Before I play this vid here are few predictions: -Myke loves this album -Ken's gonna argue whether its a classic or not -Feefo is gonna be like ''its dope but its not for him'' -Beezy likes the album a lot but not like Myke
My respect for mike just went up 110%. He actually GOT the album. Some of the others didnt even look like they wantec to review it! Especially the lady who didnt even bother to finish it
Damn Myke is a role model for me no lie his opinions are amazing and he is a real honest person with a passion of things that he loves how cant u not respect that
I thought I was the only one who valued Myke's opinion like that. Not shitting on the other guys but he carries himself as well rounded person and I think it's kinda cool to see another black person who enjoys metal like I do lol.
Slug is one of the greatest MC's of all time. No question. He's unquestionably the greatest storyteller in history. I don't define "God Loves Ugly," so as a classic, but as a grossly unsung Hip-Hop masterpiece. And, I don't just mean that Slug's individual stories are great, (they are) but the story that Slug tells over the course of his career. This is truly what defines Slug as more than a good, but a great MC. To me, the spiritual journey of Atmosphere's music is the vivid portrait of the male psyche. There is hardly a part of a man's mind that Slug has not covered: He addressed his insecurities, his fantasies, his demons, his hatred, his sadness, his aggravation, his skeletons in his closets, his loves, his lust, his mannerisms, his habits, his addictions, his living conditions, his priorities, his substance abuse, his shame, his true, unadulterated happiness, and the list goes on and on. From the opening track on Overcast!, to whatever album Atmosphere decides to retire with, Slug's lyrical journey has been one hell of an experience. Unlike rappers who begin to lose focus during the middle and end of their careers, Slug has covered such significant ground as an MC, but also as a man. Atmosphere's music is not conventional Hip-Hop listening. It's not an easy group to necessarily get a grip on. But, if you've "found" Atmosphere's algorithms, and you let Slug tap into your psyche, there are few lyricists who can seriously compare to Slug, on all levels. To all of you vapid "fans" out there who don't call this album great, or who don't think Slug is a great MC, I'm here to say that you simply aren't looking hard enough. Few MC's or groups have the distinguished catalog that Atmosphere has, and almost none of them are as moving, or as confessional as Slug.
I’ve listened to a lot of hip hop. And I mean a lot. But I think Slug is possibly one of the worst rappers I’ve heard in my life. He puts me to sleep with his generic flows and his lyrics don’t wow me whatsoever. He is literally the epitome of boring and mediocre. I can’t get through an entire Atmosphere song. Anybody who says he’s top 10 needs to expand their horizon because he’s not even top 100. Everybody who has recommended Atmosphere was white. Along with a multitude of white rappers like Brother Ali, Token, G-Eazy or Aesop Rock. Like how can you only listen to those guys religiously and no one else is beyond me.
Kamryn Stone Who said I listen to him religiously? Slug is all about wordplay dawg, and he's definitely top ten when it comes to that. His beats are dope and he has mad stories to tell. I've listened to more than my fair share of hip hop too man, if he's not your taste then that's fine. He's not garbage because he doesnt fit your taste, so keep your racist shit out of this.
Here's some albums I think you guys should review, they're not just classics but they also made a huge impact on hip hop Immortal Technique-Revolutionary Vol 2 Cannibal Ox-The Cold Vein Big L-Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous Aesop Rock-Labor Days MF DOOM-Operation Doomsday Madvillain-Madvillainy EL-P-Fantastic Damage Kayne West-The College Dropout Common-Be Quasimoto-The Unseen The Roots-Illadelph Halflife Jedi Mind Tricks-Violent By Design Company Flow-Funcrusher Plus Blu & Exile-Below The Heavens
That's a great list you made. I love pretty much all of them and would consider them classics. Only one I haven't listened to that much is Quasimoto, I love Madlibs production but his Quasimoto character is a hit or miss with me.
You have to understand he’s not a nerdy underground backpacker type fan he’s in between the lines of a black hood/street ninja and mainstream listener.
"Individually wrapped, placed in neat little rows Becoming A piece, of everything that grows Some numbers, A name, to indicate you played the game Came empty handed and left the same A soul is A soul and A shell is A shell The border in between is full of everything you felt" They can play this shit when you put me 6 feet under. Slug is the Bukowski of hiphop. I don't get the comparison with Drake who is to emo hiphop what Trump is to politics.
I appreciate everything Myke said about this album. I'm from Minnesota, Slug is praised like a God here. Every time Atmosphere has a show here in Minneapolis it's sold out within a few days. I got into this album in 2009 when God Loves Ugly was re released. I was only about 15 or 16 years old at the time. Till this day when I turn this on, I can still recite all the lyrics.
You are 100% correct. Brother Ali to a certain extent too. Those 3 are absolute legends here especially now that we've lost Prince. They really should Review "Shadows On The Sun" by Ali. I put that up with Snoop and Nas's first albums as the greatest LP's by a debuting artist of all time. (Rights of Passage was an EP)
Much props to DEHH for reviewing an underground, indie classic rather than sticking with the more "well known" classics. For those that aren't familiar with this scene, around the time this album was released indie hip hop was at its peak creatively. GodLovesUgly, Fantastic Damage, The Cold Vein, Personal Journals, First Born, Labor Days, Shadows on the Sun all released around the same span. The reason why this is a classic is because Slug, with the exception of Sage Francis and to some extent Ali, was the only one who was extremely emotional and personal which was a strong contrast to Def Jux and Anticon's more experimental, avant-garde approach.
i love Myke man, thank you for actually knowing about atmosphere, like no disrespect but how do you start a review saying "i didnt really listen to it all or i dont remember the tracks" or jus sound like your not familiar with the record? but myke was def on point! appreciate your words myke!
I honestly thank Myke a lot for recommending this album, just recently I just got through an awful relationship that really screwed me up mentally and I know I’m only 15, but seriously, this album did speak to me on how I felt a lot, other than the drinking, I can never drink in my life
I was born in 1997 and I love this album it's easily a classic.And Mike shouldn't even have to defend it's credibility to the rest of the crew. Atmosphere is one of the best duos of all time an thier talent speaks for itself. Every point there trying to make in this album is extremely relatable for pretty much and person who doesn't have there head in there ass and can look in the mirror and admit there own flaws.
Myke is always the least bias opinion in the circle. Everybody always looks at how well it did in the radio or how popular it is instead of actually listen and appreciate the lyrics
evak son. I don't see why you're mad at Feefo, he doesn't have to force himself to like it or think it's a classic for any reason. Feefo doesn't even like Illmatic all that much (an obvious classic, which is very popular), so I don't see how you can say he is biased, just saying.
This album is definitely a classic. My cousin introduced me to Atmosphere--the first album I heard was "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold" I found this one browsing Best Buy one day and I think "Godlovesugly" was the only track I'd heard previous to that but I bought it and loved it immediately when I popped it in. Slug, man...
I think one of the best underground albums ever is Slum Village Fantastic Vol.2. The production from beginning to end is amazing. Even though that album came out in 2000, they finished it in 1998. No one was making music like that in 1998 not even in 2000 and they're cadence throughout the songs were something nobody were doing as well. That album really made me say "damn hip hop can sound like this too?" Classic album.
Most of Slugs songs are metaphors for something else, but written in a way where the listener is able to choose what those songs mean , thats the beauty of his music and he does it such a dope way Myke C-Town id like to see a review of SOUTHSIDERS which carries on this tradition
Dude..WLGUL is good but it can't touch GLU with a 20 foot poll. Its the album that brought them to national prominence and got them music video coverage for 7's Travels! GodLovesUgly was like nothing anyone had heard before and its still being talked about for that very reason..It was so much different than anything anyone else in rap was doing.
I met Slug before one of his shows and he was a real humble guy. He stood outside and greeted every fan in line who was attending his concert. That just brought on me a new level of respect for him.
Yup. Dope, right? Slug's a genius. The idea of Lucy represented women, but then came to represent his dependency on all kinds of shit. Women, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. That's so dope to me.
BTW I've always actually debated if Lucy is indeed alcohol on this particular track. Especially given some of the lyrics. Sure, Lucy has meant alcohol in some other tracks, but I think this one is really about a chick. But I think he leaves it up to interpretation for a reason, so I wouldn't really argue it with anyone, ya know.
atmosphere is a acquired taste. I started with the lucy ford lp and went forward then back and had to go back to other eps, for me I like the older stuff way more then the newer stuff
WARNING: The following comment is from a die-hard DEHH fan and it is not meant to "insult" or disrespect any member of DEHH in any way, it is just a comment about a concern I've had within DEHH for a while. I repeat, if you find anything in this comment to be malicious in the slightest way towards DEHH, then you're reading my comment wrong. I find it hard to understand why 'Southsiders' didn't end up being a DEHH review, but then you guys will do a classic review of an Atmosphere album. Don't get me wrong, Myke's review was great. But I always thought that the intention behind Myke taking on albums for solo reviews instead of DEHH review were for two reasons: One being the album is too experimental or different for the rest of DEHH to really review or Two being an album that DEHH just didn't deem important enough to review because they had other things to review and they didn't get many requests. But here the seminal underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere puts out a new, highly requested album and DEHH doesn't do it? Once again, Myke's review was great but it just really feels like the "Classic Review" of this Atmosphere album is de-valued by DEHH not even deeming a new Atmosphere album worthy of a review. Just how I feel and I'd really like to hear DEHH's view-point on my observation. Like I said in the warning, I'm a fan. I love you guy's work and have been a fan for a long, long time now. I am not going anywhere anytime. But I just can't help but voice this issue I had, so if you guys just read this comment and are going "What the fuck? Fuck this dude" because I'm so wrong, then that's why I'm basically asking what's up so that my perspective won't be so off.
***** I agree. Too many people be like, "Oh, I like this. 10/10" and then "Oh, I don't really like this. 0/10." LEARN TO RATE, PEOPLE. Down throw 10s around to everything you think is good, hell, don't throw 10s around to everything you think is great, or phenomenal even. Inflated ratings = bad.
I really enjoyed this review, such a sick album, a lot of atmosphere is great though. Slugs voice on this album fitted the production so well. The lyrics are honest, that's something I look for in hip hop, honesty.
Beezy and Feefo opinion made me not wanna listen to the album, but since Mykes said what he said, said his opinion on it, it makes me wanna listen to this album
Myke C-Town is the shit. I think he looks for the same things in music as I do, because I always seem to feel the same way he does about albums their reviewing, and like artists/albums for the same reasons.
anyone who hasn't listen to the album or didn't like it don't let the vibes that the album begins with ruin your listening experience try to examine each song as if it's a painting or chapter from a book tbh this album changed my perspective on lots of things hopefully you can appreciate this masterpiece
Slugs lyrics are too deep for simpleton minds to comprehend. He has the most creative metaphors I've ever heard. Lyrics roll off the tongue fluently son.
Put me into a debate with these cats and I'll happily tell them why it's a classic. Loved this review though. Nice to see objective opinions without it blowing up.
I agree with myke that a classic album is an album that had a lot of impact. It doesn't have to impact every music scene or even impact it at the time it was released- it could BECOME a classic decades after it was released. Did "God Loves Ugly" have a lot of impact? Yeah bruh; regardless of whether it had an impact on you or your scene is irrelevant, a classic is more of less a trend and it doesn't matter if you were hip to the trend
Classic or not, I'm thankful for this review, because otherwise, I would never have checked that project out, and I dig it alot right now :) And Myke...great shirt ;)
Jason Crownover Whatever dude. Most of the guys in this review didn't think this album was a classic and Feefo wasn't a huge fan of Illmatic. That doesn't mean that they can't review an album that is considered a classic.
A lot of people are always saying a rappers voice could bother them. I know Gambino for me is one example. Slug though doesn't seem like the guy that has anything wrong with his voice. He just spits with a lot of anger and emphasis. It could probably bother some and production on it makes it feel dreary. Other than that he could spit on stuff that is upbeat and put a smile on your face with lines too.
For the group, I would've personally recommended Atmosphere's first album Overcast! That was back when he was manifesting that battle rap energy into solid tracks.
Agree with CTown 100%, for me it just happened to encompassed a time and a feeling in my personal life where the music became the soundtrack to my life, and every time I put it on it brings me right back to that time and place as shitty as it was but thats about as real as it gets. Still relevant today and I think it always will be for those who are honest with themselves and their feelings, this album scrapped me up and kept me going through that time when you feel like theres nothing left after a relationship gone bad or that theres no more fish in the sea type shit. So for me it's no question and there's no doubt, God Loves Ugly is a classic.
Chris miller bro you don't even know.. I've been listening to the F-Word like crazy lately cuz sadly, I'm relating to it more than ever right now. Feels bad man lmao
Chris miller Don't forget Vordul Mega. People underrate him because Vast Aire was on some next level shit but Vordul was amazing too. His flow was insane and he straight up spat some of the illest verses in the album
C town hit it on the head. depends on your environment growing up. just saw them live for the first time last week in Halifax, and Slug is such a beast on the mic. no hype man, no backing vocals just a beat and he went off. the whole show was amazing with a real melting pot for a crowd. but the highlight was when they did Fuck You Lucy. I am hoping you guys will review Southsiders
All I can say is thank god for C town. Yeah Ken and B gave it a good review and feefo... I pretty much expected from feefo what he said. I get that everyone has a different taste but there more to hip hop than, it gots to bump da whip. Even though Ant is a fantastic producer and he has a lotta songs that bump hard. Atmosphere is an aquired taste, its grow man music, I dont mean you have to be old but the way you think, interpret and experience things. Slugs rhymes make you think, he talks about things most of us can relate to unlike weezy, yeezy, drizzy and every other izy out there. I dont have a Bentley, a mansion or 10 figures in the bank but ive been in love, had my heart broken, got over it and doing great now. Slug is definitely my favorite mc(although El-p is my favorite artist, I like sluggos rhyme style just a smidgen more), has been, is and probably will be. Noone can fuck with him on that level.
They've done three classic reviews and they have been solid reviews. Just a troubling thought because I absolutely love this album and Slug was the reason I got super into Aesop Rock, but is this really considered a classic worldwide? When I think of classic I think of revolutionary, game changing, momentary as well as lengthy in years span, & also sales can play to a degree. The minimal production was amazing on this album! I think some of Eminem's albums had a minimalistic approach on production but this is a sensational album but classic is very arguable especially for people in Feefo's case. No diss to my boy though, because this isn't his type of album as is a Bass knocking Big K.R.I.T. produced album. But that's also what makes this video great because it's not a certified classic but it's definitely debatable!!!!
My Introduction to Atmosphere was through When Life Gives You Lemons, a couple of years ago. At first listen, the album didn't grab me, I thought of it as just a good album, but by no standards great. Then I decided to give the album another listen to fully understand Slug's musical direction. It took me 2 more listens to be captivated to Slug and Ant's music. I was playing the album over and over again, listening to the lyrics carefully and dissecting the message, and right then and there I was just amazed at Slug's ability as lyricist. Then I went back a little further in the catalog. I didn't get to God Loves Ugly until i finished listening to I Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having, which I loved because it was so raw! God Loves Ugly solidified me as a big Atmosphere fan, my favorite tracks being God Loves Ugly, One of a Kind, Vampires, Fuck You Lucy, and Saves the Day. I've been digging deep in the Atmosphere crate ever since.
So why do you guys give this classic album a review when you did not fully give the album a listen. This is a total a insult to atmosphere and hip hop. The vague comments, the lack of research? Guys are truly showing why hip hop is dying. The openminded parts of you guys highly lacks.
I don't even know if I agree that this is a classic, but I appreciate you doing something different with these classic reviews rather than just going through the motions in terms of which albums you pick.
You could tell the first three that talked weren't really into this album or were looking forward to reviewing this album, but goddamn, Myke went in with nothing but truth. Quoting those lyrics, giving proper credit to the production, mentioning the Orphanage, and really capturing what the album was for the average man, phenomenal job. Those were the words from a true fan that had related to Slug's words for the last decade+.
Myke that was the same way I discovered a lot of the first albums I discovered as well. Just by finding those lists on amazon. It helps when a lot of your circles don't associate with underground and old school hip hop. Respect!
I finally started listening to this album in October and since I continue to do so like once a week. (Seven's Travels got its turn later too, love the raw energy of it.) Now I'm watching Myke C-Town talk about it and... Shit! I've been having goosebumbps for at least 10 minutes! Anyone who never got into this group or had problems getting into them, don't make the same mistake and start with When Life Gives You Lemons... or The Family Sign, just put this on and be amazed! It starts like: OK, beats, knock, dude can flow, you know, the bass is the movement and all that stuff... THEN THE FUCKING BEAT IN FUCK YOU LUCY SWITCHES! AND IT'S ON, MUHFUCKAS! Those chords! Those samples! Those emotions! Those words! The beats have a wonderfully crispy old school feel without actually sounding like some fuckin' jiggy 90s shit. I'd say the instrumentals on this aged a lot better than, oh, I don't know, something in the realms of College Dropout. And Slug himself... pure Charisma on a mic! (Yes. With a capital C.)
idk man i kinda feel a lot of the topics in the album just went over their heads, i still catch new things every time i listen to it. don't have to like it, but def a classic
I remember those Amazon lists. I discovered a lot of great music through them from Atmosphere, MF DOOM, Cynninlynguists, Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, Little Brother, Jedi Mind Tricks and many more. Those lists and album inserts with production credits or shout outs is how I learned about so many amazing artists back in the late 90s and early 00s.
I agree, Atmosphere ushered in that EMO rap shit. However, I don't think it's been done better than Ear's first album "Earl". Would that be considered a classic?
Oh my god. I'm a big atmosphere fan, but god loves ugly was one of there records I played the least. But recently(this week) I've been listening to it non-stop. I hope that alone implies how fucking content I was when this was the first thing I saw on RUclips.
I don't think anyone said or thought it was really about a person named Lucy. Sometimes Lucy is about a woman. Sometimes it's about alcohol. Sometimes drugs.
Please, please, please, please, please, please, please! ha Do the first Blue Scholars album. I freaking love that group and that album, I feel the same way Blue Scholars that Myke does about Atmosphere. :D
I was super late on Rhymsayers. Got into underground rap heavily back in 2010 & discovered atmosphere, brother ali, murs etc. Gotta admit, that wasn't their best LP but slug has some lyrics that is highly unique. Sevens Travels album is what I would consider a classic, it also put them on the map.
I agree a lot with this video. Most people don't understand and listen to this album. The last guy who reviewed it made a lot of sense to me. I bought this album back in 2009 on cd and have listened to it a lot of times. I saw atmosphere in fort Lauderdale in concert in 2018 he really put on a great show. This isn't a classic to everyone but for me it is. This is my favorite album of atmosphere and he really did a great job with a lot of the wordplay and lyrics on this one. 👏 It's not mainstream it's underground but defiantly great
Paid in Full Licensed to Ill Straight Outta Compton Amerikkkas Most Wanted or Death Certificate The Low End Theory The Chronic Enter the Wu-Tang Doggystyle Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, or Aquemini The Diary E 1999 Eternal Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Infamous Me Against the World or All Eyez on Me The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, or The Eminem Show The Blueprint or The Black Album
Review atmosphere: "seven travels" or "when life gives you lemons". I prefer those albums by far... god loves ugly is good but the others feel more complete.
Before I play this vid here are few predictions:
-Myke loves this album
-Ken's gonna argue whether its a classic or not
-Feefo is gonna be like ''its dope but its not for him''
-Beezy likes the album a lot but not like Myke
+HominidX Not 100% right, but yeah pretty much. lol
HominidX Feefo- "its dope but it doesn't bump in the whip"
Actually ken isn't gonna argue that
My respect for mike just went up 110%. He actually GOT the album. Some of the others didnt even look like they wantec to review it! Especially the lady who didnt even bother to finish it
its one of myke's favorite albums and he talks about it a lot
Almost expected myke to explode when feefo related atmosphere to drake haha.
Feefo is brave to sit next to Myke and say all those things about the album. A true warrior. #feefobrave
I think Ant is perfect at making the beats to match Slug's rapping. They compliment each other amazingly
Damn Myke is a role model for me no lie his opinions are amazing and he is a real honest person with a passion of things that he loves how cant u not respect that
I thought I was the only one who valued Myke's opinion like that. Not shitting on the other guys but he carries himself as well rounded person and I think it's kinda cool to see another black person who enjoys metal like I do lol.
Made in MEX 52
girl at the beginning shouldnt have said anything, i felt bad. like in high school when i would show up to english class without reading the book
she adds nothing
I agree but she is not even there to speak about the album or is she?
Revamptheindustry “The beats we’re pretty good.” Who is this chick?
Slug is one of the greatest MC's of all time. No question. He's unquestionably the greatest storyteller in history. I don't define "God Loves Ugly," so as a classic, but as a grossly unsung Hip-Hop masterpiece.
And, I don't just mean that Slug's individual stories are great, (they are) but the story that Slug tells over the course of his career. This is truly what defines Slug as more than a good, but a great MC.
To me, the spiritual journey of Atmosphere's music is the vivid portrait of the male psyche. There is hardly a part of a man's mind that Slug has not covered: He addressed his insecurities, his fantasies, his demons, his hatred, his sadness, his aggravation, his skeletons in his closets, his loves, his lust, his mannerisms, his habits, his addictions, his living conditions, his priorities, his substance abuse, his shame, his true, unadulterated happiness, and the list goes on and on.
From the opening track on Overcast!, to whatever album Atmosphere decides to retire with, Slug's lyrical journey has been one hell of an experience. Unlike rappers who begin to lose focus during the middle and end of their careers, Slug has covered such significant ground as an MC, but also as a man.
Atmosphere's music is not conventional Hip-Hop listening. It's not an easy group to necessarily get a grip on. But, if you've "found" Atmosphere's algorithms, and you let Slug tap into your psyche, there are few lyricists who can seriously compare to Slug, on all levels.
To all of you vapid "fans" out there who don't call this album great, or who don't think Slug is a great MC, I'm here to say that you simply aren't looking hard enough. Few MC's or groups have the distinguished catalog that Atmosphere has, and almost none of them are as moving, or as confessional as Slug.
Yes he does have a lot of ways to set a mood. On this album the opener had something a little bit energetic but also ominous.
Eziokilla9595
Only white people say this
Nah, only people w good taste say this
I’ve listened to a lot of hip hop. And I mean a lot. But I think Slug is possibly one of the worst rappers I’ve heard in my life. He puts me to sleep with his generic flows and his lyrics don’t wow me whatsoever. He is literally the epitome of boring and mediocre. I can’t get through an entire Atmosphere song. Anybody who says he’s top 10 needs to expand their horizon because he’s not even top 100. Everybody who has recommended Atmosphere was white. Along with a multitude of white rappers like Brother Ali, Token, G-Eazy or Aesop Rock. Like how can you only listen to those guys religiously and no one else is beyond me.
Kamryn Stone Who said I listen to him religiously? Slug is all about wordplay dawg, and he's definitely top ten when it comes to that. His beats are dope and he has mad stories to tell. I've listened to more than my fair share of hip hop too man, if he's not your taste then that's fine. He's not garbage because he doesnt fit your taste, so keep your racist shit out of this.
Here's some albums I think you guys should review, they're not just classics but they also made a huge impact on hip hop
Immortal Technique-Revolutionary Vol 2
Cannibal Ox-The Cold Vein
Big L-Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
Aesop Rock-Labor Days
MF DOOM-Operation Doomsday
Madvillain-Madvillainy
EL-P-Fantastic Damage
Kayne West-The College Dropout
Common-Be
Quasimoto-The Unseen
The Roots-Illadelph Halflife
Jedi Mind Tricks-Violent By Design
Company Flow-Funcrusher Plus
Blu & Exile-Below The Heavens
Or Jedi Mind Tricks' "Visions of Gandhi".
I second this motion.
and Brother Ali's Shadow on the Sun
That's a great list you made. I love pretty much all of them and would consider them classics. Only one I haven't listened to that much is Quasimoto, I love Madlibs production but his Quasimoto character is a hit or miss with me.
Feefo: "It's not for me"
we know.
You have to understand he’s not a nerdy underground backpacker type fan he’s in between the lines of a black hood/street ninja and mainstream listener.
"Fuck a classic album, give my life five mics" -slug
"Individually wrapped, placed in neat little rows
Becoming A piece, of everything that grows
Some numbers, A name, to indicate you played the game
Came empty handed and left the same
A soul is A soul and A shell is A shell
The border in between is full of everything you felt"
They can play this shit when you put me 6 feet under.
Slug is the Bukowski of hiphop. I don't get the comparison with Drake who is to emo hiphop what Trump is to politics.
Hah, Myke said once that El-P is the Bukowski of hiphop.
To me El-P is more some kind of Alex Jones tho!
I appreciate everything Myke said about this album. I'm from Minnesota, Slug is praised like a God here. Every time Atmosphere has a show here in Minneapolis it's sold out within a few days. I got into this album in 2009 when God Loves Ugly was re released. I was only about 15 or 16 years old at the time. Till this day when I turn this on, I can still recite all the lyrics.
You are 100% correct. Brother Ali to a certain extent too. Those 3 are absolute legends here especially now that we've lost Prince. They really should Review "Shadows On The Sun" by Ali. I put that up with Snoop and Nas's first albums as the greatest LP's by a debuting artist of all time. (Rights of Passage was an EP)
That's me with Lucy Ford! I remember finding it on RUclips as a 12 y/o and Atmosphere was all I listened to for years.
Much props to DEHH for reviewing an underground, indie classic rather than sticking with the more "well known" classics. For those that aren't familiar with this scene, around the time this album was released indie hip hop was at its peak creatively. GodLovesUgly, Fantastic Damage, The Cold Vein, Personal Journals, First Born, Labor Days, Shadows on the Sun all released around the same span. The reason why this is a classic is because Slug, with the exception of Sage Francis and to some extent Ali, was the only one who was extremely emotional and personal which was a strong contrast to Def Jux and Anticon's more experimental, avant-garde approach.
God Loves Ugly and Lucy Ford are definite indie hip hop classics. You could argue Lemons too.
And "you can't imagine how much fun we're having".
Don't forget Overcast, that album is great. Though with that one you can definitely tell it was from a different time.
i love Myke man, thank you for actually knowing about atmosphere, like no disrespect but how do you start a review saying "i didnt really listen to it all or i dont remember the tracks" or jus sound like your not familiar with the record? but myke was def on point! appreciate your words myke!
AxL Lawrence thank you! i found it insulting they included her in the review after not listening to the whole thing
TheEPICFAIL23 yoooooo I knoooooow! Crazy right? Not a gd look!
+pedrothegeneral She wasn't a reviewer, she was just the host and she didn't want to be lost during the review.
+schoolboy Q then why did she even open her mouth with even a small bit of an opinion? Host it and keep your mouth shut bout opinions.
I honestly thank Myke a lot for recommending this album, just recently I just got through an awful relationship that really screwed me up mentally and I know I’m only 15, but seriously, this album did speak to me on how I felt a lot, other than the drinking, I can never drink in my life
did you drink yet
I was born in 1997 and I love this album it's easily a classic.And Mike shouldn't even have to defend it's credibility to the rest of the crew. Atmosphere is one of the best duos of all time an thier talent speaks for itself. Every point there trying to make in this album is extremely relatable for pretty much and person who doesn't have there head in there ass and can look in the mirror and admit there own flaws.
Myke is always the least bias opinion in the circle. Everybody always looks at how well it did in the radio or how popular it is instead of actually listen and appreciate the lyrics
Who said anything about radio??
I meant popularity. Radio wasnt a good example.
Kennith Inge my frustrations were more directed at feefo he straight shat on slug lol
evak son. I don't see why you're mad at Feefo, he doesn't have to force himself to like it or think it's a classic for any reason. Feefo doesn't even like Illmatic all that much (an obvious classic, which is very popular), so I don't see how you can say he is biased, just saying.
Sure. I get what ur sayin. The Underground sound isn't for everyone.
This album is definitely a classic. My cousin introduced me to Atmosphere--the first album I heard was "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold"
I found this one browsing Best Buy one day and I think "Godlovesugly" was the only track I'd heard previous to that but I bought it and loved it immediately when I popped it in. Slug, man...
Why participate in the review if you didn't even listen to the whole album ONCE?
She didn't really participate, she just started it off for everyone else
Myke coming with the realness once again!
How you gonna host a album review and not even bother to listen to the album? I want 5 minutes of my life back
I think one of the best underground albums ever is Slum Village Fantastic Vol.2. The production from beginning to end is amazing. Even though that album came out in 2000, they finished it in 1998. No one was making music like that in 1998 not even in 2000 and they're cadence throughout the songs were something nobody were doing as well. That album really made me say "damn hip hop can sound like this too?" Classic album.
Midnight Falkon it's def a great album I just wish Elzhi was on it as he's the best technical and overall emcee in Slum Village by far
12:37
What you came for. Myke truly gets it.
Mos Def - Black On Both Sides...one of my favourite albums ever of all genres.
When life gives you lemons you paint that shit gold is their best album in my opinion.
Most of Slugs songs are metaphors for something else, but written in a way where the listener is able to choose what those songs mean , thats the beauty of his music and he does it such a dope way Myke C-Town id like to see a review of SOUTHSIDERS which carries on this tradition
ah i just found your review of it!
I personally liked When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold more, probably because I heard it before GLU
same
Dude..WLGUL is good but it can't touch GLU with a 20 foot poll. Its the album that brought them to national prominence and got them music video coverage for 7's Travels! GodLovesUgly was like nothing anyone had heard before and its still being talked about for that very reason..It was so much different than anything anyone else in rap was doing.
I met Slug before one of his shows and he was a real humble guy. He stood outside and greeted every fan in line who was attending his concert. That just brought on me a new level of respect for him.
By the way the women represent different stuff like how on "Fuck You Lucy", Lucy is actually alcohol.
Is it really?
I thought it was his girlfriend
Yup. Dope, right? Slug's a genius. The idea of Lucy represented women, but then came to represent his dependency on all kinds of shit. Women, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. That's so dope to me.
No, she's the extra that gets to play the devil in slugs movie.
BTW I've always actually debated if Lucy is indeed alcohol on this particular track. Especially given some of the lyrics. Sure, Lucy has meant alcohol in some other tracks, but I think this one is really about a chick. But I think he leaves it up to interpretation for a reason, so I wouldn't really argue it with anyone, ya know.
Myke C-Town you mentioned that the Carter 3 was a classic. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but I was just wondering why you thought that?
atmosphere is a acquired taste. I started with the lucy ford lp and went forward then back and had to go back to other eps, for me I like the older stuff way more then the newer stuff
I get Mike a little bit more now.
How can you have the audacity to say it's required? Listen to what you want to people
😏;)
I met acquired, chill.
Obviously
WARNING: The following comment is from a die-hard DEHH fan and it is not meant to "insult" or disrespect any member of DEHH in any way, it is just a comment about a concern I've had within DEHH for a while. I repeat, if you find anything in this comment to be malicious in the slightest way towards DEHH, then you're reading my comment wrong.
I find it hard to understand why 'Southsiders' didn't end up being a DEHH review, but then you guys will do a classic review of an Atmosphere album. Don't get me wrong, Myke's review was great. But I always thought that the intention behind Myke taking on albums for solo reviews instead of DEHH review were for two reasons: One being the album is too experimental or different for the rest of DEHH to really review or Two being an album that DEHH just didn't deem important enough to review because they had other things to review and they didn't get many requests. But here the seminal underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere puts out a new, highly requested album and DEHH doesn't do it? Once again, Myke's review was great but it just really feels like the "Classic Review" of this Atmosphere album is de-valued by DEHH not even deeming a new Atmosphere album worthy of a review. Just how I feel and I'd really like to hear DEHH's view-point on my observation. Like I said in the warning, I'm a fan. I love you guy's work and have been a fan for a long, long time now. I am not going anywhere anytime. But I just can't help but voice this issue I had, so if you guys just read this comment and are going "What the fuck? Fuck this dude" because I'm so wrong, then that's why I'm basically asking what's up so that my perspective won't be so off.
This like the only DEHH review ive ever seen where Myke says an album is amazing, dude the Simon of DEHH.
Anthonest why simon?
I'll say it again, A Tribe Call Quest - Midnight Marauders!!! lol
YES ^
Im with you on that one bro! They should definitely review that album
@anishinaabe64 Why is it just a 9 out of 10?
*****
I agree. Too many people be like, "Oh, I like this. 10/10" and then "Oh, I don't really like this. 0/10." LEARN TO RATE, PEOPLE. Down throw 10s around to everything you think is good, hell, don't throw 10s around to everything you think is great, or phenomenal even. Inflated ratings = bad.
I really enjoyed this review, such a sick album, a lot of atmosphere is great though. Slugs voice on this album fitted the production so well. The lyrics are honest, that's something I look for in hip hop, honesty.
Beezy and Feefo opinion made me not wanna listen to the album, but since Mykes said what he said, said his opinion on it, it makes me wanna listen to this album
Myke C-Town is the shit. I think he looks for the same things in music as I do, because I always seem to feel the same way he does about albums their reviewing, and like artists/albums for the same reasons.
Feefo! You gotta give an album more than 1 spin to get it bro!! C'mon now
anyone who hasn't listen to the album or didn't like it don't let the vibes that the album begins with ruin your listening experience try to examine each song as if it's a painting or chapter from a book tbh this album changed my perspective on lots of things hopefully you can appreciate this masterpiece
Drake bit slug hard lol
Finally some real underground shit
You guys gotta do Capital Punishment
Nice, something besides the obvious biggie, nas, tupac, jay z, eminem
Slugs lyrics are too deep for simpleton minds to comprehend. He has the most creative metaphors I've ever heard. Lyrics roll off the tongue fluently son.
evak son. Nah this nigga sucks
Vladimir Klizschko To idiots, he does.
Review Aesop Rocks Labor Days!!! (Or madvilliany)
This album and "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having" not only I think are Atmosphere's best projects, but it inspired me to rap a bit.
Put me into a debate with these cats and I'll happily tell them why it's a classic. Loved this review though. Nice to see objective opinions without it blowing up.
I agree with myke that a classic album is an album that had a lot of impact. It doesn't have to impact every music scene or even impact it at the time it was released- it could BECOME a classic decades after it was released. Did "God Loves Ugly" have a lot of impact? Yeah bruh; regardless of whether it had an impact on you or your scene is irrelevant, a classic is more of less a trend and it doesn't matter if you were hip to the trend
Classic or not, I'm thankful for this review, because otherwise, I would never have checked that project out, and I dig it alot right now :)
And Myke...great shirt ;)
MMLP or Many Faces of Oliver Hart PLEASE!!!!!
I don't think they will do the MMLP, because I think Kinge doesn't like Em..
Jason Crownover Kinge likes Eminem. He gave him a good review on the MMLP2 review.
B-Mint1994 Nah man, Anytime they talk about Em all he ever does is complain about the fact that he used to rap about "doing shrooms"
Many Faces of Oliver Hart or any eyedea album would be great
Jason Crownover Whatever dude. Most of the guys in this review didn't think this album was a classic and Feefo wasn't a huge fan of Illmatic. That doesn't mean that they can't review an album that is considered a classic.
Classic Album = Original, unique, inspires and pave the way for future artists. God Loves Ugly = A Classic Album.
A lot of people are always saying a rappers voice could bother them. I know Gambino for me is one example. Slug though doesn't seem like the guy that has anything wrong with his voice. He just spits with a lot of anger and emphasis. It could probably bother some and production on it makes it feel dreary. Other than that he could spit on stuff that is upbeat and put a smile on your face with lines too.
Lol The hypocrisy between Myke's thoughts on this album compared to his thoughts on Drake's Take Care album.
For the group, I would've personally recommended Atmosphere's first album Overcast!
That was back when he was manifesting that battle rap energy into solid tracks.
Agree with CTown 100%, for me it just happened to encompassed a time and a feeling in my personal life where the music became the soundtrack to my life, and every time I put it on it brings me right back to that time and place as shitty as it was but thats about as real as it gets. Still relevant today and I think it always will be for those who are honest with themselves and their feelings, this album scrapped me up and kept me going through that time when you feel like theres nothing left after a relationship gone bad or that theres no more fish in the sea type shit. So for me it's no question and there's no doubt, God Loves Ugly is a classic.
Cannibal Ox
I'd love to. Go to the site and vote for it!
Chris miller bro you don't even know.. I've been listening to the F-Word like crazy lately cuz sadly, I'm relating to it more than ever right now. Feels bad man lmao
Chris miller Don't forget Vordul Mega. People underrate him because Vast Aire was on some next level shit but Vordul was amazing too. His flow was insane and he straight up spat some of the illest verses in the album
I have an deep love for that album and im only 17 lol
C town hit it on the head. depends on your environment growing up. just saw them live for the first time last week in Halifax, and Slug is such a beast on the mic. no hype man, no backing vocals just a beat and he went off. the whole show was amazing with a real melting pot for a crowd. but the highlight was when they did Fuck You Lucy. I am hoping you guys will review Southsiders
how old was kinge when this album dropped?
gonna take a wild guess and say 26
***** i'd say about 35
im just trying to joke around with kinge
I think he is around 38
35
All I can say is thank god for C town. Yeah Ken and B gave it a good review and feefo... I pretty much expected from feefo what he said. I get that everyone has a different taste but there more to hip hop than, it gots to bump da whip. Even though Ant is a fantastic producer and he has a lotta songs that bump hard. Atmosphere is an aquired taste, its grow man music, I dont mean you have to be old but the way you think, interpret and experience things. Slugs rhymes make you think, he talks about things most of us can relate to unlike weezy, yeezy, drizzy and every other izy out there. I dont have a Bentley, a mansion or 10 figures in the bank but ive been in love, had my heart broken, got over it and doing great now. Slug is definitely my favorite mc(although El-p is my favorite artist, I like sluggos rhyme style just a smidgen more), has been, is and probably will be. Noone can fuck with him on that level.
This album was the soundtrack to my summer after high school so... this summer lmao. one of my favorites ever!
They've done three classic reviews and they have been solid reviews. Just a troubling thought because I absolutely love this album and Slug was the reason I got super into Aesop Rock, but is this really considered a classic worldwide? When I think of classic I think of revolutionary, game changing, momentary as well as lengthy in years span, & also sales can play to a degree. The minimal production was amazing on this album! I think some of Eminem's albums had a minimalistic approach on production but this is a sensational album but classic is very arguable especially for people in Feefo's case. No diss to my boy though, because this isn't his type of album as is a Bass knocking Big K.R.I.T. produced album. But that's also what makes this video great because it's not a certified classic but it's definitely debatable!!!!
Classic review Blu- Below the Heavens
Alot of people also don't know that Slug was actually pretty well known for his freestyle battling as well.
My Introduction to Atmosphere was through When Life Gives You Lemons, a couple of years ago. At first listen, the album didn't grab me, I thought of it as just a good album, but by no standards great. Then I decided to give the album another listen to fully understand Slug's musical direction. It took me 2 more listens to be captivated to Slug and Ant's music. I was playing the album over and over again, listening to the lyrics carefully and dissecting the message, and right then and there I was just amazed at Slug's ability as lyricist. Then I went back a little further in the catalog. I didn't get to God Loves Ugly until i finished listening to I Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having, which I loved because it was so raw! God Loves Ugly solidified me as a big Atmosphere fan, my favorite tracks being God Loves Ugly, One of a Kind, Vampires, Fuck You Lucy, and Saves the Day. I've been digging deep in the Atmosphere crate ever since.
So why do you guys give this classic album a review when you did not fully give the album a listen. This is a total a insult to atmosphere and hip hop.
The vague comments, the lack of research?
Guys are truly showing why hip hop is dying. The openminded parts of you guys highly lacks.
lol came here to cheer myself up after reading atmosphere's pitchfork reviews
Atmosphere is an example of why/how music feeds my soul. When people don't get it, I don't get what they love about music. Myke is a trooper XD
Atmosphere, just a 10 letter word.
I don't even know if I agree that this is a classic, but I appreciate you doing something different with these classic reviews rather than just going through the motions in terms of which albums you pick.
My favorite hiphop album of all time
(to all his own so don't hate, it just has been for me)
nothing but respect for myke
You could tell the first three that talked weren't really into this album or were looking forward to reviewing this album, but goddamn, Myke went in with nothing but truth. Quoting those lyrics, giving proper credit to the production, mentioning the Orphanage, and really capturing what the album was for the average man, phenomenal job. Those were the words from a true fan that had related to Slug's words for the last decade+.
Myke that was the same way I discovered a lot of the first albums I discovered as well. Just by finding those lists on amazon. It helps when a lot of your circles don't associate with underground and old school hip hop. Respect!
I finally started listening to this album in October and since I continue to do so like once a week. (Seven's Travels got its turn later too, love the raw energy of it.)
Now I'm watching Myke C-Town talk about it and...
Shit! I've been having goosebumbps for at least 10 minutes!
Anyone who never got into this group or had problems getting into them, don't make the same mistake and start with When Life Gives You Lemons... or The Family Sign, just put this on and be amazed!
It starts like: OK, beats, knock, dude can flow, you know, the bass is the movement and all that stuff...
THEN THE FUCKING BEAT IN FUCK YOU LUCY SWITCHES!
AND IT'S ON, MUHFUCKAS!
Those chords! Those samples! Those emotions! Those words!
The beats have a wonderfully crispy old school feel without actually sounding like some fuckin' jiggy 90s shit. I'd say the instrumentals on this aged a lot better than, oh, I don't know, something in the realms of College Dropout.
And Slug himself... pure Charisma on a mic!
(Yes. With a capital C.)
I may be in love with Myke just based off this review
MYKE BEST MONOLOGUE EVER WOW
Myke C is the man. Godlovesugly is a classic.
I related so hard to Myke in this review lmao
Damn ive downloaded god loves ugly like 2 years ago atmosphere is underrated thx for the review
Please do a review of Fantastic Damage
I agree with Myke. Obviously its not Kanye production but its not simple either.
idk man i kinda feel a lot of the topics in the album just went over their heads, i still catch new things every time i listen to it. don't have to like it, but def a classic
I remember those Amazon lists. I discovered a lot of great music through them from Atmosphere, MF DOOM, Cynninlynguists, Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, Little Brother, Jedi Mind Tricks and many more. Those lists and album inserts with production credits or shout outs is how I learned about so many amazing artists back in the late 90s and early 00s.
I agree, Atmosphere ushered in that EMO rap shit. However, I don't think it's been done better than Ear's first album "Earl". Would that be considered a classic?
"Ay yo man, how you doing? How you been? Just making it cool to rap about love again"
Mike is a God.I Love the honesty from him
Oh my god. I'm a big atmosphere fan, but god loves ugly was one of there records I played the least. But recently(this week) I've been listening to it non-stop. I hope that alone implies how fucking content I was when this was the first thing I saw on RUclips.
all those references to lucy are metaphors for other things, like addiction, not about an actual person named lucy
I don't think anyone said or thought it was really about a person named Lucy. Sometimes Lucy is about a woman. Sometimes it's about alcohol. Sometimes drugs.
Midnight Marauders, ATLiens/Aquemini, Ridin Dirty, Doggystyle, Chronic, Straight Outta Compton, Death Certificate, College Dropout
CLASSIC REVIEW MADVILLAINY OR 6 FEED DEEP BY GRAVEDIGGAZ
Please, please, please, please, please, please, please! ha Do the first Blue Scholars album. I freaking love that group and that album, I feel the same way Blue Scholars that Myke does about Atmosphere. :D
It can be women , addiction, hip hop, etc.
Dope poetry.
I was super late on Rhymsayers. Got into underground rap heavily back in 2010 & discovered atmosphere, brother ali, murs etc. Gotta admit, that wasn't their best LP but slug has some lyrics that is highly unique. Sevens Travels album is what I would consider a classic, it also put them on the map.
I agree a lot with this video. Most people don't understand and listen to this album. The last guy who reviewed it made a lot of sense to me. I bought this album back in 2009 on cd and have listened to it a lot of times. I saw atmosphere in fort Lauderdale in concert in 2018 he really put on a great show. This isn't a classic to everyone but for me it is. This is my favorite album of atmosphere and he really did a great job with a lot of the wordplay and lyrics on this one. 👏 It's not mainstream it's underground but defiantly great
Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein deserves a classic review
I actually like this one themost out of all the classic reviews, because all their opinions were divided !!!
Paid in Full
Licensed to Ill
Straight Outta Compton
Amerikkkas Most Wanted or Death Certificate
The Low End Theory
The Chronic
Enter the Wu-Tang
Doggystyle
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, or Aquemini
The Diary
E 1999 Eternal
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Infamous
Me Against the World or All Eyez on Me
The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, or The Eminem Show
The Blueprint or The Black Album
***** Paul's Botique! It Takes A NAtion of Millions to Hold Us Back!! To The East, Blackwards!!!
Review atmosphere: "seven travels" or "when life gives you lemons". I prefer those albums by far... god loves ugly is good but the others feel more complete.
Paint that shit Gold is their classic IMO. I'm a fan so I love it all.
You guys should do either Paid in Full, Madvillainy, or Only built 4 Cuban Linx.
Madvillainy please!!