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.
Say Hey There
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe pass out on the kitchen floor with your naked ass?
She still makes time to hate me
But basically I'm overbooked no emotional vacancy
Complacency seems so simple
Like fuck it let me be the one you fight and call mister right
It's and addiction bound to stick around
Cause a junky won't bounce 'till he hits the ground (get down)
And this buzz doesn't keep us from missin' her (get over)
And that love that built all of this emphasis
Spilled enough guilt to kill Electra and Oedipus (get out)
It's easier to leave it there
Each time I see your tears makes me need a beer to relieve the fear
I wanna keep a clear sky and fly away like a meteor
Outta here maybe next year I'll reappear
[Chorus]
I say hey there, we don't play fair
We can't stay here, I hope you take care [4X]
Sometimes you make me feel like such a prick
That even I'm convinced that I'm the one that's sick
You can fuss and bitch, you can cut your wrist
Or you can choke on that blood from the tongue you've bit
And when you acted up, best believe I blessed you back
I've got a fucking fan base that can attest to that
I'm returning this bleeding hearts club membership card
Cause I want no motherfuckin' part of it
We're just two dogs on all fours
It's a tug of war for who loves you more
Blame it on tours or locked bathroom doors
Or maybe it's 'cause my voice was louder than yours (what? You jealous?)
And I'll be damned if I do this for forever
Everybody lookin' at me like I don't know better
Instead I gotta run if I'm ever gonna forget her
Cause I've always been a go-getter (so whatever)
[Chorus]
And now I got a head full of better off dead
I followed down them steps, and slept in the wrong bed
If I had a breath of self-respect left
I'd set fire to the boxspring to help it catch wreck
Let these ashes represent the mattress
Director left the set but nobody told the actress
So she's still actin' as if we scheduled a practice
And my soundtrack is compromisin' her theatrics
You, you remind me of me, it's not a compliment
Get your song on
You, who you tryin' to be?
I've got no tolerance left for drama
You, you would like to go free, jump off the fence let your claws out
You, you remind me of me, run from all of them 'til they all gone
Then, here we go again, with my threats to leave
Like I've ever left a she who wouldn't let me breathe
Instead I kept it deep enough to get you to believe
That I'm incapable of escapin' and settin' you free
Well I'mma open up that map and see the nation
Call it vocation
Call it a vacation
You can find me at the airport waitin'
Or maybe I'll be chain smokin' down at the train station
With the pose of a mack and my clothes in a sack
Gotta go and I don't know when I'll be back
Get my last paycheck, smash and make steps
Gone, on the run with cool G. Rap in the tapedeck (peace)
[Chorus - 2X]
Atmosphere's "Say Hey There" is a raw and emotional account of a tumultuous relationship. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that his partner still hates him, but he's already emotionally drained and unable to take any more. He sees complacency as an easy way out and is willing to be her punching bag if it makes her happy. The singer admits that they're both addicted to each other, like a junkie who won't stop until they hit rock bottom. The relationship is toxic, and the singer is aware that it's doing more harm than good, but he's too scared to let go. He'd rather numb his pain with alcohol than face his feelings head-on.
In the second verse, the singer is honest about how his behavior is contributing to the relationship's downfall. He knows he's been a jerk and has acted out, but he refuses to be part of the "bleeding hearts club." He acknowledges that they're both competing for each other's affections, and it's becoming a tug of war. The singer also compares his partner to himself, stating that it's not a compliment. He's tired of the drama and wants to move on.
The chorus serves as a poignant reminder that things cannot continue the way they are, and something has to change. The singer is telling his partner that they can't stay in this relationship forever and hopes she'll take care of herself if it all falls apart.
Line by Line Meaning
Watcha gonna do? Slam Doors? Break a glass?
Are you going to throw a tantrum or destroy something in anger?
Maybe pass out on the kitchen floor with your naked ass?
Perhaps you'll get so drunk or high that you'll end up passed out on the floor.
She still makes time to hate me
Even though we're not together anymore, she still finds time to hold a grudge against me.
But basically I'm overbooked no emotional vacancy
I'm too busy with other things in my life to have any emotional space or energy for her.
Complacency seems so simple
It's easy to just settle for what's comfortable, even if it's not the best situation.
Like fuck it let me be the one you fight and call mister right
I'm willing to put up with arguments and fights in our relationship because I want to be seen as the 'right' one for her.
It's an addiction bound to stick around
This relationship is like a drug addiction that I can't easily shake off.
Cause a junky won't bounce 'till he hits the ground (get down)
Just like a drug addict won't stop using until they hit rock bottom, I won't end this relationship until something drastic happens.
And these drugs ain't as good as we wish they were (get up)
Even though we keep coming back to each other, the relationship isn't as great as we want it to be and it's time to move on.
And this buzz doesn't keep us from missin' her (get over)
Even though being together feels good for a short time, it doesn't keep us from missing her in the long run and it's time to move on.
And that love that built all of this emphasis
The love we had for each other was the foundation of this relationship.
Spilled enough guilt to kill Electra and Oedipus (get out)
We've caused each other so much pain and guilt, it's time to end this toxic relationship.
It's easier to leave it there
It's simpler to end things now than to keep forcing a relationship that isn't working.
Each time I see your tears makes me need a beer to relieve the fear
Seeing you upset makes me feel anxious and uncomfortable, so I need a drink to cope with it.
I wanna keep a clear sky and fly away like a meteor
I want to move on and start fresh with a clear mind and heart.
Outta here maybe next year I'll reappear
I'm leaving now and maybe someday in the future, we can reconnect when we're both in a better place.
Sometimes you make me feel like such a prick
You have a way of making me feel like a terrible person.
That even I'm convinced that I'm the one that's sick
You make me feel like I'm the problem in this relationship and it's taking a toll on me mentally.
You can fuss and bitch, you can cut your wrist
You can complain and be dramatic all you want, even to the point of harming yourself.
Or you can choke on that blood from the tongue you've bit
Or you can hold back and keep quiet even if it's hurting you.
And when you acted up, best believe I blessed you back
When you started causing a scene or being difficult, I didn't hesitate to retaliate or make things worse.
I've got a fucking fan base that can attest to that
My fans have seen me act out and fight back against you.
I'm returning this bleeding hearts club membership card
I'm done being part of this group of people who are overly emotional and dramatic about their relationships.
Cause I want no motherfuckin' part of it
I have no interest in being part of this kind of relationship anymore.
We're just two dogs on all fours
We're just animals who are controlled by our instincts and desires when it comes to our relationship.
It's a tug of war for who loves you more
We're constantly competing to see who loves the other more, even though it's not a healthy or productive way to be.
Blame it on tours or locked bathroom doors
We make excuses for why we're struggling in our relationship, instead of acknowledging the real issues.
Or maybe it's 'cause my voice was louder than yours (what? You jealous?)
Maybe the reason we're fighting is because I'm always the one dominating the conversation and you're feeling left out or silenced.
And I'll be damned if I do this for forever
I refuse to keep living like this and being in this kind of relationship for the rest of my life.
Everybody lookin' at me like I don't know better
Others may think I should know better or see the problems in our relationship, but I'm the one who has to live it every day.
Instead I gotta run if I'm ever gonna forget her
If I want to move on and heal from this relationship, I need to leave and start fresh somewhere else.
Cause I've always been a go-getter (so whatever)
I'm the type of person who always goes after what they want, even if it's not always the best decision.
And now I got a head full of better off dead
I feel like I'm better off dead or not in this relationship anymore.
I followed down them steps, and slept in the wrong bed
I made a mistake by getting involved with you and now I'm paying the price.
If I had a breath of self-respect left
If I had any self-respect left, I wouldn't keep putting myself in this kind of situation.
I'd set fire to the boxspring to help it catch wreck
I'd burn everything associated with this relationship to the ground to make sure I never go back.
Let these ashes represent the mattress
These ashes symbolize the end of our relationship and the destruction it caused.
Director left the set but nobody told the actress
The person who was in charge of this relationship is gone and we're both left trying to figure out what to do.
So she's still actin' as if we scheduled a practice
She's still going through the motions of our relationship, even though it's over and we're not working towards anything.
And my soundtrack is compromisin' her theatrics
My actions are affecting her reactions and making it difficult for her to maintain her role in this relationship.
You, you remind me of me, it's not a compliment
You have traits and behaviors that I see in myself, but it's not a good thing.
Get your song on
Do your own thing and focus on yourself, regardless of what I'm doing.
You, who you tryin' to be?
Who are you pretending to be in this relationship and why are you doing it?
I've got no tolerance left for drama
I'm done dealing with the drama and emotional turmoil of this relationship.
You, you would like to go free, jump off the fence let your claws out
You want to break free from this relationship and show your true self, so do it.
You, you remind me of me, run from all of them 'til they all gone
You're like me in the sense that you want to run away from your problems and start fresh somewhere else.
Then, here we go again, with my threats to leave
I keep threatening to leave and end things, but I haven't followed through yet.
Like I've ever left a she who wouldn't let me breathe
But in the past, I've stayed in relationships with women who were controlling and suffocating.
Instead I kept it deep enough to get you to believe
I kept my true feelings hidden so you would still want to be with me.
That I'm incapable of escapin' and settin' you free
I made you believe that I couldn't leave this relationship even though I wanted to, which was unfair to both of us.
Well I'mma open up that map and see the nation
I'm going to explore and travel to get away from this relationship and start fresh.
Call it vocation
I'm going to make it my life's work to move on and find happiness outside of this relationship.
Call it a vacation
This time away from this relationship is going to be like a much-needed vacation for me.
You can find me at the airport waitin'
I'm ready to take off and start this new chapter in my life.
Or maybe I'll be chain smokin' down at the train station
Maybe I'll just stay put and deal with my problems, one cigarette at a time.
With the pose of a mack and my clothes in a sack
I'm leaving with confidence and style, with nothing but what I can carry in a bag.
Gotta go and I don't know when I'll be back
I have to leave and I don't know if I'll ever come back or if I'll find something better.
Get my last paycheck, smash and make steps
I'm going to get my final payment and leave in a hurry, making a statement as I go.
Gone, on the run with cool G. Rap in the tapedeck (peace)
I'm leaving and never looking back, with a cool rap song playing in the background to motivate me (peace).
[Chorus - 2X]
The chorus repeats twice throughout the song, emphasizing the need to leave this relationship and take care of oneself.
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ChelloveckCog
My ex of 5 years hit me up out of the blue, saying "I've been thinking about you a lot lately". I didn't know how to respond. Later the next day, I jammed this old scratched up CD into my player on the way home, and then the 2nd to last verse caught my ear and crystallized everything for me:
"Say hey there,
we don't play fair;
can't stay here,
I hope you take care.
And now I got a head full of better off dead;
I followed down them steps, and slept in the wrong bed.
If I had a breath of self-respect left,
I'd set fire to the box spring to help it catch wreck.
Let these ashes represent the mattress;
Director left the set but nobody told the actress,
So she's still actin' as if we scheduled a practice,
And my soundtrack is compromising her theatrics.
You remind me of me, it's not a compliment, get your song on.
Who you trying to be? I've got no tolerance left for drama.
You would like to go free, jump off the fence, let your claws out
You remind me of me, run from all of them till they all gone."
And then it was like that, I responded back when I got home: "That's funny, 'cuz I haven't. Take care".
Thanks slug.
@RyanGiggsOBE
how can people not love slug. all his songs are one big metaphor for realer feelings.
@portiajenniferblue1387
To each his own. I love him.
@Dr435
" I'm over-booked no emotional vacancy...."
GOLD !!!!!
@chrishinsley3718
I legitimately despise the fact that they are censoring their music on here...I cannot stand the censorship of art. And Slug's words are definitely art. Every missed lyric is like a shot in my heart.
@kalonakitu
I feel the same way, Chris. I despise when videos/songs are censored. Slug is a poet. I wanna hear all the words, not an edited, "cleaned up" version.
@4partmedia
You do realize this is the version cut for broadcast on national tv... an the only way to get paid is to promote and move the music on all avenues, including national broadcasts.. so clean version gets made... nothing wrong with getting paid either, Picasso and Michelangelo did.
@seanr1013q
agreed 100%
@OwenSoundMusicalicia
it never used to be censored
@madmodder123
I remastered an uncensored version :)
@allworldsbestclips8452
15 fucking years ago. Christ I’m getting old. Love y’all, and thanks for the vibes growing up. Made a huge influence on my teenage years, better or for worse I’m glad.