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.
How We Go
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Slug]
Stop it there without a care to what you've got to fear
Keep it all between your beer and your hockey hair
A lot of weird people traits and ticks
From the strangers to these dangerous faces you kiss
You know this town ain't cool as it used to be
Thruthfully I'm content with how the day moves
Stepped up the game, oops, still rock the same shoes
And one-time with them flashin things, they still
There to turn the drama into action scenes
I'm renting me a vehicle to roll me to the finish line
Follow if you wanna, we'll return around dinner time
Back hurts a little bit more with every cigarette
My mack learned to never ignore the petty gibberish
I like to play cocky like MR. Know-It-Also
So patiently waiting to pop! shake up the soda bottle
Horizontal like a mail-order male whore that came forth
Just to show you his pale horse
Of course the ones that love him hate him most
Heard broken ain't nothin man, she look like she ate a ghost
Make a toast to the butterknife, fuck it right
Wonder when my butterfly is gonna keep her flutter tight
I get way lonely when I'm on the j-o-be
And every pretty face actin like they know me
Same story, take photos and blow me
Like suckin on my pony is some type of a fuckin trophy
Don't know what to say homie, I understand under
The notion that mine is at home under another man
Don't even give it two minutes of business
Rotate the shoulderblades try to keep them chipless
Built a prison out of conjugal visits
Now I rock a fake grimace on my face to catch the kisses
A bag of pot luck, a pint of gut rot
Emcee's is mockduck tofu tough-talk
With the blood clot, jumpshot, fadeaway
Watch these kids eat it up like it was mayonaisse
Then he's on to the next city followin the destiny
Fell asleep droolin on your left titty
Indeed I play my part and call it high art
Keepin my eye on a piece of that pie chart
Smarter than solutions to the rubix cube
Took it apart and then pulled out a tube of superglue
Electric boogaloo, instead of tryin to look at you
I should stay in my house, sit on the couch and read a book or two
Maybe then this space alien can uncover ways to coexist
With other homosapiens
Until that time comes people know my bum steelo
Incognito with mosquitos and dung beetles
It's like that, never the wack a natural fact
It's like this St. Paul Minneapolis Jack
It's like that, take your head out of the vaginal crack
Like what the fuck did you expect
I rap
Atmosphere's song "Hockey Hair" is a commentary on the social scene of a small town, with its unique traits and quirks. The lyrics point out the differences and potential dangers of the environment as its inhabitants live out their daily lives. The song speaks to the concept of individuality, where one must find contentment in their own skin and not care to fear what others think or do. The line "You can't imagine how much fun we're having" is a sarcastic statement, highlighting the dull and uneventful nature of the small town.
Frontman Slug speaks about the town losing its coolness and the strange people he encounters. He remains content with the day's monotony and enjoys playing the role of Mr. Know-It-All while waiting for a chance to shake things up. He speaks about the loneliness that comes with his job and how every pretty face acts like they know him. The lines "A bag of pot luck, a pint of gut rot, emcees are mock duck tofu tough-talk” refer to the generic and dull nature of those who attempt to be rappers, and how they lack the authenticity and truth in their lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop it there without a care to what you've got to fear
Take a step back and don't let fear control you.
Keep it all between your beer and your hockey hair
Enjoy life's simple pleasures, like a cold beer and hockey hair.
A lot of weird people traits and ticks
People have their own unique quirks and behaviors.
From the strangers to these dangerous faces you kiss
Be careful who you trust, even strangers can be dangerous.
You know this town ain't cool as it used to be
Things change and what was once cool may not be anymore.
When the lions, tigers and bears'd stare at your jewelry
Things were different in the past, when animals were part of everyday life and jewelry was rare.
Truthfully I'm content with how the day moves
I'm happy with the way things are going and not trying to change them.
Stepped up the game, oops, still rock the same shoes
I may have progressed in some ways, but I still hold onto my old ways and style.
And one-time with them flashin things, they still
Even with flashy things and distractions, they are still present in one's mind.
There to turn the drama into action scenes
Drama can turn into exciting, action-packed situations.
I'm renting me a vehicle to roll me to the finish line
I'm taking control of my journey and using a vehicle to get me to my destination.
Follow if you wanna, we'll return around dinner time
Come along if you want, but we'll be back by dinner time.
Back hurts a little bit more with every cigarette
Smoking is taking a toll on my body, causing me pain.
My mack learned to never ignore the petty gibberish
I've learned to pay attention to the small things, as they can be important.
I like to play cocky like MR. Know-It-Also
I enjoy acting confident and knowledgeable, even if I don't actually know everything.
So patiently waiting to pop! shake up the soda bottle
Waiting for the right moment to make my move, like shaking up a soda bottle before opening it.
Horizontal like a mail-order male whore that came forth
Lying down flat, like a male prostitute being shipped to a customer.
Just to show you his pale horse
To reveal oneself, even if it may not be pleasant or appealing to others.
Of course the ones that love him hate him most
Those closest to someone can have the strongest negative feelings towards them.
Heard broken ain't nothin man, she look like she ate a ghost
Being heartbroken is nothing compared to the way she looks, possibly from distress or illness.
Make a toast to the butterknife, fuck it right
Celebrate the small and seemingly insignificant things in life, even if it seems silly.
Wonder when my butterfly is gonna keep her flutter tight
Curious when someone will become more controlled and refined, like a butterfly.
I get way lonely when I'm on the j-o-be
I feel extremely alone when I have to work.
And every pretty face actin like they know me
People who are attractive may act like they are familiar with me, even if they aren't.
Same story, take photos and blow me
People take pictures with me and act friendly, but are only interested in using me for their own benefit.
Like suckin on my pony is some type of a fuckin trophy
Treating me like some kind of conquest or achievement, like sucking on a pony's mane.
Don't know what to say homie, I understand under
I don't know what to say, but I understand what you're going through.
The notion that mine is at home under another man
The idea that my significant other may be with someone else while I'm away.
Don't even give it two minutes of business
Don't worry about it too much, it's not worth your energy.
Rotate the shoulderblades try to keep them chipless
Try to stay relaxed and avoid getting worked up over little things.
Built a prison out of conjugal visits
Despite physical intimacy, a person can still feel emotionally imprisoned in a relationship.
Now I rock a fake grimace on my face to catch the kisses
I fake a smile to receive affection, even if I'm not actually happy or content.
A bag of pot luck, a pint of gut rot
A mixture of random and possibly unpleasant experiences or substances.
Emcee's is mockduck tofu tough-talk
Rappers speak tough and confident, but it may be insincere or not genuine.
With the blood clot, jumpshot, fadeaway
A basketball reference to a scoring technique.
Watch these kids eat it up like it was mayonaisse
Kids enjoy and quickly accept things that may be less impressive or significant.
Then he's on to the next city followin the destiny
Moving on to the next step or chapter of one's life story.
Fell asleep droolin on your left titty
Fell asleep while being comforted by the intimacy of a partner.
Indeed I play my part and call it high art
I fulfill my role and consider it to be something of great value or importance.
Keepin my eye on a piece of that pie chart
Keep an eye on my goals and desires, even if they may seem unattainable.
Smarter than solutions to the rubix cube
Quick-witted and intelligent, able to solve complex problems easily.
Took it apart and then pulled out a tube of superglue
Figure out a solution to a problem by taking things apart and finding an unexpected solution.
Electric boogaloo, instead of tryin to look at you
Distracting from or avoiding a difficult situation by being silly or nonsensical.
I should stay in my house, sit on the couch and read a book or two
Sometimes it's better to stay in and indulge in solitary activities, like reading.
Maybe then this space alien can uncover ways to coexist
Reflect on oneself and find ways to better adapt to social situations and be more personable.
With other homosapiens
With other human beings, the same species as oneself.
Until that time comes people know my bum steelo
Until I'm able to change and improve myself, people will know me for my flaws and weaknesses.
Incognito with mosquitos and dung beetles
Invisible or unnoticed, like mosquitos and dung beetles.
It's like that, never the wack a natural fact
Things are the way they are, and that's just the way it is.
It's like this St. Paul Minneapolis Jack
Just the way it is in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Jack.
It's like that, take your head out of the vaginal crack
Don't be too focused on one thing or idea, expand your perspective.
Like what the fuck did you expect
What did you think was going to happen?
I rap
I'm a rapper.
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC, ANT TURN THAT SNARE DOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dorillien.
Every time the fish pull out a new track it’s becoming the favorite banger.
But this one damn..
There is something so special about it ❤
@CYGAN19911
voice and this chill
@frank7am_
To the guy who did the visuals and art. You’re so talented 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥲🤯
@schqrr
fr
@wezjacobs8953
Totally agree with you mate yeah awesome visuals spot on 😂
@sigalroman8547
Super cute
@Zuke22
ai
@JA_BRE
@@Zuke22 yep haha
@whatwouldyoudoif1815
He came a long way from fishing off the coasts of Australia. Now, he just casts his net into the ocean of music and harmony. Major upgrade
@jacobfreitas94
going to listen on repeat for the next 300,000 songs. thank you mr fish guy.