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After being courted by majors following the release of their charismatic God Loves Ugly LP last year, Minneapolis indie hip-hoppers Atmosphere raised a lot of eyebrows when they landed at their new home, Epitaph, the renowned punk label. But after listening to Slug and Ants latest, Sevens Travels, the move makes more and more sense. Its clear from the opening bars of Trying To Find A Balance that Slug has a lot to get off his chest, including his distaste for the current state of hip-hop and where he fits in. He jabs at mainstream artists on National Disgrace (this is a career not a hobby) and cautions just cause youre an MC doesnt mean that you get to be asshole on Apple. Its not all frowns and frustrations however, with tales of botched sexual exploits (Shoes), bizarre duets (Cats Van Bags featuring Brother Ali) and a cheery nod to his hometown (on the second part of Always Coming Back Home To You) to offset the edginess. Ant holds it down on his end, reaching deep into his bag of tricks and treats to keep the beats fresh and unpredictable. Together theyve managed to put together a skip-free album, although its consistently good as opposed to an out-and-out smash. Lets call it subtly dope. [Bradley Miller]
Rhymesayers Entertainment/ Epitaph
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