Atmosphere hits a higher level.
Do you like Kool Keith? How about Del the Funky Homosapien? Then go out now and get the new album by Atmosphere, titled Seven’s Travels. The minds behind Atmosphere, Slug and Ant, have made a great album without falling into traditional hip-hop clichés.The duo doesn’t rely on what’s popular in current music to drive their album – instead they have an underground flavor that makes the album infectious. Slug’s lyrics, rhymes and slightly Eminem-influenced voice jump all over the place. Ant’s mixing and musical choices are fresh, with a good use of pianos, acoustic instruments such as steel guitars, and even a mouth harp.
Atmosphere definitely pulls from not so radio-friendly hip-hop. The influences of Kool Keith and Del are definitely there, without mimicking them. Their lyrics, while definitely twisted, are intelligent, witty and sarcastic. Unlike many artists who try to pimp themselves, Atmosphere is totally willing to make fun of themselves, even saying that they know they suck and can’t rap. The type of humility helps push this album.
Instead of going to a major label on this album, they decided to go with Rhymesayers, an offshoot of the punk label Epitaph. It’s interesting that they went with a relatively small label, even though this album could make a nice fit on a major. Maybe that says something for their convictions to making music, and not money.
From start to finish, Atmosphere hits listeners with great beats and impressive lyrics. Atmosphere manages to do what many artists only strive for, originality. Their definitive style shows a strong DIY ethic, which many other artists could definitely use.
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