Disclaimer: This is the first time I have listened to a full album by Atmosphere, so by no means am I an expert on them, nor am I necessarily the ideal person to review this product. I do consider myself a fan tho. I have seen them live several times and try to see them whenever they come through my neck of the woods.

That being said, I would say that the feel of this album is more of a high quality mixtape than a full blown release. It reminds me of something you would cop from their merch table at a show. That in no way is a slight to this product. It has a very personal feel to it. It’s almost as if this album is a few pages from Slug’s diary set to music. So enough of the preamble … lets get to the music.

01 // YGM (4:10)

Perfect song to kick off the album. The beats is off the hook.This is basically your braggadocios type song. B-Boy poses must be in full effect. YGM = Young Gifted and Mixed. This song pays homage to Big Daddy Kane’s “Young, Gifted and Black”.

02 // Little Math You (2:46)

Whats starts as a tale of a suburban teen that is lured into the seductive world of being an emcee, turns into an algebra problem that pits commercial gangsta rap vs white suburban backpacker rap. The lyrics are sick.

03 // Full Moon (3:45)

A light hearted song about clubbing, and night life. Strong production.

04 // The Things That Hate Us (2:54)
An ode to all the things that us Americans are using to kill ourselves … slowly. For some reason this song makes me wanna smoke a Newport.

05 // Jewelry (1:33)

More of a skit than a song. Eclectic beat with an anti materialistic message.

06 // Get It To Get Her (2:42)

The production is a little too busy for me, but thats just my opinion. Hi tempo. The message is that grown man should have a job and their own apartment before they try to bag chicks.

07 // Domestic Dog (3:13)

This song suggests that picking up chicks at a supermarket is better than the club, or just hollering at them on the street. It’s a funny concept but I feel the novelty of it will wear off and won’t get much play, at least not from me.

08 // Crewed Up (4:31)

Posse Cut featuring: Stage One, St. Paul Slim, Muja Messiah, YZ, Brother Ali, Toki Wright & Blueprint. This song is full of quote ables. Give it a listen

09 // What They Sitting For? (1:17)

Another song slash skit about playing Texas Hold’em Poker. Good shit. It’s a remake of Ice Cube’s classic “What They Hittin’ Foe” from his album “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted”. Wish it was longer.

10 // That’s Not Beef, That’s Pork (3:48)

My favorite track on the album. Paints a clear picture of that local hip hop show we have all seen to many times. Classic.

11 // The Old Style (2:51)

The house party banger. It’s a through back to the class of ‘88. Beastie Boys + LL Cool J = The Old Style. Very fun track.

12 // You Played Yourself (4:27)

Almost like a part two to “That’s Not Beef, That’s Pork”. More comedy at the expense of n00b emcees. The song goes on to discuss “scene-sters” aka the groupie chicks.

13 // Road To The Riches (4:44)

Another remake. This The title track of Kool G Rap’s debut album. What’s not to like? Marly Marl’s production is still dope to current standards. Word.

All in all this is a good album. For the price, it should get 5 stars or what ever grading convention you prefer. It definitely is good to hear an emcee with some decent ethics. Hip Hop is being saturated with materialistic, womanizing, violent, and criminal ideology. So an album this mature is a breath of fresh air. I believe Slug says he is a father. If that is the case, it shows. Having kids will change your priorities.

Download the album here. Now.