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.
Give Me
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a slow typer, a so-so writer
Been the shit ever since I was an infant in diapers
And I'ma be dope, all the way to the end
From the cradle to the grave, the Pampers to the Depends
Get enough love, got enough friends
But on a regular basis it's safe to say I've got the benz
I guess my mind was probably on my rent
Oh I got my mind on my tummy, and my tummy on my mind
Some assembly required, let me run it down the line
The factory is open, time card punched
Until lunch time it's crunch time, back to work
Fool, the first rule is to keep the verse true
Even if it hurts you, you gotta wear the pain like a stain
Respect the listener, respect the game
Because there's more to game than some dinner and fame
(Hook)
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'ma play this game, I just want to say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'ma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
(Verse 2)
See I'm that cat that used to sit in the back and study
Looking for some proof, that God loves ugly
Flash forward a decade later in your time
Somehow, a good number of ya'll got down
And it's solid, fresh, dope, whatever you want to call it
(Not back) An aspiring sociopathic alcoholic
(Ahh shit) Look at Slug still rockin' the same outfit
Tryin to make the belly grow bigger than the wallet
Ay yo man, how you doing, (what?), how you been?
Just been makin it cool to rap about love again
Not that hippie stuff I'm talkin 'bout that bitch that gives you nuts
Did he say bitch? Yeah I'm sorry, don't tell my baby's mommy
Speakin of baby, when done, there'll be a crate full of albums
For my son to page through, thinking daddy was a gun
With a handful of heads that put me up
til they had some samples from Ant, and faith in What the Fuck?
I said, still goin, still maintainin, still standing in the land of snow and purple rain
And I'm still waitin for my date to kiss me or slap me
Cause there ain't no way that I can be happy, when I'm half me
(Hook)
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'ma play this game, I just want to say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'ma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
(Verse 3)
I've had the pleasure of speaking with some of you
Yeah you, come on now, don't act like you don't know who I'm talking to
After that show, when you approached me like you know me
The cd I sold you, the secrets that you told me
On that world you vision, through the layers of tears
The ones you choke and keep hidden when the players are near
I watch you chase it with beer, some frustration and fear
Try to figure out why the hell I came here
Well I don't know either, and I'm not ready to take a breather, neither
All I know is I'm still a believer
So you can beat me up, or you can beat me off
Pick a side, any side, and let me do my job, come on
If you've got a lot of love to give, but you don't know who to give it to
I'ma turn out the lights of the cigarette, and write a song about you
This one's for you.
(Hook)
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'ma play this game, I just want to say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'ma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
But don't you dare stop there
That's the tool, and I play it cool
I've seen things, that used to be dreams
The name's Slug girl, give me a hug
(Ending line)
What does ugly mean?
Atmosphere's song "Give Me" is a tribute to the hardworking and dedicated artists who are willing to keep their music genuine despite the difficulties that come with the industry. The song relays the story of Slug, the lead singer himself, as he navigates through the complicated world of music. He narrates how he started out as a simple artist who did not have much, and he candidly admits that his aspirations revolved around money, life, love, and respect. An interesting aspect of Slug's narration is the raw and inter-connected way he candidly speaks, making the recollection of his life an open fair where fans can see his vulnerabilities and strengths meshed together.
The song's first part talks about Slug's love for music from as early as infancy, growing up in diapers. He admits that he is not the best writer but believes he is great, and his fans give him enough love and support. He gives insight into his daily struggles, balancing paying his rent with pursuing his passion, music. Slug stresses the importance of honesty and genuine lyrics, even though rapping about one's vulnerabilities can be painful. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the listener, and the music industry goes beyond just fame and fortune.
The hook of the song emphasizes Slug's need for money, respect, and love, a common appeal to many artists in the industry. The song's last two parts deal with Slug's interaction with his fans and how he uses his music to reach out to them. The lyrics document how he speaks to strangers who introduce themselves, and he crafts music based on their stories. Slug emphasizes his themes of love and vulnerability, encouraging others to allow themselves to express these feelings when listening to his music.
Line by Line Meaning
Jimmy got shot in the parking lot...
The song begins with a sad event where Jimmy was shot in the parking lot.
I'm a slow typer, a so-so writer
The artist describes himself as a slow typer and a mediocre writer.
Been the shit ever since I was an infant in diapers
The artist has been talented from a young age.
And I'ma be dope, all the way to the end
The artist will always be amazing in his music, till the end of his life.
From the cradle to the grave, the Pampers to the Depends
The artist will continue making music from the beginning of his life to the end, from the time he wore diapers to the time he needs adult diapers.
Get enough love, got enough friends
The artist has enough love and friends.
But on a regular basis it's safe to say I've got the benz
The artist has a Mercedes-Benz, as the lyrics describe his lifestyle.
And I didn't mean to ignore that vibe you sent
The artist apologizes for not acknowledging someone's message, implying he was preoccupied with something else.
I guess my mind was probably on my rent
The artist admits that his mind was occupied with his financial responsibilities.
Oh I got my mind on my tummy, and my tummy on my mind
The artist is hungry and thinking about food.
Some assembly required, let me run it down the line
The artist refers to himself as a product and believes there is a manual for his development.
Until lunch time it's crunch time, back to work
The artist must focus and work hard until lunchtime.
Fool, the first rule is to keep the verse true
The artist believes in honesty and authenticity in his music.
Even if it hurts you, you gotta wear the pain like a stain
No matter how much it hurts, the artist will express his emotions through his music for the world to hear.
Respect the listener, respect the game
The artist respects both his listeners and the music industry.
Because there's more to game than some dinner and fame
The artist feels that there is more to the music industry than just fame and fortune.
Give me the money
The artist wants money for his music.
Don't you dare stop there
The artist feels that his music is not complete yet and needs more work.
Give me the mic
The artist wants the microphone to perform his music.
That's the tool, and I play it cool
The microphone is an important tool for the artist to perform his music and he handles it well.
Give me the life
The artist wants to live his life to the fullest.
I've seen things that used to be dreams
The artist has accomplished things that he once dreamed of.
Give me the love
The artist wants love and affection from his fans.
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
The artist's name is Slug and he would appreciate a handshake or a hug from his fans.
And I'ma play this game, I just want to say
The artist is committed to continue making music.
All I really want is for you to remember my name
The artist wants his name to be remembered by his fans for his music.
And I'ma run for as long as I'm allowed
The artist will make music for as long as he is permitted to.
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
The artist aspires to be an inspiration to his fans.
See I'm that cat that used to sit in the back and study
The artist describes himself as that person who would sit quietly at the back and observe.
Looking for some proof, that God loves ugly
The artist is searching for evidence that beauty is not the only thing that matters and that God loves all forms of life.
Flash forward a decade later in your time
A reference to the passage of time.
Somehow, a good number of ya'll got down
The artist acknowledges that many people appreciated his music over the years.
And it's solid, fresh, dope, whatever you want to call it
The artist's music is good, new, and amazing, irrespective of what people call it.
An aspiring sociopathic alcoholic
The artist is jokingly referring to himself as an aspiring sociopathic alcoholic and making fun of his bad habits.
Look at Slug still rockin' the same outfit
The artist has been wearing the same clothes for a while and hasn't changed his style.
Tryin to make the belly grow bigger than the wallet
The artist is focused on food, rather than accumulating wealth.
Ay yo man, how you doing, (what?), how you been?
The artist is greeting his friend and asking how he has been doing.
Just been makin it cool to rap about love again
The artist has been making music that emphasizes love and is popular with people.
Not that hippie stuff I'm talkin 'bout that bitch that gives you nuts
The artist is not talking about hippie love, rather he is talking about a girl who drives men crazy.
Did he say bitch? Yeah I'm sorry, don't tell my baby's mommy
The artist apologizes for using a derogatory word and asks people not to inform his child's mother about it.
Speakin of baby, when done, there'll be a crate full of albums
The artist plans to have many albums for his child to listen to when they grow up.
For my son to page through, thinking daddy was a gun
The artist wants his child to think of him as someone amazing when they look back at his albums.
With a handful of heads that put me up
The artist acknowledges that there are some people who believe in him and have supported him throughout his career.
til they had some samples from Ant, and faith in What the Fuck?
The artist has a team that believes in his talent and is producing his music collaboratively, giving the artist more confidence and faith in his music.
I said, still goin, still maintainin, still standing in the land of snow and purple rain
The artist is still active in his music career, maintaining his style and genre, even in changing times and locations.
And I'm still waitin for my date to kiss me or slap me
The artist is still searching for someone to share affection with, and is open to both positive and negative reactions from people.
Cause there ain't no way that I can be happy, when I'm half me
The artist believes that he must be his complete self to find happiness and cannot do so if he is not.
I've had the pleasure of speaking with some of you
The artist has spoken to some of his fans and is grateful for the opportunity.
Yeah you, come on now, don't act like you don't know who I'm talking to
The artist is addressing his fans directly and wants them to respond to him.
After that show, when you approached me like you know me
The artist met a fan after one of his concerts, who approached him like they were friends.
The cd I sold you, the secrets that you told me
The artist sold a CD to the fan and in exchange, the fan told him some secrets.
On that world you vision, through the layers of tears
The fan had a vision of the world and shared it with the artist through tears.
The ones you choke and keep hidden when the players are near
The artist believes that people often hide their true emotions and tears in front of others who they perceive to be players in the game of life.
I watch you chase it with beer, some frustration and fear
The artist has observed that people try to cope with their emotions by drinking beer and struggling with feelings of frustration and fear.
Try to figure out why the hell I came here
The artist wonders why he is in a particular place and what his purpose is there.
Well I don't know either, and I'm not ready to take a breather, neither
The artist does not know why he is where he is or what his purpose is, but he is not ready to take a break from music yet.
All I know is I'm still a believer
The artist still believes in the power of his music and the impact it can have on people's lives.
So you can beat me up, or you can beat me off
The artist can handle criticism or praise and still continue making music.
Pick a side, any side, and let me do my job, come on
The artist is urging people to either stand with him or against him, and then let him continue making music.
If you've got a lot of love to give, but you don't know who to give it to
The artist is addressing people who have love to share but do not know who deserves it.
I'ma turn out the lights of the cigarette, and write a song about you
The artist will use those people's stories as inspiration for his music.
This one's for you.
The artist will dedicate a song to these people and their stories.
What does ugly mean?
The artist asks a rhetorical question, posing a philosophical inquiry that beauty is not the only way to experience things, but rather to look beyond superficial appearances.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL BIVINS, NATHAN B. MORRIS, SHAWN PATRICK STOCKMAN, DALLAS L. AUSTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheNobleToad
"Give Me"
Jimmy got shot in the parking lot...
I'm a slow typer, a so-so writer
Been the shit ever since I was an infant in diapers
And I'mma be dope, all the way to the end
From the cradle to the grave, the Pampers to the Depends
Get enough love, got enough friends
But on a regular basis it's safe to say I've got the bends
And I didn't mean to ignore that vibe you sent
I guess my mind was probably on my rent
Oh I got my mind on my tummy, and my tummy on my mind
Some assembly required, let me run it down the line
The factory is open, time card punched
Until lunch time it's crunch time, back to work
Fool, the first rule is to keep the verse true
Even if it hurts you, you gotta wear the pain like a stain
Respect the listener, respect the game
Because there's more to game than some dinner and fame
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'mma play this game, I just wanna say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'mma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
See I'm that cat that used to sit in the back and study
Looking for some proof, that God loves ugly
Flash forward a decade later in your town
Somehow, a good number of ya'll got down
And it's solid, fresh, dope, whatever you wanna call it
Not bad for an aspiring sociopathic alcoholic
(Ah shit) Look at Slug still rockin' the same outfit
Trying to make the belly grow bigger than the wallet
Ay yo man, how you doing (what?), how you been?
Just been making it cool to rap about love again
Not that hippie stuff I'm talkin 'bout that bitch that gets you nuts
Did he say bitch? Yeah I'm sorry, don't tell my baby's mommy
Speaking of baby, when done, there'll be a crate full of albums
For my son to page through, thinking daddy was a gun
With a handful of heads that put me up
Til they had some samples from Ant, and faith in What the Fuck?
I said, still going, still maintaining
Still standing in the land of snow and purple rain
And I'm still waiting for my date to kiss me or slap me
Cause there ain't no way that I can be happy, when I'm happy
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'mma play this game, I just wanna say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'mma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
I've had the pleasure of speaking with some of you
Yeah you, come on now, don't act like you don't know who I'm talking to
After that show, when you approached me like you know me
The CD I sold you, the secrets that you told me
On that world you vision, through the layers of tears
The ones you choke and keep hidden when the players are near
I watch you chase it with beer, some frustration and fear
Try to figure out why the hell I came here
Well I don't know either, and I'm not ready to take a breather, neither
All I know is I'm still a believer
So you can beat me up, or you can beat me off
Pick a side, any side, and let me do my job, come on
If you've got a lot of love to give, but you don't know who to give it to
I'mma turn out the lights of the cigarette, and write a song about you
This one's for you
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
And I'mma play this game, I just wanna say
All I really want is for you to remember my name
And I'mma run for as long as I'm allowed
And hope to God I inspire some of ya'll
But don't you dare stop there
That's the tool, and I play it cool
I've seen things, that used to be dreams
The name's Slug girl, give me a hug
What does ugly mean?
HFthegreat
I overlooked this song when I got this album. It was one of those songs i never really listened to until I played through the entire album again. I'm glad I noticed this one, so good.
Paul Bowyer
Give me the money
Don't you dare stop there
Give me the mic
That's the tool, and I play it cool
Give me the life
I've seen things that used to be dreams
Give me the love
My name's Slug, give me a pound or a hug
Sade Mies
My favorite song of the album
seoul corpse
Does it really matter how you find out about atmosphere as long as you appreciate it. I learned about him through recommended artists on itunes because I had some Aesop Rock. I think all that really matters is that the fact that you think its dope not how you discover it.
youreachedchris - yrc
this is absolutely my favorite song of all time
Not Enough Baseball
Underrated song
Justlauder
+Not Enough Baseball all of slugs songs are underrated
Porter Treadway
hands down, my favorite atmosphere song!!
Kyle Smith
Been the shit ever since I was an infant in diapers
Mattias H
My favorite song