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.
Travel
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo we travel like the wind across the rotten fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin that we raise the curve
Expand the kingdom, all heads of the earth
[Slug]
Once in a great while one has the heart to approach us
The name travels further than the face
He did not recognize the profile
Only saw an mc for him to waste but no child, that ain't the case
Go find yourself a cause
I take advantage of your flawsand climb into yo drawers
Now didit damage your jaws
When it dropped and hit the pavement
It shot, thats why they keep me locked
Underneath the basement alot
Letting me out jus to eat and shit
And ever so often jus to keep me fit
They gimme a new mc to rip to pieces
Grip their neck, release is out of the question
Maybe theyll let me out if I make a good impression
So please don't make it personal when I flush me through your vains
Consider youself a big part of that great mc food chain
And take your spot in the circle with pride
Reps die, with dignity if you let em
And when they do, I respect them, welcome
The cure for your suffering, tell them it's pure
No subtle hints of weak substances cuttin it
I chuckle when evil and pride collide with judgement
Add that to your buzz and the results is malfunction
No longer should I listen to your babble
Too many coming off the deep end
Where it's steady, stream, and shallow
I have no remorse for those that drop some, they all drop
Until then Imma stay on top of heads like a bald spot
[Chorus]
We travel like the wind across the rotten fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin that we raise the curve
So unravel your thoughts and come across in a verse
[Slug]
Yo I sold my car to the junk yard, couldnt fuck with the insurance
Gave me forty bucks, bought a bus card and lunch at bergins
For fun I drain the essence from life forms of messes
Deal with daily stresses, and keep my mic warm with message
Ive learned how to hack my keys in the matter of arrogance and confidence
Contributing to my ego trips and accomplishments
Hes on some shit, no not yet, I'm jus follow my path
I don't eat my words as often as I swallow my laugh
Apollo is back, landed on the 4-shay, and everythings okay
According to commercials for the lowback yoplay
And I know that theres no way to say what you need to hear
So I take the long way to your brain and put some flavor in your ear
Like using a clever on cantalope, leave your plans at hope
On the shoudler with the road-kill carcasses for those skilled smart-asses
Atmosphere coming clear to the ?runway to entertain?
?blast the bag? and scoop up all the brains
[Chorus - repeat 2X]
The song "Travel" by Atmosphere is a reflection of their journey and determination to expand their music kingdom and make a mark in the rap industry. The chorus "We travel like the wind across the rotten fruited plain, We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain" is symbolic of the group's energy, passion, and creativity that sets them apart from their contemporaries. Slug, the lead vocalist, continues with his usual flamboyant and verbose style, rapping about how he is constantly in demand and how he has the strength and skill to take on any opponent who may doubt his abilities. He describes himself as an artist who is not afraid to take risks, go beyond the norm, and redefine the meaning of rap music.
The chorus is repeated several times, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, being confident, and taking one's talents to the next level. Slug talks about how he sold his car and took the bus to get around, a symbol of his sacrifice and willingness to do what it takes to achieve his goals. He also mocks those who are content with shallow dreams and a lack of ambition, saying they will never truly make it in the industry. Overall, "Travel" is an ode to the hardworking artist who strives to make a name for himself in a crowded industry and doesn't take shortcuts to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo we travel like the wind across the rotten fruited plain
We move quickly and relentlessly, overcoming obstacles and challenges in our path
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
We flow through the world, connecting with and influencing others, like life-giving blood
Atmosphere has landed, demandin that we raise the curve
We have arrived and are challenging the status quo, pushing our audience to higher levels of thought and creativity
Expand the kingdom, all heads of the earth
We aim to spread our message and bring people together from all over the world
Once in a great while one has the heart to approach us
Occasionally, someone may attempt to engage with us, but they likely don't fully understand who we are
The name travels further than the face
Our reputation and message transcend our physical appearance
Only saw an mc for him to waste but no child, that ain't the case
Others may underestimate or dismiss us, but we are not to be underestimated or taken lightly
Go find yourself a cause
Find something meaningful to dedicate yourself to, instead of trying to take us down
I take advantage of your flawsand climb into yo drawers
I use the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of others to my advantage
Now didit damage your jaws
Did my words and actions hurt you?
It shot, thats why they keep me locked Underneath the basement alot
My message is so powerful that those in power feel threatened by it, and are trying to silence me
They gimme a new mc to rip to pieces
Others are constantly being pitted against me to be torn down and defeated
Grip their neck, release is out of the question
I am in control, and I won't let go until I achieve what I want
Maybe theyll let me out if I make a good impression So please don't make it personal when I flush me through your vains
If I can convince those in power that I am not a threat, I may be able to escape their grasp. Don't take it personally when I use you to achieve this
Consider youself a big part of that great mc food chain And take your spot in the circle with pride
You are just one in a long line of rappers and artists that I have defeated or will defeat. But don't be ashamed, take pride in being part of this legacy
Reps die, with dignity if you let em And when they do, I respect them, welcome
Those who are defeated or step down with dignity have earned my respect and recognition
The cure for your suffering, tell them it's pure No subtle hints of weak substances cuttin it
Our message is pure and potent, not watered down by compromise or pandering
I chuckle when evil and pride collide with judgement Add that to your buzz and the results is malfunction
I find it amusing when those who are arrogant or morally questionable get what's coming to them. This can cause them to stumble or falter
No longer should I listen to your babble
I refuse to listen to those who do not understand or appreciate our message
Too many coming off the deep end Where it's steady, stream, and shallow
Too many people are lost, confused, or not fully invested in their beliefs or goals
I have no remorse for those that drop some, they all drop Until then Imma stay on top of heads like a bald spot
I have no sympathy for those who fall or fail, as everyone is destined to do so eventually. In the meantime, I will continue to reign supreme
So unravel your thoughts and come across in a verse
Open your mind and express yourself creatively, embracing our message and contributing to the larger conversation
Yo I sold my car to the junk yard, couldnt fuck with the insurance Gave me forty bucks, bought a bus card and lunch at bergins
I made a sacrifice and simplified my life in order to focus more on my craft
For fun I drain the essence from life forms of messes Deal with daily stresses, and keep my mic warm with message
I draw inspiration from the ups and downs of life, using my struggles and experiences to fuel my creativity and productivity
Ive learned how to hack my keys in the matter of arrogance and confidence Contributing to my ego trips and accomplishments
I have developed a sense of confidence and self-assurance that allows me to achieve great things and indulge in my own ego
Apollo is back, landed on the 4-shay, and everythings okay
I am back and better than ever, and everything is good
According to commercials for the lowback yoplay
Even the advertisements and media are validating my message and approach to life
And I know that theres no way to say what you need to hear So I take the long way to your brain and put some flavor in your ear
I know that I can't always say or do what will resonate with everyone, so I take a more indirect or creative approach to sharing my message
Like using a clever on cantalope, leave your plans at hope On the shoudler with the road-kill carcasses for those skilled smart-asses Atmosphere coming clear to the ?runway to entertain? ?blast the bag? and scoop up all the brains
Like a skillful chef, I take everyday ingredients and turn them into something unique and meaningful. I am ready to perform and entertain, while also challenging my audience to think and engage
We travel like the wind across the rotten fruited plain
We continue to move quickly and forcefully, navigating the challenges and obstacles in our way
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Our message and influence flow through our listeners and fans, touching every part of their being
Atmosphere has landed, demandin that we raise the curve
We are here and ready to push boundaries and elevate the conversation
Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@b7Hn4eX8yv4m
[Slug]
We travel like the wind across the rotten-fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin' that we raise the curve
Expand the kingdom, calling all heads of the earth
The first tour brought us all the way to Dallas
Seven deep in the MPV to keep the balance
A van full of talent, with no place to sleep
Hey yo Abuse, do you really think this food is safe to eat?
Yo peace to that kid they call orgy (check this out)
Without him, no heads in Texas would know me
That fellow hooked us up with a hotel, and mics to rip on
And Deep Ellum is decorated with Rhyme Sayers stickers
And that same journey took me to Kansas City Missouri
I think Danny boy still owes me money for tapes
I met a writer named Gear who let us crash on his floor
And drank a 30 pack of beer with that kid dirty Dave
From the Rave to the Y-Not, why not love Milwaukee
Aaron Way and JB got that late night hype
The rusty pelicans are eloquent at rocking a party
And my man Selfone keeps the jam hella tight
And speaking of tight, have you ever been to Atlanta?
That’s where the Micranots live, Kool [?] and I Self
Hey yo Shocka, I vow how until the end of now
No matter what where what why how, mi casa es su casa
You gotta love St. Louis, where the culture’s awake
With the dance, the paint, the beats and the rhymes
Yo peace to B-Money, SOLO, no matter where I go
Seems like a always leave a piece of me behind
We travel like the wind across the rotten-fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin' that we raise the curve
And let the mans work stand behind his words
I gotta give my peace to the people out east
My man Amall, standing tall in the belly of the beast
In Adium Lounge, and out in NH, hold a space on your couch
For when I make it that way
Yo Alias I feel your pain
So keep saving the children and keep praying for rain
Cause when the water falls, the puddles will never drain
And they’ll discover the love that lives in Maine
There’s a garden that’s growing out in Baltimore
Lab tech runs voice through a monitor
Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Boston on the paper
In the car, I get lost quite often
Crossing the border to Canada, and watching it grow
6’2 in Buck 65 knee deep in snow
Aaron Knewal introduced me to the newfi groupies
And the Toronto, Doc’s got the studio hot
New York, New York, big city of dreams
Get with me when you’re ready to be part of the team
My man Aesop Rock, prepped the theories for the launch
And in the Bronx, it’s where Mike Ladd holds the Conch
And out west, yes, the weather’s blessed
But I could never mess with ya’lls earthquakes
I’m trying to live to see another birthday, so
I’ll only visit for a minute to kick it with Sole
Mood swing, Anticon, and a Cron and Nole
DJ fingers down in San Diego
Gotta a sense of my flows, for the wake up show
Yo did you feel that tremor?
I think its time for us to go
We travel like the wind across the rotten-fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin' that we raise the curve
Moving town to town, looking for work. Cincinnati!
Doseone is a weirdo, Mr. Dibbs is a hobo
Illogic is my hero, I give nobody a promo
Moid Pippis in the studio, with Yonie on the Oboe
And no no, you cannot play with Lioness’s yo-yo
And to Chicago! I don’t even know where to start
Every time I leave your parts you keep a piece of my heart
The Double Door, Royal, Berama, and the Metro
Rubber Room, spow juice, lawful, All Natural
We’re all trying to get there; the truth is we can't alone
So peace to the soldiers from the parlor to Gramophone
And love to HBK, and AMC, and NUR
And DJ PNS needs a new cassette deck in his car
You can catch me free styling on top of Molemen Breaks
But trying to think of something sick to drop on vinyl, add in kicks, bass
And to my little brother Jel, what the hell, its time to party
We should dip to Mardi Gras, and find ourselves some women
I travel with Ant; we travel at the speed of tongue
No matter where I’m at, I don’t forget where I’m from
In your Walkman, or in your girlfriend, it’s all alike
I’m just grateful that I'm capable of holding this mic
And holding it tight, and knowing what’s right
And showing some light, and glowing so bright
We travel like the wind across the rotten-fruited plain
We travel like the blood that surrounds your brain
Atmosphere has landed, demandin' that we raise the curve
I’m trying to feel you all before I leave this Earth…
I’m trying to feel you all before I leave this Earth… (x7)
@kjfromocpodcast1110
I miss this version of Atmosphere. I miss this time of my life. I miss.
@Kentainmb
Proud to be able to say that I have this on wax :)
@traceblack7156
shit fam, is it OG? from a concert or just online?
@jayc504ify
Me too!! I think was only released on Vinyl. Hahaa
@jayc504ify
I have both the Lucy Ford Vinyl EP's. This song is a GEM
@shelltoe_soul
Same. Found it as a generic white label at Goodwill, with simply "Ford 2" written in sharpie across the label.
@kingshiloh5981
Same, I have both Ford EPs and love them both!
@seftonwalker3978
Cold weather, concrete, cigarettes, cityscape, skateboards all the growing up memories in this song
@dunnyboi6275
super nostalgic for me...
@friedlnett
Me too