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.
One Of A Kind
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm different because I respect my audience and I don't yell at them...
And I'm special because I respect my audience... (Guy in crowd: YA!)
SHUT THE FUCK UP!
[Slug]
The way she listen to what the MC said
She might as well plug the RCA cords into her head
Cats still criticize my frustration raps
Well off he goes, come and cop some flows
Cross your toes in hopes that I don't climb you like an obstacle
Mission Impossible, fishin' in the kitchen sink
Ya'll'll fall for anything so what you think this kid'll bring?
Poker face, let me hold my place, the name's sake(?) Slug
But you? You can call me so(?) grace
Open invitation to catch today's ejaculation
All across the front of your pretty little apron (Bitch)
This goes to those that want to mouthful of Sean's load
Thanks for startin' now you're barkin' down the wrong road
Sacrifice plays a part in grabbin' mics from now till the afterlife
I'll continue, pass(?) it like I love this fuckin' whore with all my heart
And ain't nobody gonna stop me from doin' my part
It gave me life, it saved me life, it raised me right
So slideshow decide (slide shoulder side), and please hand over that mic
[Chorus x2]
Who am I? [2nd: What is this?]
One of a kind
Send em' one at time
You're all the same
Only separate by kick snares and names
Some of ya'll even share the same names
So fuck you and your lies baby show no shame
[Slug]
So point a finger at the sucker that's havin' a good summer
Ain't got no bread, no wheat, no Wonder
But I got the phone number to this weakness I know
Who can put me back together, make me feel whole
So take me apart, try to break me down
And spend all you got just to hate the clown
You can fake the frown, imitate the sound
Underworld, worldwide, wide world of underground
It goes one little, two little, three little indie rap
Headphones, backpack, watch em' all piggy back
Switch up my styles, they all complain but see
Which kids next year sound the same as me!
The same shit, yesterday was like today
Only difference is I trust even less of what you say
But all in all, I still make the noise
I still break the toys, I still hate your voice
I still say, "Fuck a major label till it limps!"
Put your deal upon our table and we'll show you who's the pimp
There is no sympathy for the careless
Fuck the extra credit, and fuck the demerits
Class dismissed
[Chorus x2]
One of a kind
Send em' one at time
You're all the same
Only separate by kick snares and names
Some of ya'll even share the same names
So fuck you and your lies baby show no shame
What is this?
Who am I? One of a kind, one at a time...
So fuck you and your lies baby show no shame
In "One of A Kind," Slug, the MC of Atmosphere, defends his music against criticism by other rappers in the industry. He believes he is different because he respects his audience and doesn't yell at them like other rappers. He goes on to critique the music industry and the ways in which the same themes and sounds are repeated over and over again. He decries the pressure to conform to the norm and the lack of creativity in modern music. In his view, the only way to be truly unique is to be yourself and not follow the crowd.
Slug asserts his identity in the chorus of the song as he asks the question, "Who am I?" He knows he's one of a kind and urges others to follow suit. He believes that everyone is unique and special, and that they shouldn't be afraid to show it. While there will be critics and doubters, Slug encourages people to embrace themselves and "show no shame" in who they are.
Overall, "One of A Kind" is a song about individuality and staying true to one's self in a world that often pressures us to conform. Slug's lyrics are powerful and insightful, and they remind us that we are all special in our own way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm different because I respect my audience and I don't yell at them...
I'm unique because I value and respect my fans, unlike others who shout at them and show no regard.
And I'm special because I respect my audience... (Guy in crowd: YA!)
I'm exceptional because of my respect for fans, which is something rare that not everyone possesses.
SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Stop interrupting me, I'm trying to perform.
The way she listen to what the MC said
She might as well plug the RCA cords into her head
She listens to the MC attentively as if her ears are connected to sound equipment.
Taking that into consideration, at the center of creation
Cats still criticize my frustration raps
Despite the creativity and significance in my rap lyrics, some still find reasons to criticize me.
Well off he goes, come and cop some flows
Cross your toes in hopes that I don't climb you like an obstacle
Listen to my music and prepare to be impressed, but be warned, I won't hesitate to challenge you.
Mission Impossible, fishin' in the kitchen sink
Ya'll'll fall for anything so what you think this kid'll bring?
My mission is nearly impossible and much like fishing in a kitchen sink, people fall for almost anything. What do you think I will bring to the table?
Poker face, let me hold my place, the name's sake(?), Slug
But you? You can call me so(?), grace
I'll keep a straight face and stay in my position as Slug, but you can also call me grace if you prefer.
Open invitation to catch today’s ejaculation
All across the front of your pretty little apron (Bitch)
You are welcome to catch my latest release, i.e., today’s ejaculation, even if some of you are just bitches.
This goes to those that want to mouthful of Sean's load
Thanks for startin' now you're barkin' down the wrong road
This is for those eager for a taste of my music, thanking them for their support while warning others who don't have interest to keep off.
Sacrifice plays a part in grabbin' mics from now till the afterlife
I'll continue, pass(?) it like I love this fuckin' whore with all my heart
To become a top performer and keep that up until I die, I have to keep sacrificing. I'll keep striving and passing the mic like a lover who is only interested in one person.
And ain't nobody gonna stop me from doin' my part
It gave me life, it saved me life, it raised me right
I’m not deterred from doing what I love, which has been my life, saving me, and forming a large part of my upbringing.
So slideshow decide (slide shoulder side), and please hand over that mic
Make a quick decision and slide that mic over to me.
Who am I? [2nd: What is this?]
One of a kind
Send em' one at time
You're all the same
Only separate by kick snares and names
Some of ya'll even share the same names
So fuck you and your lies baby show no shame
Who am I? I’m one of a kind, not part of the mass. Individually, you are all the same, distinguished only by minor differences like kick snares and names. Some even share the same names, which is boring. Stop lying and show some shame.
So point a finger at the sucker that's havin' a good summer
Ain't got no bread, no wheat, no Wonder
Don’t blame me for your summer season going wrong. I don't have much, not even basic things like bread, wheat, nor Wonder.
But I got the phone number to this weakness I know
Who can put me back together, make me feel whole
I do, however, have a contact for this one person who can fix my broken situation and make me feel better.
So take me apart, try to break me down
And spend all you got just to hate the clown
Try to take me down and use all your resources to hate on me even though I'm just the playful performer.
You can fake the frown, imitate the sound
Underworld, worldwide, wide world of underground
You can pretend to be unhappy and copy my sound since I hail from an underground world that spans all continents.
It goes one little, two little, three little indie rap
Headphones, backpack, watch em' all piggy back
It starts with one, two, and three indie raps. Then they piggyback on it with headphones and backpacks.
Switch up my styles, they all complain but see
Which kids next year sound the same as me!
I keep changing my style, and some complain. But you'll see which kids sound like me in the years yet to come.
The same shit, yesterday was like today
Only difference is I trust even less of what you say
Each day is the same; the only difference is I keep trusting you less every time you say something.
But all in all, I still make the noise
I still break the toys, I still hate your voice
Despite all this, I still make music, break rules, and hate your voice.
I still say, "Fuck a major label till it limps!"
Put your deal upon our table and we'll show you who's the pimp
I won't work with big labels who try to take advantage of me. I'll show you that I'm in control by rejecting your deals.
There is no sympathy for the careless
Fuck the extra credit, and fuck the demerits
I have no sympathy for those who don't bother to put in the effort. I don't care about school credits or demerits.
Class dismissed
This lecture is over.
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC, ANT TURN THAT SNARE DOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Spizale988
This is why I'm proud to be from Minnesota! 10,000 lakes and 10,000 of the most talented musicians in the world.
@majikmooses
Please name 10,000 musicians from Minnesota for me.
@obitouchiha3017
It's 2021 and this shit STILL BANGS!✊🇺🇸🇲🇽
@duderino3177
2024 still bangin
@giorgoskl33
'I'm special 'cause I respect my audience! SHUT THE F*CK UP"
I died laughing...
@fotis191
γειά σου μάγκα μου. :D
@omagosmetaxapia4802
Xaxa ellineesss
@fotis191
Τον είδα πρόσφατα και σε άλλα video και το σχολίασα. Το album γαμάει και δέρνει. Από τα καλύτερα της 15ετίας
@MDrepresentah
Is that Sage Francis? Sounds like him
@glitchedblood
@@MDrepresentahyes