Atmosphere's 'Lemons' CD Preview
Minneapolis' Slug and Ant to Release New Hip-Hop Album in Spring
"When Life Gives You Lemons" drops on April 22nd out with underground legends Atmosphere to deliver goods sure to satisfy your hip-hop sweet tooth. Here's the lowdown.
In a time of overplayed and substanceless radio rap aimed at teenage ears, a refreshing wave of mature, conscious hip-hop is on the horizon this spring. Atmosphere, the Minneapolis duo of producer and tour DJ Ant (Anthony Davis) and MC Slug (Sean Daley) will release their 6th studio album on April 22nd entitled "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold."
Much to the delight of true underground fans, despite numerous offers, Atmosphere has refused to sign with a mainstream label in order to maintain artistic control. As a result, the mid-west pair have adopted several unique techniques to promote their latest effort.
"Paint It Gold" YouTube Show
To connect with fans and spark new interest, Atmosphere started an interactive series of short YouTube skits called "Paint It Gold" in which Slug and Ant answer select emailed questions with a humorous twist. The show also includes guest appearances by other Rhymesayers artists like Brother Ali and I Self Divine . The link can be accessed from their MySpace, Facebook, Digg, and YouTube pages.
"Sad Clown" Seasonal EPs
To hold fans over, they also released several seasonal 5-song EP's over the last year, and the fourth of which, entitled "Sad Clown Bad Spring" will soon be released before the album. On Christmas Eve of 2007, as a gift to fans, they gave a free, internet-only release entitled "Strictly Leakage," a collection of lighthearted songs Atmosphere is not normally known for. This gesture is exemplary of Atmosphere's appreciation for their fans over the years.
Pre-Order Perks and Limited Edition Version
The first 1,000 pre-ordered Limited Edition albums sold will be autographed by Ant and Slug, and will be shipped with a CD version of "Strictly Leakage" previously unavailable. The Limited Edition includes lyrics, a childrens story written by Slug, and a bonus DVD of live footage.
Spring Tour with a live Band
Atmosphere will be headlining a 15-city tour in April and May. Rare in the underground hip-hop world, Slug's raps are accompanied by a live tour band they constructed in 2005, which makes for a more complete musical performance. They prefer small, intimate venues, and many of the performances are already sold out. Abstract Rude from California will be the opening act.
Album Content
Of the new album, the Rhymesayers website boasts “you'll find Slug and Ant's storytelling, song-writing and musicality at its finest.” This is evident on the melodic “In Her Music Box,“ a story about a young girl and her irresponsible father, which they performed live on their last tour. Atmosphere's lyrical content has always been and will continue to be thought-provoking and message-bearing. The first single, "Shoulda Known" is a gritty tale of addiction and regret, and can be downloaded for free.
Track List
- Like the Rest of Us
- Puppets
- The Skinny
- Dreamer
- Shoulda Known
- You
- Painting
- Your Glass House
- Yesterday
- Guarantees
- Me
- Wild Wild Horses
- Can't Break
- The Waitress
- In Her Music Box
Atmosphere's diverse and out-of-the-box approach to promote "Lemons" shows a major label isn't necessary for success, and the title could prove to be foretelling if the album goes Gold, which would be a first for the group!
Source:
RhymeSayers, (accessed February 18, 2008).
