Show: Atmosphere
Date: May 5, 2011
Venue: Fox Theater
City: Pomona, CA
Atmosphere
Photo by Nicolas Bates
Written by Michelle Oberg
Every so often a hip-hop sensation will come along and remind us why we keep listening after thinking we’ve had enough of hearing about “slanging rock” or “hitting the tele.” Atmosphere brings us back to the days when rapping was as fresh a pair of new Nike’s and no one had said that a thousand times before. Slug and Ant, the independently successful duo that make up hip-hop sensation Atmosphere, have mastered the art form of storytelling with some added belligerence and a heavy set of stones. Actively performing and creating tales for 22 years, they brought along two additional pieces for the Family Tour at the Fox Theater in Pomona on Cinco de Mayo: ivories and bass
Slug (MC/vocals) and Ant (DJ) entered the swamp-themed stage design with their traveling entourage already assembled, starting off the evening with “Guns and Cigarettes.” With a flow like Jay-Z and the mannerisms of Eminem, the non-stop spit fest commenced with full force. Though it felt an apocalyptic event was taking place, the herd flocked to the stage for the ground-shaking, heavy beats and fast rhymes.
The emotionally driven lyrics and performance oozed with passion, personal conflicts and conquests—but most of all: energy. For each number Slug offered a mini-skit type intro that prefaced the song with some form of sarcastic witticisms that were genuinely unique. Normally, banter between songs is as annoying as sitting in a long car ride hearing, “Are we there yet?” but Slug’s prefaces deserved serious kudos. As if patrons were handed a set list as they walked in the door, each pre-song quip gave just enough clues to know the next tune. The tongue lashing was entertaining; like getting two shows for the price of one. If his music career doesn’t work out, we’ve got a comedian in the making.
“She’s Enough” was a personal favorite, the song opening with just strings and keys, then focusing more on the singing aspect of vocals in lieu of rapping (reminiscent of “Before I Leave This Place” by Big B featuring Everlast). Other noteworthy songs of the night were: “Puppets,” “To All My Friends” and “God Loves Ugly.” At some points throughout the show, Slug rapped a capella; Slug can handle a rhyme without a beat just as intensely if there were one.
Storytelling is defined as the conveying of events in words, images and sounds often by improvisation or embellishment. While that is present in Atmosphere’s music videos, these visually stimulating storytellers just need a mic and PA to tell their tales and perform their chronicles for you live. This show left me sweaty, thirsty and yearning for more.
To be in the know, check out their website via myspace.com/atmosphere or through their label www.rhymesayers.com for news and tour info.