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.
Secret
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You rap too? Oh that's right
Yeah you used to come to my shows
Whenever I was in your city
I guess I should apologize for giving you the credit
Of being more intelligent than you looked
I guess it's a good thing that God loves ugly
Yo, remember when you asked me for some advice?
Come one, it's easy, all you gotta do
Is nod to the beat, talk about what's wrong with you
I did it, a couple others did too
And you can follow in these footprints if shoes fit you
From all regions now, they're trying to steal the style
Look they bit me, and I'm tryin to hide my smile
Cause I tell you, ain't much as flattering
As a grasshopper tryin to smash a teacher with a battle ram
I ain't made, always been a fan of flashbacks
Go ahead, wear your heart on your backpack
But don't forget my name when you start to talk shit
Up in the atmosphere with God in the cockpit
Self-deprecate my way to a better fate
Meditate through the hate, let 'em speculate
Elevate the heat, burn 'em up like hot cakes
Cops came late, tried to fix it all with scotch tape
Pain, the brand new escape, from the brain
And strange days that came with the mistakes
Mis-tastes a little bit to dangerous
I see where they hittin makes me wonder what they aimin with
That's gotta hurt man, put it in the
See if I can get your girlfriend to sing it for us
She like it, it helps her understand you
And you like it, it helps you understand too
And I should walk away, it's getting hard to keep control
When I'm checking all these stalkers, and my records aren't even gold
Breathe in slow, conserve the temper
Show these mother fuckers what this microphone is meant for
Try not to curse, it hurts the
It proves that you have a strong lack of better words
But sometimes nothing can replace a cut
Just turn up the bass and come face the front
They ain't trying to listen if you've got a lot to say
And some nothing, still catch a lot of pay
Man, I wanna play, but I'm not gonna walk my way
Back to Coney Island just to catch a couple props today
I nominate myself as the governor
Faced in front of the judge, like I wasn't fuckin her
Yes ma'am, no ma'am, get with the program
Already had you bent over the desk singin slow jams
Peace to the Molemen, Murs, Sage Francis
Anyone else done the work, can take chances
First and the last months rent takes precedent
Other than that, god bless the Fifth Element
Don't give a fuck what ya'll think of Slug
Take your fangs out if you ain't drinkin blood
And blame it on that life you don't live
But shit talking says more about you than we kid
And now we gotta a little secret (don't we)
And every time I see you man, I'm gonna remember
You are not who you wish you were
You are not what you wish you were right?
Do me a favor man, you hate me?
Just walk past me man, don't even acknowledge me
Just pretend I don't exist man, don't even look at me man
Ba-bam ba-bam-BAM
We land on your plate like a housefly
Just another face from the southside
The fall guy, all eyes on the tall small fry
While I try not to make your doll cry
What you call "fly"? What you call "fresh"
Multi-bulls-eye-sex-and-checks-and-death
I guess I'm best left for dead in a breath
That was never impressed by what's possessed
Girlfriend I need your help
Cause the head on my shoulders won't fuck itself
And when you're ready come around uptown
Up Up girl let your strap down, put your strap down
Atmosphere's song "Secret" is a commentary on the pressures of the music industry and the effect it can have on an artist's personal life. The lyrics are directed towards someone who claims to be a fan of the rapper but is also trying to emulate his style. Atmosphere acknowledges the influence he has had on the music industry and how others have tried to copy his unique sound. However, he warns that fame and success come at a cost and he discourages the wannabe artist from following in his footsteps.
The song also deals with the challenges of performing in front of an audience and dealing with stalkers. Atmosphere tells the story of how he interacts with a fan who is trying to get his attention and how hard it is to maintain control when dealing with obsessive people. The chorus speaks to the artist's desire to distance himself from this person and warns them that he has a secret that he will always remember when he sees them.
In conclusion, Secret is a song that invites reflection about the realities of the music industry, and how the success of an artist can come at a high price, including the loss of their privacy and safety.
Line by Line Meaning
If fact I remember you
I have a memory of you, recognizing that you had attended my earlier shows
You rap too? Oh that's right
You are a rapper as well, I recall now
Yeah you used to come to my shows
You were a regular attendee at my performances
Whenever I was in your city
You came to see me when I was in your town
I guess I should apologize for giving you the credit
It seems like I mistakenly attributed more intelligence to you than you actually possess, I'm sorry
Of being more intelligent than you looked
It appears that my impression of you was based more on appearances, and wasn't accurate
I guess it's a good thing that God loves ugly
It's fortunate that even if we may not look or act like society's beauty standards, we are still valued and loved
Yo, remember when you asked me for some advice?
Do you recall that time you sought some guidance from me?
Come one, it's easy, all you gotta do
It isn't difficult, just follow the beat and talk about your struggles
Is nod to the beat, talk about what's wrong with you
Simply keep time to the rhythm and express your problems
I did it, a couple others did too
I followed this method of rhyming, and I'm not the only one
And you can follow in these footprints if shoes fit you
You too can adopt this way of utilizing rhymes, provided it fits with your style and character
From all regions now, they're trying to steal the style
Artists from various places are attempting to copy this technique of rhyming
Look they bit me, and I'm tryin to hide my smile
They stole the idea from me, and I'm trying to conceal my satisfaction
Cause I tell you, ain't much as flattering
I must confess that it isn't particularly gratifying
As a grasshopper tryin to smash a teacher with a battle ram
It is like when an inexperienced person tries to outdo someone with far more experience in some activity
I ain't made, always been a fan of flashbacks
I am not famous, but instead have an appreciation for reminiscing
Go ahead, wear your heart on your backpack
It's alright to be open about your emotions, without hiding them
But don't forget my name when you start to talk shit
If you speak negatively about me, don't neglect to mention my name
Up in the atmosphere with God in the cockpit
I spend my time in a place high above, with the divine leading the way
Self-deprecate my way to a better fate
Lowering my self-esteem is how I aim to improve my future
Meditate through the hate, let 'em speculate
I try to cope with animosity by meditating, and let others speculate whatever they want
Elevate the heat, burn 'em up like hot cakes
I aim to make things hotter, and entice people into battle
Cops came late, tried to fix it all with scotch tape
The police showed up afterwards and tried to fix everything with a temporary solution
Pain, the brand new escape, from the brain
Pain has become a new way for me to escape from my thoughts and emotions
And strange days that came with the mistakes
There have been peculiar times, which arose as a consequence of my errors
Mis-tastes a little bit to dangerous
It's somewhat risky to indulge in preferences that aren't safe
I see where they hittin makes me wonder what they aimin with
I perceive what methods they're using, but I'm unsure of their goal
That's gotta hurt man, put it in the
You must be hurting - put your experience into your music
See if I can get your girlfriend to sing it for us
Let's see if we can get your girlfriend to perform the song for us to hear
She like it, it helps her understand you
Your girlfriend appreciates the song, it assists her in understanding you
And you like it, it helps you understand too
You also like the song, it helps you comprehend yourself better
And I should walk away, it's getting hard to keep control
I should leave now, as it gets tough to maintain my composure
When I'm checking all these stalkers, and my records aren't even gold
As I evaluate my numerous fans, and without having achieved any significant level of success yet
Breathe in slow, conserve the temper
I take a deep breath, and attempt to control my anger
Show these mother fuckers what this microphone is meant for
I showcase to these people what the purpose of a microphone truly is
Try not to curse, it hurts the
I must try to avoid using profanity, it lessens the impact of my message
It proves that you have a strong lack of better words
Swearing demonstrates a limited vocabulary and a lack of creativity
But sometimes nothing can replace a cut
Occasionally, no alternative exists for a particular word
Just turn up the bass and come face the front
Put up the volume and focus on the artist
They ain't trying to listen if you've got a lot to say
People stop paying attention when you have too much to say
And some nothing, still catch a lot of pay
Some individuals make a lot of money without expressing much at all
Man, I wanna play, but I'm not gonna walk my way
I'm eager to perform, but won't take the easy route
Back to Coney Island just to catch a couple props today
I'm not going to a particular place just to get some recognition
I nominate myself as the governor
I declare myself the leader
Faced in front of the judge, like I wasn't fuckin her
Standing in court, acting as though sexual relations didn't occur
Yes ma'am, no ma'am, get with the program
Answering politely, conforming to the expected behaviour
Already had you bent over the desk singin slow jams
I've already had you bent over singing love songs
Peace to the Molemen, Murs, Sage Francis
Respect to Molemen crew, Murs, Sage Francis
Anyone else done the work, can take chances
Anyone else who has accomplished similar work, can take the same risks
First and the last months rent takes precedent
It's essential to prioritize rent, the first and last months are most important
Other than that, god bless the Fifth Element
Otherwise, wishing all the best to the essential fifth element of the hip-hop culture
Don't give a fuck what ya'll think of Slug
I don't care about your opinion of me, Slug
Take your fangs out if you ain't drinkin blood
Criticize constructively, without being harmful
And blame it on that life you don't live
Don't pretend that you lead a life you actually don't
But shit talking says more about you than we kid
Your trash talking reveals more about you, than it does about us
And now we gotta a little secret (don't we)
We share a little secret now, don't we?
And every time I see you man, I'm gonna remember
Whenever I see you, I'll remember what you said earlier
You are not who you wish you were
You're not someone that you aspire to be
You are not what you wish you were right?
You're not who or what you truly desire to be, correct?
Do me a favor man, you hate me?
Do me a favor, since you dislike me?
Just walk past me man, don't even acknowledge me
Simply walk past me, and don't even acknowledge my presence
Just pretend I don't exist man, don't even look at me man
Act like I'm not even there, don't even make eye contact
Ba-bam ba-bam-BAM
A rhythmic noise indicating the end of this verse
We land on your plate like a housefly
We arrive on your radar uninvited, like a house fly does at a plate of food
Just another face from the southside
We're just one more group from the south side, nothing special
The fall guy, all eyes on the tall small fry
I'm the one that they'll blame, with all the pressure on me, despite being small
While I try not to make your doll cry
While I attempt to not upset your girlfriend
What you call "fly"? What you call "fresh"
What do you define as 'cool' or 'fashionable'?
Multi-bulls-eye-sex-and-checks-and-death
Lyrics containing multiple references to sexuality, money, and death
I guess I'm best left for dead in a breath
I suppose I'm better off left for dead quickly
That was never impressed by what's possessed
I was never passionate about material possessions
Girlfriend I need your help
Girlfriend, I need your assistance
Cause the head on my shoulders won't fuck itself
Since my mind won't sexually gratify itself
And when you're ready come around uptown
When you're prepared, come over to this district
Up Up girl let your strap down, put your strap down
Take off your gun holster, and relax
Contributed by Julia Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@treebeardization
Been a fan of Atmosphere for a while now and I'm still finding new tracks. Every time I do it's like Christmas!
@killerace2014
i dont always buy cds but when i do its atmosphere
@siizko
this is the perfect picture for atmosphere , a lil stage , a nice hip hop background , and an old school dj set .. ;)
@lomf
jump on slug n ant train in 2000. wow 15 years later I'm still showing ppl gems
@austin2281
U da man
@timstadlmueller58
Real hip hop, real hip hop, real hip hop, real hip hop!
@creepincaddiesnbenzs
Dont ever make the assumption that youve listened to all the good atmosphere songs. you havent
@LegendarySpartan117
Thanks for uploading this
@Hiddenarcana
This should be in your hip hop syllabus
@Miike92
Funkadelics!