Review: Atmosphere Brings Star-Studded Tour to Showbox SoDo
The Showbox SoDo venue had a line down the block early on as ticket-holders waited to get a good spot for the recent Atmosphere show. It was a Thursday night, but that didn’t stop anyone from being ready to have a good time at the sold-out gig. Both the main floor and upper bar area were filled to the max as everyone waited for the rappers to take the stage.
The night started off with Dem Atlas and Brother Ali, who gave really good performances, and also joined Slug onstage during Atmosphere’s set later on. Most people were really happy that Brother Ali was on the bill, and it was a pleasant surprise to catch Dem Atlas at the beginning of the show.
Atmosphere have released multiple EPs and eight studio albums, the latest being Fishing Blues earlier this year. Rapper Sean Daley (Slug), and DJ/producer Anthony Davis (Ant) are the current members, who also started Rhymesayers Entertainment record label back in 1995, along with Musab Saad, and Brent Sayers. Atmosphere, along with the openers, are currently signed with the Minneapolis-based group.
Slug took the stage and played new and old favorites, including “Fuck You Lucy,” “Yesterday,” “The Best Day,” “God Loves Ugly,” and “Puppets.” The mood of the show was always so positive and there was this feeling of possibility no matter what situation you’re in at the moment. Prior to playing “Lovelife,” he told the crowd to say life every time he said love, and the room filled with voices going back and forth a few times, growing stronger and stronger with every repeat of the word.
He also shared that he started making music in 1995, and he remembered wanting to be LL Cool J (who didn’t back then?), and that he never thought he would be doing this at age 44 and getting so much love from the fans. He thanked everyone for their support though the years. Their encore included hits “Sunshine,” and closed with “Trying to Find a Balance.” Make sure to catch these guys if you have the chance, it was a great show to be a part of.