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Slug slaughters with 'Seven'
Slug spits Atmosphere's best to date with Seven's Travels
By Nick Hanson
Published:
Thursday, September 25, 2003
The first time I saw Atmosphere in concert, Slug could barely stand. His raps slurred together and he could barely retain attention. This summer the Rhymesayers Web site posted that Slug was kicked off the stage in Sweden for puking in front of an entire venue. In a duo project with California rapper Murs, Slug dedicated an entire album to actress Christina Ricci. In an interview, he said that Ricci was the sexiest girl he had ever seen, especially in the Adams Family, when she was underage.
Slug is one messed-up guy and he isn't afraid to admit it.
And this is what makes Atmosphere such a unique force in the rap world.
Native to Minneapolis, Atmosphere consists MC, Slug and DJ/producer Ant. Since their humble beginning in 1997, Atmosphere has grown into one of the most respected names in underground hip-hop.
The new material is a reflection on Atmosphere's constant travels and also a mix of all their previous albums.
Standard Atmosphere clich�s remain intact such as self-depreciation, women, politics, getting drunk, Minnesota references and old school beats.
"Seven's Travels" takes the quality lyrical content of "Lucy Ford," the fluid production of "God Loves Ugly," wraps them into one big package and then multiplies by 10.
Before, Slug was a little unsure of himself. Now he has come to terms with his many struggles and seems to have reached a higher plane of self-realization. "Travels"' is definitely more upbeat and maybe even a little happier.
In the first single, "Trying To Find a Balance," Slug identifies his struggle with insecurity right away: "In the days of kings and queens I was a jester, they treat me like a god or they treat me like a leper." He then admits he is coming to terms: "You see me move back and forth between both, I'm trying to find a balance."
Atmosphere sets themselves apart from the mainstream recording industry by opting to steer clear from major labels. Instead they released "Travels" through veteran punk label Epitaph. The choice couldn't be more fitting.
In "Apple," Slug takes a jab at the world of rap, questioning the inflated ego of many MCs. "Just 'cause you're an MC doesn't mean that you get to be an a-hole, and just 'cause you're a man doesn't mean you get to act like a b-."
And like always, Slug isn't afraid to profess his love for women. It is portrayed best in the most essential track of the new album "Reflections."
"Do you really think you wanna get to know me better, don't you see the drama, don't you feel the pressure," he raps. "Don't get me wrong it would be my pleasure to sing a song that would get you out your jeans and sweater."
Slug's witty lyricism isn't the only force behind "Travels" success. Ant steps up to the plate too.
Ant's beats have always been pretty decent, but have never been terribly distinguishable from the rest of the sounds in the underground genre. Now his production easily parallels anything that could be done by a major label.
"Travels"' landmarks Ant's launch into an original unmarked territory. For example, "Suicide Girls" applies a hardcore punkish beat over women venting about Slug. It reaches its climax when Slug finally reacts near the end. "Cats Vans Bags," featuring fellow label mate, Brother Ali, sounds like two rappers flowing over speeding cars at a NASCAR race. Other experimentally-produced tracks "Gotta Lotta Walls," "Los Angeles" and "National Disgrace" turn out superb for the simple fact that they feature beats and techniques that have never been utilized before.
It is probably inevitable that Atmosphere will enter into a near-mainstream audience with the release of "Seven's Travels." Slug spits out the best raps of his life and Ant produces the best underground beats to date. Who cares if Slug is messed up? Minnesotans should be proud.
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