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.
Sound Is Vibration
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause when the moon gets above my apartment
I catch fits for starting shit
I'm smart with it, I give it that special touch when I push it
'Cause I'm also a label rep, and I can't allow no bullshit
So shush kid, shush baby! Shut your eyes
Lay your head back, shed the fear and let the tears crystallize
I wish the flies to land upon your forehead
And leave your body resting Moorehead
I left more dead reputations than HIV kills
But for every killing there's a reason and it's not just emcees, man!
I'm watching see-SPAN, waiting for the first state rep
To take the first step, to have to kill off to make this world perfect
Well let's get shit right, right here! Right now! Right away!
Atmosphere motherfucker! If I need to I could fly away
I'll grind you and your weak crew into beef stew
Serve you with seafood
You can't glide by vision 'cause you're see-through
You need to recognize the size of the atlas
You ain't as tall as half this, match this, past what you practice
Obviously you can't fuck with my tactics, you bastard
That's why you breath fast bitch, no need to ask
We dug the fingernails underneath the skin of your scalp, then peeled it
Sent your underdeveloped pre-school style on a field trip
Now bite your tongue, this is how the mic gets stung
A whole tree to pick some fruit from, man!
You had to choose the ripest one
That said it all, it comes from inside, and how you ride
The sound wire when it's live and the vibes feelin' right
Catchin' the motion given by rhythms when you hit 'em on time
With lines, makin' sure your rhyme soundin' tight
Your voice should travel without the babble of the average emcee
So listen please use discretion when you breath
Sound is vibration, I choose to use it with a vision
And then comes the style and precision
No more longer will we hold your hands
Why? Cause you're too damn old
Oh yea, the network called
They told me to tell ya you've been cancelled
They also said big up for all the support
Thanks to your devotion, they now control the world
So let your hair down and eat the poison with a tall glass of Tang
I'm rising past the bang, with smile I'm flashin' my fangs
I tumble over some, 'cause some I don't over stand
I got the crowd respond, from now on, I know the plan
It's the noise it makes, that generates the passion I have
It's the void it breaks, that stimulates when mics get grabbed
It takes shape, escapes from these vocal chords I have
Atmosphere, music makers from the rhyme sayers lab
Come now, test the giants, when we apply this
Vice grips to your eyelids to make you read the fine print
The tyrants that gave you crisis, left you silenced
Don't breath a sigh of relief 'til you hear the rescue sirens
Supreme, be this team, we got this shit on lock
Obviously we hit the gear under upscale rocks
So you could knock all you want to but you ain't gettin' in
You could try to crash the door but you ain't gettin' in
Nigga, what! My definition is raw, I got you all
Wishin' I'd fall, so things could get better for y'all
But I'm tall, and got game, remain the same for the duration
Area code six one two, my present location
Atmosphere, embellished with talent and the wisdom not abuse it
Blessed with insight, friends and influences
That's what keeps us dope, what makes us dope is the surroundings
Inspiration stems from love and stress compounding
Stamina, that is achieved over the course of time
In fact, time taught me how to breath, battle, not to court my mind
Defined as lyricist, the Atmosphericist
Makin' sure you fear this hit every time you hear this shit
Sound is vibration
This sound is taken
Sound is vibration
And the ground is shaken
Vibration is sound
Yo, we found your replacement
Vibration is sound
Now who makes the sound?
Now who makes the music/sound?
The lyrics to Atmosphere's song Sound Is Vibration seem to portray the angst of the rapper, with references to violence and the desire for a perfect world. The opening lines talk about the rapper waiting for darkness to hit and when the moon rises, he is ready to start up trouble because he has a label that needs to be protected. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the rapper is not just trying to cause trouble; he has a message that he wants to convey, and he believes that sound is the ultimate weapon.
There are many references to the power of sound and the importance of making sure that it has the right vibration. The rapper talks about how sound can generate passion, and it can break through voids and stimulate listeners when done correctly. He then talks about the importance of surrounding oneself with the right talent and influences to ensure the sound is perfected.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and anger, but it is balanced with the message that the rapper is trying to convey. The lyrics seem to be a call to arms, urging listeners to recognize the power of sound as a tool for change.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sparked, waiting for the dark to hit
I'm excited and eager for the night to come
'Cause when the moon gets above my apartment
I catch fits for starting shit
When the moon is out, my desire to cause trouble intensifies
I'm smart with it, I give it that special touch when I push it
I am calculated and strategic in my actions, giving them a unique edge
'Cause I'm also a label rep, and I can't allow no bullshit
As a label representative, I cannot tolerate any nonsense
So shush kid, shush baby! Shut your eyes
Lay your head back, shed the fear and let the tears crystallize
Quiet down and relax, let go of your fear and emotions
I wish the flies to land upon your forehead
When I extract the essence from your head
And leave your body resting Moorehead
I want to harm you and take something from you, leaving you lifeless
I left more dead reputations than HIV kills
But for every killing there's a reason and it's not just emcees, man!
I have ruined more people's reputations than HIV has killed, but there is always a reason for my actions
I'm watching see-SPAN, waiting for the first state rep
To take the first step, to have to kill off to make this world perfect
I am watching politics, waiting for someone to take drastic action to fix the world
Atmosphere motherfucker! If I need to I could fly away
I'll grind you and your weak crew into beef stew
Serve you with seafood
You can't glide by vision 'cause you're see-through
I am powerful and could easily escape if needed, but I am also willing to destroy weaker opponents
You need to recognize the size of the atlas
You ain't as tall as half this, match this, past what you practice
Obviously you can't fuck with my tactics, you bastard
That's why you breath fast bitch, no need to ask
You should understand that I am superior in my skills and tactics, causing you to fear and react quickly
We dug the fingernails underneath the skin of your scalp, then peeled it
Sent your underdeveloped pre-school style on a field trip
Now bite your tongue, this is how the mic gets stung
A whole tree to pick some fruit from, man!
You had to choose the ripest one
We attacked and exposed your inferior skills, giving you no choice but to acknowledge our superiority
That said it all, it comes from inside, and how you ride
The sound wire when it's live and the vibes feelin' right
Catchin' the motion given by rhythms when you hit 'em on time
With lines, makin' sure your rhyme soundin' tight
Your voice should travel without the babble of the average emcee
So listen please use discretion when you breath
Sound is vibration, I choose to use it with a vision
And then comes the style and precision
In order to create great music, it all comes from within and how you handle the rhythm and timing, ensuring your voice is heard clearly and without unnecessary noise. I choose to use sound with a clear purpose and precision
No more longer will we hold your hands
Why? Cause you're too damn old
Oh yea, the network called
They told me to tell ya you've been cancelled
They also said big up for all the support
Thanks to your devotion, they now control the world
So let your hair down and eat the poison with a tall glass of Tang
I'm rising past the bang, with smile I'm flashin' my fangs
I tumble over some, 'cause some I don't over stand
I got the crowd respond, from now on, I know the plan
We will not coddle you anymore because you should know better. We are calling out the fakeness and phoniness in the entertainment industry, and even though we have been cancelled, we know our true fans support us. So relax, let loose, and be happy with mediocrity because that's what the industry wants. We are moving forward regardless
It's the noise it makes, that generates the passion I have
It's the void it breaks, that stimulates when mics get grabbed
It takes shape, escapes from these vocal chords I have
Atmosphere, music makers from the rhyme sayers lab
The sound that is created from my music is what drives my passion and I am inspired by the power of music. Atmosphere is the group that creates music in the Rhyme Sayers lab
Come now, test the giants, when we apply this
Vice grips to your eyelids to make you read the fine print
The tyrants that gave you crisis, left you silenced
Don't breathe a sigh of relief 'til you hear the rescue sirens
Challenge us and we will show our strength with force. We will make you see things clearly, and those who have caused problems will be held accountable. Wait to celebrate until help is truly on the way
Supreme, be this team, we got this shit on lock
Obviously we hit the gear under upscale rocks
So you could knock all you want to but you ain't gettin' in
You could try to crash the door but you ain't gettin' in
Nigga, what! My definition is raw, I got you all
Wishin' I'd fall, so things could get better for y'all
But I'm tall, and got game, remain the same for the duration
Our team is superior and we are in complete control. Don't even try to get in, because it is impossible. Despite your hopes, I am still standing strong and will continue to do so
Area code six one two, my present location
This is my location, represented by my area code
Atmosphere, embellished with talent and the wisdom not abuse it
Blessed with insight, friends and influences
That's what keeps us dope, what makes us dope is the surroundings
Inspiration stems from love and stress compounding
Stamina, that is achieved over the course of time
In fact, time taught me how to breathe, battle, not to court my mind
Defined as lyricist, the Atmosphericist
Makin' sure you fear this hit every time you hear this shit
Atmosphere is a group with immense talent and wisdom that is not abused. We are blessed with great friends and influences that inspire us. Our inspiration comes from love mixed with stress, which creates great music. Our stamina and strength is built over time, and we have learned how to handle battles without losing our minds. We are defined by our lyrical abilities and make sure to leave an impact on our audience every time we perform
Sound is vibration
This sound is taken
Sound is vibration
And the ground is shaken
Vibration is sound
Yo, we found your replacement
Vibration is sound
Now who makes the sound?
Sound and vibration are closely related, and the power of sound can shake the ground. We have found a replacement for those who cannot handle our sound, and we question who truly makes the sound
Lyrics © UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC, ANT TURN THAT SNARE DOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind