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 Jesieล 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 80โs. The group was produced by Franco & Venise Scopinich, and their one single โSwedeโs Scandalโ 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.
Vampires
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I do believe in monsters, I call them officers
I know enough to know to keep an eye on how I talk to them
Some of ya'll are peace, but even one two many
Is still a decent number for the breeding of a beast
With no release, she keeps and teaches no remorse
More resembling of a thief than a horse
Plans long range, attached to some fangs
Nothing's strange, cause you know before you saw it
It's all the same, there ain't no such thing as flawless
But all I want is a little more security
A little more safety, a lot less uncertainty
Override the circuitry, the sun is your god(?)
Recognize the urgency, uncover your eyes
When I turn on the lights, she vanishes, hides
But I can feel here essence in the air
Acknowledge the night stalker and regard her as a hunter
Count the amount she takes from the slumber
Summer ain't as hot as you would think
Martyr(?) the child that wears the target for the teeth to sink
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Slug]
She lurks in the alleys with the wrong reality
Allegiance, honor, keep it all in the family
Consumes the young, blind, deaf, and the dumb
Drains the vein and puts them under the thumb
She's on the television, celebrate status quo
Energy, push mute on the remote control
Break the beats, shatter the measure to pieces
All I've left is the breath and the will to prove the thesis
It's difficult to figure out who to fear
Gettin' older by the minute, younger by the year
Will the hunger disappear, metabolism slow
World domination is the goal
Now let's gather the kids, and take em' out to the sticks
Teach em' all how to live, come take my hand and walk with me
Before the vampires lock down the Twin Cities
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Slug]
Through the mud of the evening she trudges
The name, the blood is tainted with traces of loveless
From up above, truth watches in bewilderment
Contemplating how he really isn't feeling it
Just another chapter of another moving picture
Another after thought looking for a new elixir
But if she goes even when she has to climb
Out the window, out of sight, out of mind
Look out for me below because I've never been on top of nothin'
Other than a stove inside a pot of water bubblin'
And boilin' between a puzzle and poison
Two games in the same toy bin
But when my times comes you better beat the drums
And aim the guns at the ones that eat the young
If we let her, she'll do whatever it takes to survive
You don't stop till you take her life
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Little Girl's Voice]
I don't want to to go
(???)
And she's really ugly
Check the orphanage...
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
All of ya'll are vampires, you eat your kids
"Vampires" by Atmosphere is a powerful critique about life in a world that ultimately consumes and preys on its own. The lyrics express a strong sense of disillusionment and condemnation towards society, with the recurring image of vampires as a metaphor for the various destructive and parasitic forces that govern modern life.
In the first verse, Slug states his belief in monsters, which he explicitly identifies with officers of the law. He suggests that the police can exhibit predatory behavior, despite their duty to protect and serve. This mindset extends to society as a whole, as human beings are portrayed as either victims or predators. The second verse is particularly critical of mainstream media - the powerful imagery of "celebrate status quo" and "energy, push mute on the remote control" encourages listeners to be more critical of what they consume. The chorus repeats the phrase "This world is a vampire, she eats her kids/Let's hide the bodies under the bridge" as a provocative call to arms, compelling listeners to unite against their oppressors. The final verse draws attention to the corrupting effects of power, and encourages people to dismantle systems that benefit the few.
Line by Line Meaning
I do believe in monsters, I call them officers
Referring to the corrupt actions of some police officers as monstrous.
I know enough to know to keep an eye on how I talk to them
Being conscious of how you communicate with law enforcement due to fear of their potential abuse of power.
Some of ya'll are peace, but even one two many
Is still a decent number for the breeding of a beast
Acknowledging that even a small amount of corrupt individuals in power can lead to bigger issues.
With no release, she keeps and teaches no remorse
More resembling of a thief than a horse
Describing the actions of corrupt power as being unapologetic and remorseless, more akin to a thief than a noble steed.
Plans long range, attached to some fangs
And an arm that's strong, watch the song when they change
Warning of the potential danger of those in power whose plans are backed by violence and force.
Nothing's strange, cause you know before you saw it
It's all the same, there ain't no such thing as flawless
Suggesting that the corruption in power is predictable and unsurprising, because there is no such thing as perfection or flawless individuals.
But all I want is a little more security
A little more safety, a lot less uncertainty
Expressing a desire for more safety and stability, and less unpredictability in life.
Override the circuitry, the sun is your god(?)
Recognize the urgency, uncover your eyes
Urging people to break free from societal norms, recognize the gravity of the situation and take action.
When I turn on the lights, she vanishes, hides
But I can feel here essence in the air
Acknowledge the night stalker and regard her as a hunter
Count the amount she takes from the slumber
Comparing corruption and evil to a mysterious and elusive entity that takes from people while they are vulnerable in darkness.
Summer ain't as hot as you would think
Martyr(?) the child that wears the target for the teeth to sink
Suggesting that even pleasant or comfortable times can have hidden dangers, and the innocent often bear the brunt of evil.
She lurks in the alleys with the wrong reality
Allegiance, honor, keep it all in the family
Describing how those in power may have a twisted sense of right and wrong, and loyalty may be misused for personal gain.
Consumes the young, blind, deaf, and the dumb
Drains the vein and puts them under the thumb
The corrupt consume the weak and vulnerable, manipulating them for their own purposes.
She's on the television, celebrate status quo
Energy, push mute on the remote control
Criticizing common media for promoting the corrupt status quo, and suggesting people ignore it.
It's difficult to figure out who to fear
Gettin' older by the minute, younger by the year
Expressing difficulty in identifying and avoiding corruption, while simultaneously feeling like time is running out.
Will the hunger disappear, metabolism slow
World domination is the goal
Suggesting that those in power seek global control and domination.
Now let's gather the kids, and take em' out to the sticks
Teach em' all how to live, come take my hand and walk with me
Before the vampires lock down the Twin Cities
Encouraging others to educate and prepare for the potential dangers of the corrupt and powerful.
Through the mud of the evening she trudges
The name, the blood is tainted with traces of loveless
Describing how the corrupt slog through life leaving a trail of pain and bitterness.
From up above, truth watches in bewilderment
Contemplating how he really isn't feeling it
Questioning the role of truth or justice when powerful corruption is rampant.
Just another chapter of another moving picture
Another after thought looking for a new elixir
Suggesting that the dangerous cycle of corruption and power struggles is an age-old problem.
But if she goes even when she has to climb
Out the window, out of sight, out of mind
Warning that even if the corrupt are momentarily out of sight, they may be back with a vengeance.
Look out for me below because I've never been on top of nothin'
Other than a stove inside a pot of water bubblin'
Admitting feeling powerless, and only having experience with basic household tasks.
And boilin' between a puzzle and poison
Two games in the same toy bin
Describing how contrary or dangerous elements coexist or are confused.
But when my times comes you better beat the drums
And aim the guns at the ones that eat the young
If we let her, she'll do whatever it takes to survive
You don't stop till you take her life
Urging to take action against corrupt and dangerous individuals, or else they will unapologetically cause harm to the weak and vulnerable.
I don't want to to go
(???)
And she's really ugly
A child's innocent words likening the corrupt or dangerous to a monster, describing the fear and aversion people have towards them.
All of ya'll are vampires, you eat your kids
Reiterating that the issue of corruption and abuse of power is not limited to just a few individuals, but is a widespread problem.
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
Describing the world as a devouring monster, and the only solution seems to be hiding evidence of its atrocities under a bridge.
Lyrics ยฉ UPSIDEDOWN HEART MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
I Provide Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I do believe in monsters, I call them officers
I know enough to know to keep an eye on how I talk to them
Some of y'all are peace, but even one too many
Is still a decent number for the breeding of a beast
With no release, she keeps and teaches no remorse
More resembling of a thief than a horse
Plans long range, attached to some fangs
And an arm that's strong, watch the song when they change
Nothing's strange, cause you know before you saw it
It's all the same, there ain't no such thing as flawless
But all I want is a little more security
A little more safety, a lot less uncertainty
Override the circuitry, the sun is your guide
Recognize the urgency, uncover your eyes
When I turn on the lights, she vanishes, hides
But I can feel here essence in the air
Acknowledge the night stalker and regard her as a hunter
Count the amount she takes from the slumber
Summer ain't as hot as you would think
Martyr the child that wears the target for the teeth to sink
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Verse 2]
She lurks in the alleys with the wrong reality
Allegiance, honor, keep it all in the family
Consumes the young, blind, deaf, and the dumb
Drains the vein and puts them under the thumb
She's on the television, celebrate status quo
Energy, push mute on the remote control
Break the beats, shatter the measure to pieces
All I've left is the breath and the will to prove the thesis
It's difficult to figure out who to fear
Gettin' older by the minute, younger by the year
Will the hunger disappear, metabolism slow
World domination is the goal
Now let's gather the kids, and take em' out to the sticks
Teach em' all how to live, come take my hand and walk with me
Before the vampires lock down the Twin Cities
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Verse 3]
Through the mud of the evening she trudges
The name, the blood is tainted with traces of loveless
From up above, truth watches in bewilderment
Contemplating how he isn't really feeling it
Just another chapter of another moving picture
Another after thought looking for a new elixir
But if she goes even when she has to climb
Out the window, out of sight, out of mind
Look out for me below because I've never been on top of nothin'
Other than a stove inside a pot of water bubblin'
And boilin' between a puzzle and poison
Two games in the same toy bin
But when my times comes you better beat the drums
And aim the guns at the ones that eat the young
If we let her, she'll do whatever it takes to survive
You don't stop till you take her life
[Chorus]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Interlude]
I don't wanna to go
[?]
And she's really ugly
[Chorus]
Check the orphanage
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
All of ya'll are vampires, you eat your kids
dรธpesick
I do believe in monsters, I call them officers
I know enough to know to keep an eye on how I talk to ya's
Some of y'all at peace, but even one to many
Still at peace and slumber for the reading of the beast,
There's no release, she keeps, and teaches no remorse
More resembling of a thief than a horse
Plans, long range, attached to some thangs
And an arm that's strong, watch the song when it change
Nothing's strange, cause you know before you saw it
It's all the same, there ain't no such thing as flawless
All I want is a little more security, a little more safety, a lot less uncertainty
Override the circuitry, the sun as she dies, recognize the urgency, uncover your eyes
When i turn on the lights, she vanishes high, and so that i can feel her essence in the air
Acknowledge the night stalker, and regard there is a hunter, hunting your mom she takes from the slumber
Summer ain't as hot as you think, more than the child, that wears the target for your teeth to sink
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
She lurks in the alleys, with a wrong reality
Allegiance, and honor, keep it all in the family
Consumes the young, the blind, deaf, and the dumb
Drains the vein, and puts them under the thumb
She's on the television, celebrate the status quo
Energy to push mute on the remote control
Break the beat, shatter the measures into pieces
All i've left is the breath, and the world i've put to pieces
It's difficult, to figure out who to fear, gettin older by the minute, younger by the year
Will the hunger disappear, metabolism slow, world domination is the goal
Now let's gather the kids, and take em out to the styx, teach em all how to live
Come, take my hand and walk with me, before the vampires lock down the twin cities
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's is a vampire, she eats her kids, let's hide the bodies under the bridge
Through the mud of the evening, she trudges
The name, the blood is tainted with traces of lovers
From up above, truth watches in bewilderment
Comtemplating, how he isn't really feelin it
Just another chapter of another movie picture
Another rapertoire, lookin for a new elixir
Well here she goes, even when she has to climb
Out the window, out of sight, out of mind
Look out for me below, because i've never been on top of nothin
Other than a stove, inside a pot of water bubblin and boilin
Between the puzzle and poison, two games in the same toybin
But when my time comes, you better beat the drums
And aim the guns at the ones that eat the young
If we let her, she'll do whatever takes to survive
You don't stop till you take her life
OGLow
I do believe in monsters, I call them officers
I know enough to know to keep an eye on how I talk to them
Some of ya'll are peace, but even one too many
Is still a decent number for the breeding of a beast
With no release, she keeps and teaches no remorse
More resembling of a thief than a horse
Plans long range, attached to some fangs
And an arm that's strong, watch the song when they change
Nothing's strange, cause you know before you saw it
It's all the same, there ain't no such thing as flawless
But all I want is a little more security
A little more safety, a lot less uncertainty
Override the circuitry, the sun is your guide
Recognize the urgency, uncover your eyes
When I turn on the lights, she vanishes, hides
But I can feel here essence in the air
Acknowledge the night stalker and regard her as a hunter
Count the amount she takes from the slumber
Summer ain't as hot as you would think
Martyr the child that wears the target for the teeth to sink
[Hook]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Slug]
She lurks in the alleys with the wrong reality
Allegiance, honor, keep it all in the family
Consumes the young, blind, deaf, and the dumb
Drains the vein and puts them under the thumb
She's on the television, celebrate status quo
Energy, push mute on the remote control
Break the beats, shatter the measure to pieces
All I've left is the breath and the will to prove the thesis
It's difficult to figure out who to fear
Gettin' older by the minute, younger by the year
Will the hunger disappear, metabolism slow
World domination is the goal
Now let's gather the kids, and take em' out to the sticks
Teach em' all how to live, come take my hand and walk with me
Before the vampires lock down the Twin Cities
[Hook]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Slug]
Through the mud of the evening she trudges
The name, the blood is tainted with traces of loveless
From up above, truth watches in bewilderment
Contemplating how he really isn't feeling it
Just another chapter of another moving picture
Another after thought looking for a new elixir
But if she goes even when she has to climb
Out the window, out of sight, out of mind
Look out for me below because I've never been on top of nothin'
Other than a stove inside a pot of water bubblin'
And boilin' between a puzzle and poison
Two games in the same toy bin
But when my times comes you better beat the drums
And aim the guns at the ones that eat the young
If we let her, she'll do whatever it takes to survive
You don't stop till you take her life
[Hook]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This country's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This city's a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
[Little Girl's Voice]
I don't wanna to go
(???)
And she's really ugly
Check the orphanage...
[Hook]
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
This world is a vampire, she eats her kids
Let's hide the bodies under the bridge
All of ya'll are vampires, you eat your kids
Shayne Moore
I always find it crazy to look back at what I was doing when music like this was being released. In this case I was just in grade 6 or 7. It's great to know all the stuff like this now, but I wish I could have experienced it sooner.
h99
ร tรฃo sinistro que eu entendi sem entender uma palavra de inglรชs kkkk RZA e Doom tambรฉm tem esse poder de sรญntese. Te amo slug, nรบmero um nos meus fones. ๐ง๐ท
Niv
the older i grow, the more i learn about how to appreciate atmosphere and connect better
NerdyX
BRO! FACTS!
Dylan Stike
Same with DOOM they just get better with time.
Amber Davis
This one is #1
Underrated until NOW
I don't think there's any emotion that would keep me From listening to this song....I heard it at my worst and my best
Nickword One
This song has such a deep impact on my life man...
Snoochie_Boochiez_02
Same ๐๐ผ
// looseid
Me too! Slug is a king we should praise him
Jason Appleby
@// looseid Why does he hate this song so much? Refuses to perform it