Storytime: Back in 2001, I didn't know much about hip-hop. I knew hip-hop/rap songs from the radio or on YO! MTV Raps, but I didn't know anything about the world of underground hip-hop. I knew it was something I was interested in but it wasn't until a friend in high school took the time to burn me a mixtape. That mix tape unlocked the door to sounds and rhymes I had never heard before and it was my introduction to underground hip-hop and backpack hip-hop. It introduced me to some of my favorite hip-hop artists, Del the Funky Homosapien/Deltron, Dr. Octagon/Kool Keith, Murs, Aesop Rock, and Jedi Mindtricks just to name a few. There were two songs on the CD I always had on repeat, and those were Atmosphere’s “Scapegoat” from Overcast!, and “Guns and Cigarettes” from the Lucy Ford EP. I quickly went down the rabbit hole and dug up everything I could find from Slug and Ant. From the moment I purchased Overcast! and Lucy Ford, I was a legit fan of Atmosphere. I have been fortunate enough to have seen Atmosphere perform live twice before, but the show they put on at Music Farm last week ranks as my favorite.
When I arrived at the venue, I saw a small line gathered outside. I stood in line and began to fiddle with my camera when I looked up and saw Slug talking and taking selfies with people in line. As an all-around awkward individual, I immediately went into a mental panic. Would I ask him for a selfie? Would I just nod and say “hey” as I passed? Before I knew it, I was right in front of him. I opted for a fist bump which he enthusiastically reciprocated. I nervously looked him in the eyes and said “I’m a big fan of your work,” to which he replied, “Thanks, man.” I then looked away and tried to say “I'm excited for tonight's show.” Instead, my mumble mouth took over and I let out a jumbled mess of words and awkwardly walked away. It was slightly embarrassing, but it's a memory I will cringe at and cherish the rest of my life. What can I say? I was excited for the show.
Slug took the stage and I immediately forgot my awkward interaction. Wearing a camo hat and a black hoodie, Slug smiled his notorious smile and Ant dropped the beat for “In Her Music Box” from 2008’s When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, followed by the crowd-pleasing bop “Okay” from So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. Both the crowd and Slug were ready to let loose when the opening piano notes of “Puppets” echoed through the Hall.
Slug had fun with the crowd in moments in between songs, giving life lessons to the younger attendees and commanding the crowd to throw up the one-finger salute. Slug even seemed surprised at the number of people who knew each word from “F’@k You Lucy,” and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy instructing the audience to curse out the “three attractive people” in attendance before launching into the title track from “God Loves Ugly.” Slug continued his hilarious facial contortions on “Sunshine” from Sad Clown Bad Summer Number 9, which had the crowd swaying and waving their hands in the air. The energy never let up continuing with “The Best Day” before getting to deep cuts like “God's Bathroom Floor” and “Scapegoat.” Slug then informed that written in his contract he was “entitled to a freestyle.” He asked the crowd if they would be cool with a freestyle and their screams and whistles were all he needed. Ant dropped a beat and Slug gave the audience a taste of his rhymes from the dome. Slug then stated that he wasn't about to leave the stage and come back for an encore. Instead, he planned to “rock on” and the crowd was all about it. Atmosphere started their non-encore with the bop “Apple” before bringing the house down with “Trying To Find A Balance,” both from Seven’s Travels.
Atmosphere’s toe-tapping Lofi beats and clever lyrics to me are all about living life to the fullest. The yin and yang of optimism and pessimism in the lyrics are what drew me to their music. Even on their darker songs, there is a hint of joy, and on the happy songs, there is always a hint of darkness. Just like life, it's all about balance and moving forward as best you can. Their live shows are simple: one MC and two DJs, but the trio delivered a fun energetic show punctuated by frontman Slug’s down-to-earth engagement with the crowd. If you're a hip-hop head like me, Atmosphere's show is a must-see.
