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.
Onemosphere
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Atmosphere... Atmosphere.... Atmosphere
[Slug]
Atmosphere and maybe you don't like us
But of all the stars in the sky believe we're one of the brightest
My life is as tright as your favorite rap record
And I'm possed with that insight that enables me to laugh better
Out of the wrapping paper with out the fucking holiday
Can't never be captured they can toy with my shell
But only after they walk on my backwards through be -boy hell
From hear on out the sun rises at noon thirty
And didn't quit pressing till the whole f-ing room heard me
Soon the birdy will fly with or with out the wings
As strange as the equator, as nosy as the outscenes
Let the poppers pop let the breakers break
Make the dj's and the assholes and all the rappers snakes
Well most graph writers are wierdos now a days
So I hang out with myself and a rafter and a belt
Every chapter that I happen to skim
Appears if it must of been written by me or the brothers grim
And the moral to the story comes equipped with a sting
Once again I'm picked for the wrong fucking scene (fucking scene)
[Slug]
Now I'm sleeping on floors of temporary friends
But I'm keeping the store front as clean as I can
And I'm sweeping the sky for today's revelation
And I'm needing some time and some proper ventillation
And I'm building a house for everyone to hold
And I'm filling your mouth with the keys to my soul
And your spitting me out piece together the puzzle
You got to get it all out while your learning how to juggle
And the bricks weigh more then they led you to believe
Remember never let nobody leave you to believe
September was the first time I had to breathe
So I learned to hate harvest, started at a trick up it's sleave
Not fucking with the jones'es, I guess that I been jones'en so much
nothing gets noticed but the mess
And I've spoken my stress through and empty beer can
And it goes one Minnesota, two Minnesota, three
And Atmosphere.....
The song "Onemosphere" by Atmosphere speaks to the relationship the rapper, Slug, has with his music and the world around him. Slug asserts that although some may not like or appreciate their music, Atmosphere is one of the brightest stars in the sky. He compares his life to his favorite rap record - tight and insightful, enabling him to appreciate the world around him. He reflects on his journey from A to Z, never being captured, but having the ability to take on anyone who crosses his path. Slug uses vivid imageries about the sun rising at "noon thirty," referencing how he has worked tirelessly to make sure his voice is heard. He is ready to soar even if it means leaving behind everything that is holding him back.
The second part of the song reflects on Slug's present circumstances as he sleeps on floors of temporary friends, needing proper ventilation and time to think. He is committed to his music, building a house where everyone can hold onto something, and filling people's mouths with keys to his soul. He wants his audience to put the pieces of the puzzle that he has given them together, even if it requires juggling the bricks that weigh more than they anticipated. He reflects on the change that has taken place in his life, making a conscious effort to avoid comparing himself to others and instead focusing on his personal evolution.
Line by Line Meaning
Atmosphere and maybe you don't like us
Despite the possibility that you may not like our music, we're still here and we're not going away.
But of all the stars in the sky believe we're one of the brightest
Out of all the musicians out there, we believe we're one of the best.
My life is as tright as your favorite rap record
My life is going just as perfectly as your favorite hip hop album.
And I'm possed with that insight that enables me to laugh better
I possess an understanding of life that allows me to appreciate humor more fully.
From the last letter back to the A come around my way
No matter where you come from or where you're going, you can always visit me.
Out of the wrapping paper with out the fucking holiday
My music is not a gift wrapped with the intention of matching any holiday, it's for every day.
Can't never be captured they can toy with my shell
My spirit or essence can never be contained, though people can control my external body.
But only after they walk on my backwards through be-boy hell
Before someone can control me, they must first prove their skill and earn my respect in the hip hop community.
From hear on out the sun rises at noon thirty
From now on, I don't need to follow anyone else's schedule, I'll live on my own time.
And didn't quit pressing till the whole f-ing room heard me
I didn't stop performing until everyone in the room noticed and listened to me.
Soon the birdy will fly with or with out the wings
I will succeed with or without the resources or help that others may have.
As strange as the equator, as nosy as the outscenes
I'm unique and original, just like the equator, and I'm always looking or prying into the overlooked elements in life, like the outskirts of a city.
Let the poppers pop let the breakers break
I encourage each aspect of hip hop culture to develop and flourish.
Make the dj's and the assholes and all the rappers snakes
I think that many DJs, rappers, and music industry people are dishonest or disingenuous.
Well most graph writers are wierdos now a days
Most graffiti artists these days are unusual or out of place.
So I hang out with myself and a rafter and a belt
I'm content with being alone, or at most, just having a few simple supplies.
Every chapter that I happen to skim
Every situation I pass through or skim over in life.
Appears if it must of been written by me or the brothers grim
Every situation I pass through seems either completely within my control or pre-determined in a fateful or disastrous way.
And the moral to the story comes equipped with a sting
The conclusion or lesson to be learned is often painful or difficult to accept.
Once again I'm picked for the wrong fucking scene (fucking scene)
Once again, I'm in a situation or environment that doesn't fit or work for me.
Now I'm sleeping on floors of temporary friends
I'm living in a temporary living situation, being taken care of by friends.
But I'm keeping the store front as clean as I can
I'm doing my best to keep things orderly, despite my current situation.
And I'm sweeping the sky for today’s revelation
I'm searching for a new and enlightening experience or idea every day.
And I'm needing some time and some proper ventilation
I require my own space and time to breathe and re-center myself.
And I'm building a house for everyone to hold
I'm creating something positive and lasting for everyone to share and benefit from.
And I'm filling your mouth with the keys to my soul
I'm sharing a part of myself with you, giving you something valuable to appreciate and understand.
And your spitting me out piece together the puzzle
After absorbing me and my ideas, you must figure out how they fit into your own personal worldview.
You got to get it all out while your learning how to juggle
It's necessary to focus and practice balance in order to make the most of every opportunity or challenge.
And the bricks weigh more then they led you to believe
The obstacles or burdens that you must face are even heavier than you initially thought.
Remember never let nobody leave you to believe
Don't let anyone convince you of something that's untrue or harmful to your wellbeing.
September was the first time I had to breathe
September symbolizes a new beginning or starting point for me.
So I learned to hate harvest, started at a trick up it's sleave
I have grown to dislike the fall or harvest season, due to the associated tricks or negative experiences that have occurred during this time for me.
Not fucking with the jones’es, I guess that I been jones'en so much
I don't want to conform or compete with anyone else in the music industry, as it's caused me too much stress and anxiety.
nothing gets noticed but the mess
Nothing of value or substance is ever noticed or appreciated by others, only the negative or chaotic aspects of life.
And I've spoken my stress through and empty beer can
I've used alcohol as a temporary means of coping with stress or anxiety.
And it goes one Minnesota, two Minnesota, three
No matter where I am in the world, I always remember where I come from (Minnesota).
And Atmosphere.....
Atmosphere (the musical group) concludes the song.
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC, ANT TURN THAT SNARE DOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind