Since the mid '90s, Minneapolis duo Atmosphere have built one of the defining careers of independent hip-hop - especially due to their frequent, commanding live performances. Atmosphere shows have been known to include freestyles, feats of turntablism and, of course, rapper Slug's deeply emotional lyrics and asides. In the early years, Atmosphere toured with the DIY determination of a punk band, and ultimately landed on the 2003, 2004 and 2005 editions of the Vans Warped Tour. Thanks to their electric live shows and dedicated fan base, Atmosphere have appeared at Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bumbershoot, Governors Ball, the HFStival and more, as well as headlining treks like 2008's Paint the Nation tour, 2011's The Family Vacation tour, 2014's North of Hell tour and 2018's Mi Vida Local tour. In 2008, Slug and his Rhymesayers label co-owners founded Soundset, an annual music festival in Minneapolis which has since become America's premiere hip-hop gathering. Atmosphere performs every year, of course, and guests have included Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Migos, Lauryn Hill, Future, Nas, Snoop Dogg and many more.

Atmosphere in Concert

Atmosphere - rapper Sean "Slug" Daley and DJ/producer Anthony "Ant" Davis - have built one of independent rap's defining empires. In 1995, Slug cofounded the Rhymesayers Entertainment record label in his hometown of Minneapolis, releasing freestyle and live performance cassettes of his crew Headshots. Atmosphere's debut album, 1997's Overcast!, promptly became a galvanizing moment for both Minneapolis rap and the personal, confessional style of underground rap that would follow. The group's deeply emotional and personal lyrics and intense touring schedule made them allies with the punk and alternative rock communities, and 2003's Seven's Travels was released in conjunction with Epitaph Records. Atmosphere have released nine albums on Rhymesayers and have collaborated with Tom Waits, Doom, El-P and more. Slug has appeared on tracks by Aesop Rock, Sage Francis, Blowfly, Brother Ali and more.