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.
Modern Man's Hustle
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The first time I met the devil was at a motel 6
She left hell to spend her weekends on earth just for kicks
Sexy little bitch, shorter then expected
About 5 foot 5, getting thick in the breast and thighs
Beautiful dark eyes, a strong stare
Large lips, soft hands and long hair
I said I'll make you smile for the simple fact I'm good at it
[Chorus]
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
[Slug]
Who cares what Janes says? She always spits the same spit
I'd rather kill the radio and listen to the rain hit
Little sister needs seclusion some how she'll discover it through the pop music
Got used to the feeling of falling, but she'll never see her following
Bouncing back and forth between the healing and the hollering
Riding the outer ring of your own private saturn
Thoughts scattered all across the grey matter
Little baby doll she doesn't know what to say to ya'll
The patience is short and of course the pride is way to tall
Break it all smash the past like it was made of glass
Ain't no other way to make it last
It hurts to watch Lucy lose a dream
I've had the pleasure of seeing our hero kick and scream
And when she calms down I'll turn the sound down
And put my arms around the little lost and found and I'll tell her that..
[Chorus]
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
[Slug]
Hush little lady don't say a word
Or the rest of the village gonna know you're disturbed
And if you let them know that you're vulnerable
Then there ain't no stopping how far they open you slow (yo yo yo)
I'm a chapter in yout text book read me like a checkbook
Mistook love at first sight for a sex look
Enough of the blind man's bluff, I wan't the good stuff
Trying to hookup a full belly and a foot rub
The modern man's hustle I dig it, I shuffle
Feed me your troubles and need me to cuddle (come on)
Bundle up in my mitten and coat
As cold as it gets I keep your winter afloat
So let the snow fall, (it's coming down)
She doesn't want to understand why I still come around
She look at the mirror she'd just see what I see
She holds no history of how precious she be
Lay your head on my chest, speak of the stress
Kick your feet up and rest, before we clean up the nest
I hate to see you upset it cramps the position
And if you didn't know you better listen (you better listen)
Cause...
[Chorus]
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
I will show you all you need to know
You must hold on to anyone that wants you
And I will love you through simple and the struggle
But girl, you got to understand the modern man must hustle
The lyrics to Atmosphere's song "Modern Man's Hustle" tell the story of a man's encounter with the devil in a motel, and his subsequent advice to a woman to hold onto anyone who wants her, but also to understand that the modern man must hustle. The first verse describes the man's encounter with the devil, who is portrayed as a beautiful and seductive woman. Despite her charms, the man sees through her facade and recognizes her for what she is. In the chorus, he tells the woman that he will show her all she needs to know and love her through the simple times and the struggles, but she must also understand that the modern man must hustle.
The second verse shifts to a different perspective, describing a young girl who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is influenced by pop music and the media, but feels lost and confused. The man offers her comfort and reassures her that she is precious and valuable, telling her to lay her head on his chest and speak of her worries. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the idea that one must hold onto anyone who wants them, but also understand the reality of modern life.
At its core, "Modern Man's Hustle" is about the struggles of navigating relationships in a world that often demands constant effort and hustle. The devil represents the temptation to seek out short-term pleasures, but the man advises the woman to hold onto those who truly care for her and understand the reality of modern life.
Line by Line Meaning
The first time I met the devil was at a motel 6
I met a woman who was seductive and dangerous, living life immorally and carelessly, just for fun.
She left hell to spend her weekends on earth just for kicks
This woman lived life recklessly and enjoyed the thrill of the unknown, with no thought or concern for the consequences of her actions.
Sexy little bitch, shorter then expected
This woman was attractive, but also manipulative and cunning, taking advantage of men and their desire for her.
About 5 foot 5, getting thick in the breast and thighs
She was physically attractive, but her looks were often used to deceive and manipulate others.
Beautiful dark eyes, a strong stare
She had captivating eyes and a powerful, intense gaze that could draw people in or make them feel intimidated.
Large lips, soft hands and long hair
She had features that were traditionally considered attractive, but there was always an element of danger or uncertainty around her.
I said I'll make you smile for the simple fact I'm good at it
I am charming and charismatic, and I know how to make people feel good, even if it's only a temporary distraction or relief from their problems.
I'll make you smile just so I can sit and look at it
I enjoy the power of making people feel happy, and I like to revel in that feeling without actually committing to anything deeper.
Who cares what Janes says? She always spits the same spit
I don't care about the opinions or perspectives of others, especially if they are repetitive, unoriginal, or lack depth.
I'd rather kill the radio and listen to the rain hit
I prefer silence or natural sounds to mindless chatter or pointless noise that does nothing to stimulate my mind or soul.
Little sister needs seclusion some how she'll discover it through the pop music
My younger sibling needs time alone to find herself and explore her own interests and passions, and she may discover some of them through the popular music culture of our time.
Got used to the feeling of falling, but she'll never see her following
My sibling has become accustomed to the uncertainty and instability of life, but she may not fully understand or appreciate the people who support and care for her.
Bouncing back and forth between the healing and the hollering
My sibling is struggling to find balance and stability in her life, oscillating between moments of growth and renewal and moments of pain and confusion.
Riding the outer ring of your own private saturn
My sibling is living on the edge of society or on the periphery of her own life, never quite finding a stable or secure place to call her own.
Thoughts scattered all across the grey matter
My sibling's mind is filled with a jumble of thoughts and feelings, making it difficult for her to find clarity or focus in her life.
Little baby doll she doesn't know what to say to ya'll
My sibling is still trying to find her voice and her place in the world, and she may feel lost or overwhelmed in social situations with others.
The patience is short and of course the pride is way too tall
My sibling may have a short temper or be easily frustrated or annoyed, and she may struggle with pride or arrogance that impedes her growth and relationships with others.
Break it all, smash the past like it was made of glass
It's time to let go of the past and any attachments or traumas that may be holding my sibling back, even if it means shattering illusions or comfort zones.
Ain't no other way to make it last
The only way to truly move forward and find lasting happiness is to let go of the things that are no longer serving us or holding us back.
It hurts to watch Lucy lose a dream
It's painful to see someone close to us suffer or give up on something they've been working towards or hoping for.
I've had the pleasure of seeing our hero kick and scream
I've watched my sister struggle and fight for what she believes in, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
And when she calms down I'll turn the sound down
When my sister is ready to talk or process her feelings, I will listen attentively and supportively, not trying to overpower or drown out her voice or emotions.
And put my arms around the little lost and found and I'll tell her that
I will comfort and embrace my sister, reminding her that she is loved and valued even when she feels lost or unsure of herself.
Hush little lady don't say a word
I urge my sister to be cautious and guarded around others who may try to take advantage of her or exploit her vulnerabilities.
Or the rest of the village gonna know you're disturbed
If my sister exposes her innermost thoughts or fears to others too freely, they may judge or ostracize her, causing her more pain and isolation.
And if you let them know that you're vulnerable
If my sister shows any signs of weakness or fragility, others may use it against her or see her as an easy target for harm or manipulation.
Then there ain't no stopping how far they open you slow (yo yo yo)
If my sister is too trusting or naïve with others, they may exploit or abuse her trust, causing even more damage and pain over time.
I'm a chapter in your textbook, read me like a checkbook
I am a complex and flawed person, but I am also predictable and can be easily understood or exploited if one knows my deep-seated desires or weaknesses.
Mistook love at first sight for a sex look
In the past, I may have confused or conflated physical attraction or lust with true love or intimacy, leading to disappointment or heartbreak in relationships.
Enough of the blind man's bluff, I want the good stuff
I am tired of playing games or being deceived by others, and I want to find true and meaningful connections with people who share my values and passions.
Trying to hookup a full belly and a foot rub
I am seeking comfort and pleasure in life, whether through food, physical touch, or other sensory experiences.
The modern man's hustle, I dig it, I shuffle
I embrace the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, and I am always looking for ways to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape.
Feed me your troubles and need me to cuddle (come on)
I am willing to listen and support others who are struggling or in need, and I crave physical and emotional intimacy and warmth in return.
Bundle up in my mitten and coat
I offer protection and comfort to those I care about, shielding them from harm or cold and offering them warmth and safety.
As cold as it gets I keep your winter afloat
Even in the darkest or coldest moments of life, I am there to offer hope and support, keeping those I care about from sinking into despair or hopelessness.
So let the snow fall, (it's coming down)
I am ready and willing to face any challenges or difficulties that come my way, whether in my own life or in support of others.
She doesn't want to understand why I still come around
Another person in my life may not understand why I am always there for them, even when they feel unworthy or undeserving of my love and support.
She looks at the mirror she'd just see what I see
I see the true beauty and value in this person, but they may struggle to see it themselves or to recognize their own worth and potential.
She holds no history of how precious she be
This person may have experienced trauma or hardship that has eroded their sense of self-worth or purpose, and they may need help or support in rediscovering their value and potential.
Lay your head on my chest, speak of the stress
I offer a safe and welcoming space for this person to share their worries and fears, and I am always ready and willing to listen and comfort them.
Kick your feet up and rest, before we clean up the nest
I encourage this person to take a break from the demands and stresses of life, and to relax and recharge before tackling the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead.
I hate to see you upset it cramps the position
I feel a deep sense of sadness or frustration when this person is struggling or in pain, as it makes it difficult for them to achieve their goals or live up to their potential.
And if you didn't know you better listen (you better listen)
I offer words of wisdom and guidance to those around me, even if they may not see or appreciate their own value or potential.
Cause...
All of these insights and perspectives add up to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the complexities of modern life and the human experience.
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC, ANT TURN THAT SNARE DOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind