Miss the late ’90s?

The definition of the word ‘atmosphere’ is the enveloping gasses around a planet, or pervading energy in a particular environment. The musical duo Atmosphere is made up of Slug, the rapper, and Ant who DJ’s and produces. Much like Webster’s dictionary definition of atmosphere, this duo encompasses the frustrations and passions of life like the gas around earth. Their new album Sad Clown Bad Dub 2 features re-workings of exclusive tracks sold on tours that Slug himself rapped. As in track seven, Hungry Fuck, where he says “this is not an album, the sole intention is to eat better while on the road.”

Sad Clown Bad Dub 2 consists of tracks that have a solid ’90s energy full of pleasing angsty flows from Slug and their fans love the grailed energy of it all. A hip hop duo from Minneapolis, Minnesota,  the duo encompasses and connects with different cultures and genres such as the punk community. They embody punk ideals and recognize why the community was created; to combat capitalist practices to prevent unsustainable consumption in unethical industries. To clarify, pirating content from any creator or artists is illegal so that the artists can be properly compensated for their work. Moreover, the immorality of the hard work put into the creation is disregarded. However, Atmosphere recognizes the struggle and humorously dubbed their CD content as “Authorized Bootleg.”

Atmosphere’s participation with their fans and their un-sugarcoated lyrics makes the music this hip hop duo creates, for the people. The tracks within Sad Clown Bad Dub 2 tell stories that are paired with piano, percussion and woodwinds. Atmosphere utilizes these instruments in notes that create curious tones as the lyrics go on. Lofi beats and whistling are incorporated into the tracks as we indulge in the angst filled drop of these tracks.

Enjoyers of hip hop, R&B and rap don’t often get flows like Sad Clown Dub 2 provides anymore. Their flows recognize the struggle of holding oneself up, which proves to be an exhausting task — yet, everyone prevails. This frustration is emphasized in “Body Pillow” where love is right in front of someone, but those who struggle with insecurities and trauma hold back the potential and create something — or someone — unattainable. More flows from Atmosphere touch on the frustrating routine of chasing someone, adultery and worries from a feminine perspective, like wanting to be good enough. Again, the people prevail as they do the best with what they’re dealt and ask for patience from others.

It’s a pleasure to listen to this used-to-be-an-exclusive rendition from Atmosphere and to do so with the “Authorized Bootleg” seal of approval.