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.
Verse From...
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How easily I put my foot into
The shoe I now boast
Simply for the chance to wiggle my toes
How little I know
That gets followed down this dead end
How much mind I misplace in
The name of a girlfriend
Ill throw a raincoat on and
Fornicate with a storm
Ill be the same as before
Like nothing youve ever known
Trying to feel my way through
The weather looking for home
But till that time arrives I'll
Keep designing my life
Arrive the need to survive
Without this disguise
Counter clockwise, cross the Is, dot the ts
And run circles around
These docile hypocrisies
They don't understand, good
Watch how long it took for
Them to break it down
And find out it's not just a
Song it's a way of death
Its a don't take a step
It's a save your breath and
Then came the yes (scratching rhyme sayer)
So heres an ode to those
Who feel they're under control
Like they don't have a whole firm
Hold on their own soul nothing but snow
Makes for rough when it's cold
You can roll or you can cut
Your loss and drop your load
From the woman I know that
Give their partners their all
To the ones that watch and wait
For their lovers to fall
To the single file line a
Mile long in the hall
To the ones that work the cashier
Jobs down at the strip malls
If the rat bites it's tale
You gonna hear it scream
This is not my life, what is it? A dream?
Between letting off steam and
Empty bottles redeemed
Was it hard for you to pull
Me apart by the seams?
Take a deep breath so you can smell the city
Put the alcohol down it's
Fucking up your kidney
No longer will I let them spin
Me round till I'm dizzy
Either walk away or walk with me
In these lyrics, Atmosphere's song "Verse From..." explores themes of self-discovery, the search for meaning, and the challenges faced in relationships. The song starts with a reflection on how easily the singer gets caught up in the allure of a romantic relationship, losing sight of their own identity and purpose. They express a longing to find their way back home, both literally and metaphorically, and to design a life that is authentic and true to themselves.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The singer acknowledges the hypocrisy and misunderstandings that exist in the world, and the difficulties in breaking free from those constraints. They describe the song as more than just music; it's a statement about the struggles of life and the need for authenticity. The final lines encourage the listener to take control of their own life and either walk away from the chaos or choose to walk alongside the singer.
Overall, "Verse From..." reflects on the complexities of relationships, the search for authenticity, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. It encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of a genuine, meaningful life.
Line by Line Meaning
(scratching big slug)
Creating the scratch sound effect associated with Big Slug's presence.
How easily I put my foot into
I often make mistakes or get myself into difficult situations without realizing it.
The shoe I now boast
I proudly show off the situation I've gotten myself into, even though it might not be ideal.
Simply for the chance to wiggle my toes
I am willing to take risks or make questionable choices just to experience something new or enjoyable.
How little I know
I am unaware of how little knowledge or understanding I have about the situation I'm in.
That gets followed down this dead end
I continue down a path that leads to a hopeless or futile outcome.
How much mind I misplace in
I invest a significant amount of mental energy or thoughts into something that doesn't deserve it or won't bring me any benefit.
The name of a girlfriend
I prioritize and obsess over my romantic relationship, often losing sight of what truly matters.
When the world bends, and changes its form
During times of uncertainty or chaos, when things are constantly shifting and evolving.
I'll throw a raincoat on and
I'll protect myself and adapt to the changing circumstances.
Fornicate with a storm
I'll engage and find pleasure in the chaos and challenges presented by difficult situations.
I'll be the same as before
Despite the external changes or challenges, I will remain true to myself and my core identity.
Like nothing you've ever known
My resilience and ability to stay grounded might be surprising or unfamiliar to others.
Trying to feel my way through
I am navigating and figuring out my path or purpose.
The weather looking for home
I am searching for a sense of belonging or stability amidst the unpredictable circumstances of life.
But till that time arrives I'll
Until I find that sense of home or stability, I will continue on my journey without giving up.
Keep designing my life
I am actively shaping and creating my own experiences and destiny.
Arrive the need to survive
I have a strong motivation and drive to survive and overcome challenges.
Without this disguise
I will face life authentically, without hiding or pretending to be someone I'm not.
Counter clockwise, cross the Is, dot the ts
I am going against the typical or expected flow, paying attention to details and ensuring everything is in order.
And run circles around
I excel or outperform others in various aspects of life, leaving them behind.
These docile hypocrisies
The passive and hypocritical behaviors and attitudes of others.
They don't understand, good
They lack understanding or insight, which is actually beneficial for me.
Watch how long it took for
Observe the amount of time it took for them to realize or comprehend.
Them to break it down
For them to analyze or decipher the true meaning or essence of the situation.
And find out it's not just a
They discover that it is not merely a
Song it's a way of death
It holds a deeper meaning or symbolism related to mortality or the constant struggle for survival.
It's a don't take a step
It serves as a warning or reminder to be cautious and thoughtful before making a move.
It's a save your breath and
It advises to conserve energy and not waste it on unnecessary arguments or futile discussions.
Then came the yes (scratching rhyme sayer)
This signifies a change or a shift in mindset, leading to a more positive outlook or decision.
So here's an ode to those
This is a tribute or acknowledgement to individuals
Who feel they're under control
Who believe they are being manipulated or influenced by external forces.
Like they don't have a whole firm
As if they lack a complete, strong
Hold on their own soul, nothing but snow
They feel empty or unfulfilled, like there is nothing substantial or meaningful in their lives.
Makes for rough when it's cold
Difficulties arise when faced with harsh or challenging circumstances.
You can roll or you can cut
You have options or choices in how you deal with difficult situations.
Your loss and drop your load
You can let go of burdens or baggage that weigh you down and cause you harm.
From the woman I know that
Referring to the women I am familiar with
Give their partners their all
They give their romantic partners their full commitment, effort, and attention.
To the ones that watch and wait
Referring to the individuals who observe and anticipate
For their lovers to fall
They hope for or expect their partners to fail or experience setbacks.
To the single file line a
Addressing the people who patiently wait in a
Mile long in the hall
Long queue or line in a hallway.
To the ones that work the cashier
Acknowledging those who have jobs as cashiers
Jobs down at the strip malls
Specifically referring to cashier jobs in strip malls.
If the rat bites its tail
When faced with the consequences or negative outcomes of their actions
You gonna hear it scream
They will react or express their pain or dissatisfaction.
This is not my life, what is it? A dream?
Feeling detached or disconnected from one's own life, questioning its authenticity or reality.
Between letting off steam and
Caught in a balance between releasing frustration or stress
Empty bottles redeemed
Using alcohol or substances as a means of escape or coping mechanism for emotional pain or emptiness.
Was it hard for you to pull
Was it challenging for you to effectively tear apart
Me apart by the seams?
To completely dismantle or destroy me emotionally or mentally?
Take a deep breath so you can smell the city
Pause and take a moment to fully experience and appreciate the environment or atmosphere of the city.
Put the alcohol down, it's
Stop relying on alcohol or substances as a crutch or escape
Fucking up your kidney
Damaging your physical and mental health, particularly your kidney, through excessive alcohol consumption.
No longer will I let them spin
I will not allow others to manipulate or control
Me round till I'm dizzy
Until I feel disoriented or confused.
Either walk away or walk with me
Choose to either distance yourself from the negativity or hardships or join me in facing them together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind