Atmosphere is having fun.

I've been sitting on this album for a week and a half, debating whether or not to listen to it all the way through. I have. Multiple times in fact. But yeah, Atmosphere has a new CD, and I can imagine how much fun they're having. Maybe that is why I hate Atmosphere - especially Slug - with a passion. So why do I hate them? First of all, look at the kids at the Atmosphere shows. Emo and Punky kids with pasty pale skin and Bentley black hair with a good amount of backpacking indie rappers thrown in for good measure. Second, when will Slug stop writing music and just create a Broadway show? Who knows, but it'd probably be good. So aside from the trendy fans that don't listen to any other hiphop but Atmosphere, the drama influenced and emotional lyrics, Atmosphere is okay. In fact, I kick myself once I've reached the middle of any Atmosphere CD like "I'm not supposed to like this." Because to me, liking Slug is like listening to radio music. It's catchy, I can respect it because it's bangin... But I hate it with everything in me because it's trendy. But seriously, who gives a fuck about the fans of an artist? Who the fuck are they to depict who or what I listen to? Isn't that what independent music is all about? Maybe I'm Atmosphere's biggest hater, maybe I'm Atmosphere's biggest fan - I don't know yet and this new CD has done nothing but get me confused like a squeeky voiced 15 year old going through puberty.

I love this CD. The production is top notch which we all have come to expect from Atmosphere. Mr. Dibbs knows what he's doing. The beats remind me of what East Coast Hiphop should sound like (and for that I'm disappointed in the East Coast - they're still shooting each other - which is an entirely other story and perhaps future post). Funk, Soul, and Blues are all noticeable influences immediately. And then there's Slug who has a story about everything. The song pour me another gives me a funny feeling in my gut, maybe it's because Slug can't help but talk about females through metaphors and I'm fresh out of a relationship.

All of the songs on this new shit are powerful. Emotional. And it's for everybody. Nerds, Backpackers, Emo kids, Indie Rockers, Radio Artist fans, Underground hiphop kids, I'd give this to anybody to show what real hiphop is just because Slug will not sign to a label and holds it down like everyone who is determined to make music swears before they make it big. I hate you, Slug, for doing what I swore to do many years ago. A pat on the back is deserved for the new album, I like it more than God Loves Ugly. Indie Hiphop, a new era of great music. Thank you Slug.