NOTICE
Question Answer
with Slug from Atmosphere
The Minneapolis hip-hop duo Atmosphere are on the road to paint the nation gold while promoting its fifth studio album, When Life Gives You Lemons,You Paint That Shit Gold. The "Paint The Nation" tour, which also features Abstract Rude, Blueprint and DJ Rare Groove, will be making a stop in Lawrence Nov. 6 at the Granada.
Previously recognized as an independent hip-hop group, Atmosphere is moving closer to mainstream territory with performances on MTV, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Late Show with David Letterman. Slug recently spoke with Jayplay about his latest album and tour.
Q: What's the story behind the name of your latest album?
A: My girlfriend was referencing something, and she said, "When life gives you lemons, you paint that shit gold," I liked it so I guess
my girlfriend accidentally named the album.
What's the most memorable moment you've had on tour?
A: I performed at the Hip-Hop Kemp Festival in Prague. It was my first time in the Czech Republic. There were a bunch of hip-hop artists there. It was kinda like a "Rapchella."
Q: Where's the most interesting place you've written a song?
A: I don't like to write while I'm on tour. I usually only write my songs at home on my laptop. I converted to a laptop about two years ago. It's a lot easier to write a song and edit on a laptop than it was writing in a notebook.
Q: How did growing up in Minneapolis affect the music you make?
A: Well, the cold weather kept me inside.
I didn't watch TV, so I started getting into music. Minneapolis had a big underground music scene. I hung out with kids who were into jazz, blues, punk rock and hip-hop. It was a very cross-genre scene.
Q What do you do as co-owner of Rhymesayers Entertainment?
A:As of right now, I'm mostly just focusing on Atmosphere. I was working in the office and helping other artists with their work for a time. But now I'm focused on Atmosphere, which has helped the label gather resources and fund some projects.
Q: If you could collaborate on a song with any musician, who would it be?
A: I just want to collaborate with my friends. Or Prince.
Contributed photo
Q: How has your music and performance changed since your 2002 album, God Loves Ugly?
A: I don't drink before I get on stage anymore. I've matured a lot since that time.
Now, I think a lot about my performance when I get on stage. It's like a play with different acts and characters.
Slug (foreground) is taking life's lemons and adding a gold sheen.
Slug and DJ Ant will be at the Granada Nov. 6.
Q: How did you come up with the name Slug?
A: Slug was shortened from Sluggo, which was my father's nickname.
Q: What was it like performing on Jimmy Kimmel and Letterman?
A: Scary!
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October 30,2008