As a good ol’ Midwest girl, I must represent when it comes to Midwest hip-hop. Sure, the East and West Coasts have something going for them, but it’s the heartland of the United States that must be commended for the blossoming hip-hop scene that burst through the often snow-covered farmland. The long anticipated follow-up to 2005’s You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S*** Gold is Atmosphere’s sixth full-length studio album (yet Atmosphere is renowned for their collaborations and rarities that flood the underground scene).



Comprised of MC extraordinaire Slug (Sean Daley) and mastermind DJ/Producer Ant (Anthony Davis), Atmosphere have become somewhat the kingpins of the underground independent hip-hop scene. As a Christmas present to their fans, they released a (completely) free album entitled Strictly Leakage, available to the public by digital download in December. In addition to the hype this release created, the duo released an Internet episode series where Slug and Ant answered fan’s questions in the glamorous ambiance of Slug’s poster-plastered basement. And to take it a step further, two singles from Lemons were leaked to the public accompanied by their music videos (“Shoulda Known” and “Guarantees”), which I’d strongly advise you to check out on YouTube.



These visionaries sure did their research when it came to the art of hyping an album, but rest assured that their efforts will not be received by the masses in vain. Lemons is considerably darker and more soulful than their previous releases. The way that Ant uses jazzy backbeats to accompany Slug’s smooth rhymes truly reveals the pair’s evolution as artists. Additionally, Lemons sheds light upon the maturation of the romantic endeavors that often torment poor old Slug, and show how he has grown from a bitter boy into a caring and love-struck father. When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S*** Gold may take a listen or two to grow on you, but then again summer doesn’t just happen, you have to warm up with spring to make those flowers bloom. 



Atmosphere will play May 13 at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle.





Amy Polansky is the hip-hop music director at KUPS 90.1 FM The Sound