Atmosphere

Another personal favourite to check out, the Minnesota hip-hop group, ATMOSPHERE. These guys formed in 1989 as a collaboration between rapper SLUG and produce ANT. Duo actually started with inverse roles, but SLUG developed into the central emcee in the group. SLUG has had a really diverse song writing repertoire over the last decade. The early atmosphere albums were more conventional in composition, though the lyrics were very unique, as SLUG created a character called Lucy, which he used mainly as a embodiment of his own alcohol issues. The song FUCK YOU LUCY off of the 2002 record GOD LOVES UGLY, is an incredibly intimate look into SLUG's individual struggle with alcohol and trying to make it clean.

"Fuck you Lucy, for leaving me. Fuck you Lucy for not needing me. I wanna say fuck you. Because I still love you. No, I'm OK. And I don't know what to do"

Atmosphere's recent albums have expanded their subject matter into some awesome ways. There are multiple songs which attempt to empathize with the many marginalized, overworked and struggling people in America. THE BEST DAY off of their 2010 EP TO ALL MY FRIENDS, BLOOD MAKES THE BLAD HOLY is a great example of the connection SLUG is able to make with listeners. He has a way of making you feel like he gets exactly what your going though, and he's the supportive best friend who's there to get you through it.

"Every day can't be the best day. Do what you can right now, don;t hesitate. That's why we try make love and get paid. Take the bad with the good, now let's play"

 Slug recently announced the group is working on a new album, hopefully coming out this year. I'll post some songs below and keep an eye out for a new album!

Fuck You Lucy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTWIvEOPpcM

Best Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nMpsiVPQzU

When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint that Shit Gold:
http://thepiratebay.se/torrent/6171838/Atmosphere_-_When_Life_Gives_You_Lemons