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 Shh
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know
Big up my home town, my territory, my state
But I couldn't figure out much to brag about
Prince lives here, we got 10, 000 lakes
But wait the women are beautiful, to me they are
And we′re not infested with pretentious movie stars
And it hit me man, Minnesota is dope
It's all fair, it ain′t out there, it′s in there
It's in the mirror, behind the breast under the hair
Follow the dream doesn′t mean leave the love
Roam if you must, but come home when you've seen enough
I love New York and Cali, but I ain′t moving
Too overpopulated, saturated with humans
And I'm not big on rappers, actors, or models
If I had to dip, I′d probably skip to Chicago
None of this is to diss no one, nowhere
Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold air
Too many mosquitoes and our fair share of egos
But like my man Sabe says, that's where my mommy stays
So if the people laugh and giggle when you tell them where you live
Say shhh, say shhh
And if you know this is where you want to raise your kids
Say shhh, say shhh
If you′re from the Midwest and it doesn′t matter where
Say shhh, say shhh
If you can drink tap water and breathe the air
Say shhh, say shhh
Got trees and vegetation in the city I stay
The rent's in the mail and I can always find a parking space
The women outnumber the men two to one
Got parks and zoos and things to do with my son
The nightlife ain′t all that, but that's okay
I don′t need to be distracted by the devil every day
And the jobs ain't really too hard to find
In fact, you could have mine if you knew how to rhyme
This is for everyone around the planet
That wishes they were from somewhere other than where they standing
Don′t take it for granted, instead take a look around
Quit complaining and build something on that ground
Plant something on that ground, dance and sleep on that ground
Get on your hands and knees and watch the ants walk around
That ground Make a family, make magic, make a mess
Take the stress, feel your motivation and build your nest
It sucks that you think where I'm from is wack
But as long as that's enough to keep your ass from coming back
And with a smile and a hint of sarcasm, he said
I beg your pardon but this is my secret garden
All right
In the land of ice and snow
Well okay
In the land of ice and snow
Well all right
In the land of ice and snow
Well okay
Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minneapolis
If the playground is clear of stems and syringes
Say shhh, say shhh
If there′s only one store in your town that sells 12-inches
Say shhh, say shhh
If no one in your crew walks around with a gun
Say shhh, say shhh
And if you ain′t gonna leave cause this is where you're from
Say shhh, say shhh
Well alright, well okay
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Mankato, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesnowta
Kansas City
St Louis, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Madison
Milwaukee
Cincinnati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Boulder, Colorado
Lawrence, Kansas
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Indianapolis
Say shhh
Minneapolis
The lyrics of Atmosphere's song "Say Shh" are a celebration of the artist's home state, Minnesota, and a reflection on the beauty and uniqueness of where he comes from. The song begins with the artist's initial struggle to find something to brag about, but then he realizes that what makes Minnesota special is not the material possessions or famous people it has, but rather what it lacks. He appreciates the absence of pretentiousness and the abundance of natural beauty in his state.
The artist emphasizes the importance of staying true to your roots and not getting caught up in the allure of other cities. He acknowledges that places like New York and California may have their appeal, but ultimately, he chooses to stay in Minnesota because it feels like home. He expresses his love for his state by highlighting its positive aspects, such as its natural landscapes, friendly people, and ample opportunities.
The chorus, "Say shhh," is a call to silence the naysayers and critics who might not understand or appreciate where he comes from. It's a reminder to not let others' opinions affect one's pride and love for their hometown.
Overall, the song is a celebration of Minnesota and a message to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities of one's own home, no matter where it may be.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanted to make a song about where I'm from
I had a desire to create a song that represents my hometown and its essence.
But I couldn't figure out much to brag about
However, I struggled to find things to boast about.
Prince lives here, we got 10, 000 lakes
We have the legendary Prince as a resident and a vast number of lakes.
But wait the women are beautiful, to me they are
Yet, the beauty of the women in this place, in my eyes, is remarkable.
And we're not infested with pretentious movie stars
Furthermore, we are fortunate to be free from an abundance of pretentious celebrities.
And it hit me man, Minnesota is dope
Suddenly, it struck me, Minnesota is extraordinary.
If only simply for not what we have but what we don't
Its greatness lies not in the things we possess but rather in what we lack.
It's all fair, it ain't out there, it's in there
The true value and fairness reside within oneself, not in external possessions or circumstances.
It's in the mirror, behind the breast under the hair
It can be found within one's reflection, deep within their heart and mind.
Follow the dream doesn't mean leave the love
Pursuing one's dreams doesn't require forsaking the love and attachment to one's home.
Roam if you must, but come home when you've seen enough
Feel free to explore and wander, but return to your roots once you have experienced your fill.
I love New York and Cali, but I ain't moving
Although I admire and appreciate cities like New York and California, I have no intention of relocating.
Too overpopulated, saturated with humans
These places are excessively crowded, filled with an overwhelming number of people.
And I'm not big on rappers, actors, or models
I don't find myself particularly drawn to the world of rap, acting, or modeling.
If I had to dip, I'd probably skip to Chicago
If I were compelled to leave my current location, Chicago would likely be my preferred destination.
None of this is to diss no one, nowhere
None of my sentiments are intended to disrespect any individuals or other places.
Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold air
In fact, I take great pride in being from Minnesota, a land known for its chilly climate.
Too many mosquitoes and our fair share of egos
Granted, we do contend with numerous mosquitoes, as well as encountering our fair portion of inflated egos.
But like my man Sabe says, that's where my mommy stays
However, as my friend Sabe suggests, Minnesota is still the place where my beloved mother resides.
So if the people laugh and giggle when you tell them where you live
When others react with laughter and mockery upon learning about your place of residence
Say shhh, say shhh
Simply say 'shhh' as your response.
And if you know this is where you want to raise your kids
When you are aware that this is the ideal place to raise your children
Say shhh, say shhh
Express it by saying 'shhh'.
If you're from the Midwest and it doesn't matter where
Regardless of the specific location within the Midwest
Say shhh, say shhh
Utter 'shhh' to convey this sentiment.
If you can drink tap water and breathe the air
When you have access to safe and clean tap water, as well as breathe in the fresh air
Say shhh, say shhh
Communicate it simply by saying 'shhh'.
Got trees and vegetation in the city I stay
The city where I reside boasts an abundance of trees and greenery.
The rent's in the mail and I can always find a parking space
I consistently pay my rent promptly and never struggle to find parking.
The women outnumber the men two to one
Interestingly, there are twice as many women as there are men in this area.
Got parks and zoos and things to do with my son
There are parks, zoos, and various activities to enjoy with my child.
The nightlife ain't all that, but that's okay
While the nightlife may not be particularly vibrant, that is perfectly fine.
I don't need to be distracted by the devil every day
I have no desire to be constantly tempted and influenced by negative elements in my daily life.
And the jobs ain't really too hard to find
Moreover, finding employment opportunities here is relatively easy.
In fact, you could have mine if you knew how to rhyme
In reality, you could have my job if you possessed the skill of rhyming.
This is for everyone around the planet
This message applies to individuals all across the globe.
That wishes they were from somewhere other than where they standing
For those who desire to be from a location different from where they currently find themselves.
Don't take it for granted, instead take a look around
Rather than taking your current location for granted, pause to appreciate what surrounds you.
Quit complaining and build something on that ground
Cease the complaints and instead focus on creating something meaningful in your present surroundings.
Plant something on that ground, dance and sleep on that ground
Literally and metaphorically, sow seeds and make a home in that place. Embrace and fully experience life there.
Get on your hands and knees and watch the ants walk around
Lower yourself, observe the tiny ants moving about, and connect with the simplicity of life.
Make a family, make magic, make a mess
Establish deep connections, create extraordinary moments, and embrace imperfections in the process.
Take the stress, feel your motivation and build your nest
Release the stress and embrace the desire driving you forward as you construct your own haven.
It sucks that you think where I'm from is wack
It is unfortunate that you perceive my hometown as dull and uninteresting.
But as long as that's enough to keep your ass from coming back
Nevertheless, I'm content as long as your impression deters you from returning here.
And with a smile and a hint of sarcasm, he said
Uttering these words with a slight smirk and a touch of sarcasm, he expressed
I beg your pardon but this is my secret garden
Kindly excuse me, but this place is my personal hidden paradise.
In the land of ice and snow
Referring to the region characterized by its icy climate and snowy landscapes.
Well okay
Indicating acceptance or agreement.
Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minneapolis
Repeating the name of the city Minneapolis to emphasize its significance.
If the playground is clear of stems and syringes
When the playground is free from drug paraphernalia such as stems and syringes.
Say shhh, say shhh
React by simply saying 'shhh'.
If there's only one store in your town that sells 12-inches
In the scenario where your town has a single store that sells 12-inch records.
Say shhh, say shhh
Respond accordingly with 'shhh'.
If no one in your crew walks around with a gun
When none of your group or circle of acquaintances carry firearms.
Say shhh, say shhh
Express it clearly by saying 'shhh'.
And if you ain't gonna leave cause this is where you're from
Lastly, if you have no intention of departing because this is your place of origin
Say shhh, say shhh
Confirm your decision by saying 'shhh'.
St. Cloud, Minnesota
A reference to the city of St. Cloud in Minnesota.
Mankato, Minnesota
Referring to the city of Mankato in Minnesota.
Duluth, Minnesnowta
Mentioning the city of Duluth in a playful manner, using the term 'Minnesnowta' to highlight its snowy climate.
Kansas City
Referring to the city of Kansas City.
St Louis, Missouri
Referencing the city of St. Louis in Missouri.
Columbia, Missouri
Mentioning the city of Columbia in Missouri.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Citing the city of Oshkosh in Wisconsin.
Madison
Referring to the city of Madison.
Milwaukee
Mentioning the city of Milwaukee.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Referring to the city of Cincinnati in Ohio.
Columbus, Ohio
Mentioning the city of Columbus in Ohio.
Boulder, Colorado
Citing the city of Boulder in Colorado.
Lawrence, Kansas
Referring to the city of Lawrence in Kansas.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mentioning the city of Tulsa in Oklahoma.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Citing the city of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Referring to the city of Ann Arbor in Michigan.
Indianapolis
Mentioning the city of Indianapolis.
Say shhh
Utter 'shhh'.
Minneapolis
Repeating the name of the city Minneapolis to emphasize its significance.
Writer(s): Sean Daley, Anthony Davis
Contributed by Leah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexlegge
Top 4 hidden tracks (or "secret songs," if you will) of all time, in my humble, Minnesotan opinion:
1. Atmosphere - Say Shh
(wide margin)
2. Dead Prez - Propaganda
(wider margin)
3. that song Tré Cool sings at the end of Dookie
(smaller margin)
4(tie). every other secret song
@mr.abstrax6901
An old man at my work heard the breakdown at the end of the song where Minneapolis repeats. He asked me what the song was & to play it again. Next day this jolly 68 yr old is singing some verses from it almost the entire 3 hours he's in.😎.
@mikemcgrane8503
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ <3
@phantop3095
Which song was it?
@StrategicMessagingForLiberals
It should be no surprise that old people who've been into music since the 60s still actually love great musicians. I'm a freakin old fart too and I love Atmosphere.
@davethescrub858
Not gonna lie, this song sold me on Minnesota - if I ever move to the states it's my first destination
@MegaMonk1992
I just want to say this dude is integrity. He is humbled, he is intelligent, and emotionally in tune with normal people. Its fresh coming out of a culture of pretentious rappers trying to be more than everyday people. Cheers Slug keep doing you cause we love it.
@nickhartman6372
I don't think you understand what "integrity" means. Everything else you said is spot on though.
@charlotte7567
indeed... it's late 2023 and this song is still as real as the first time i heard it.
@WillYazdani
I listen to this song when it's 40 below to remind me why I love this god awful state so much.
@troglodude980
Mn -40 winters and 95+ summers