microphone?
there's more to this than just paying the rent
However, this exceeds merely covering the housing expenses
if you're riding on this song you need to ride it to the end
If you're following along with this track you must see it through
what could you say as the earth gets further and further away?
What would you express as the planet becomes increasingly distant?
planets as small as balls of clay
Even planets as slight as spheres of clay
Some shells get broke
Certain casings shatter
some keep their wigs closed
Few keep their heads covered
some get exposed as little man big pose
Few get revealed as someone small with a big persona
some make moves and some stay daydreamers
Few take action while others remain are daydreamers
but everbody seems to want some loot, food amd a beemer
But everyone desires money, sustenance, and a BMW
well make mine hunter green with camel insides,
Therefore, mine will be dark green with beige interior
10 percent tips, mr. pibb and some french fries
Additional orders include 10% gratuity, Mr. Pibb, and a side of fries
inch by inch i take it closer to the shoulder
Slowly but surely, I approach the destination
but day by day it's getting harder to stay sober
However, each day it becomes more challenging to maintain sobriety
once again on the edge, head's inebriated
Yet again, I am on the brink while experiencing an altered state
movement needs motive, it's easier to be sedated
Incentive propels progress, while it's simpler to be tranquillized
what makes me mighty and another tiny?
What distinguishes me as formidable and another as insignificant?
why does my psyche give a damn about whether or not you like me?
Why does my mind concern itself with whether or not you approve of me?
if this crime's right i might be wrong
Even if this action is appropriate, it may still be erroneous
i grip this mic tight because it's all i really have a grip on
I clutch this microphone firmly because it's all I truly possess
so let the losers lose and let the players play
Therefore, allow the defeated to fail and the competitors to succeed
the difference is the day to the dust some clay, what
The contrast is fleeting as a day versus clay eroding over time
Who's world is that? it ain't mine, and i'm grateful
Whose world is that? It's not mine, but I am thankful
already got a plate full of clay on my table
I currently possess a dish filled with clay on my table
i'm capable of handling fate, i know this
I am competent to deal with destiny, I am aware
so do the people that get pissed when this microphonist spits
Those who become angry when I rap are equally equipped
too many get caught up in the lines that emcees thought up
A lot of people become ensnared in the verses created by rappers
but it's clear to me the ones that fear me are the one's that outta
However, it's evident that those who are afraid of me are the ones that should not
i spot a blemish on your planet's existence
I notice a flaw in your world's existence
i deliver subtle terror submerged in clever sentences
I distribute understated dread concealed within intelligent phrases
instantly pissin? away the misfits
Promptly, I am discarding the nonconformists
the only residue that came of the hypothecially spew they sprayed
The sole remainder was the hypothetical nonsense they expelled
when they swayed i'd have em
When they were influenced, I would have them under my influence as well
half of 'em can't fathom
Half of them are incapable of comprehending
where the 'mats? from
The question remains, where are Atmosphere from?
i may be on those
I am possibly in that group
you can ask 'em
You can inquire of them
at last, when we get down to it
Finally, when we arrive there
there's more than sand and fluid
There is more than just sand and liquid
in how i revolve and evolve
In the manner that I orbit and progress
can we solve the secrets? no.
Is it possible to uncover the mysteries? No
can we take trinkets? no.
Can we take souvenirs? No
so when the ink hits it's more than just a sequenced flow
Therefore, when the ink touches the page, it's more than a mere series of rhymes
i can't bring you with me so i'm a leave me here
I cannot take you with me, therefore I am going to remain here
centuries from now they're gonna study atmosphere
Years from now, people will analyze Atmosphere
carefully i steer, i'm aware life is fatal
I steer carefully because I am cognizant that life is mortal
when i go, i wanna go like ho, taken by the play-dough
When I pass away, I want it to occur similar to how Ho succumbed to the drugs
Contributed by Parker S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.