True Hip-Hop fans will already be accustomed to the music of Sean Daley AKA Slug, and his DJ, Anthony Davis AKA Ant. They will also know they rarely disappoint. Renowned as one the best live acts in underground hip hop, regularly performing with equally respected and lyrically able ‘Brother Ali’ and up and comer ‘Grieves’, Atmosphere release their 7th official studio album entitled ‘The Family Sign’.
My first encounter with Atmosphere was a track called ‘God’s Bathroom Floor’. The fluidity of the lyrics, the depth of the content, the simple yet ghostly aura of the beat. Early Nas came to mind. Next track I heard was ‘Scapegoat’. The beat had the eery Mafioso piano loop you’d expect from a Big Pun track, the lyrics were aggressive and constant. It was hardcore, yet poignant. Then I got put on to ‘Guns and Cigarettes’. ‘Go to hell girl, you make me sick, I hope your new boyfriend gets cancer in his dick!’ I’ll always remember that line.
I thought for a long time that Atmosphere was one person. I’m not embarrassed to admit it. I had the same problem with Gangstarr (Guru and DJ Premier). Once I was aware it was a group name (in both cases), it taught me the importance of Premier and Ant respectively. On Family Sign, Ant shows how eclectic and creative he really can be. Demonstrating a heavier and considered use of instruments. The guitar on ‘I don’t need brighter day’s’ compliments Slug’s emotive content. The piano on ‘Your Name Here’ recaptures how Ant can make Slug’s lyrics haunt.
It seems Ant is using the success of the last Studio release to fill these tracks with every musical accompaniment Slug deserves. It seems that Slug has been waiting for this, as Ant’s lingering piano loops and powerful guitar licks enable him to connect with the listener on a deeper level, with a more personal lyrical content.
‘And I can make out every word, Cos she sing loud like a trapped bird’
The content touches on broken-families, domestic violence, losing friends. The mood is nostalgic and reflective. It demonstrates a personal struggle that has took Slug seven albums to truly explore lyrically, which speaks volumes about his modesty. A lack of self-righteousness also evokes a sense of empathy for the listener, and a united front against all Slug raps about. He doesn’t need to convince you. His poised delivery and unmistakable style has you on his side in every conflict. Everything feels ok after listening to this album. His singing on ‘Something So’ can contend with any singer/songwriter out there. Once again Ant provides a faultless accompaniment.
‘Bad Bad Daddy’ is a weak point. It feels half-hearted, and although the listener will understand why it’s in there, it lacks the creativity from both MC and DJ. The chorus is almost annoying. The guitar loop seems untouched and lacks the atmospheric licks of ‘I Don’t Need Brighter Days’. Luckily ‘Millennium Dodo’ recreates the magic straight after with one of the coolest beats on the album.
‘All around the world, it’s the same bar, wishing that the Jukebox had some Gangstarr.’
Slug’s honesty and Ant’s freedom of creativity give this album a depth that proves Atmospheres dominance as Hip-Hop’s non-commercial saviours. Slug acknowledges Gangstarr, yet his ability to consistently deliver album after album should surely now make Slug comparable with the late great Guru and set the bar for future artists who take lyricism seriously. Ant is not to be underestimated and proves how adaptable he can be with his creations.
9/10
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