[dropcap]E[/dropcap]very classification and stereotype of individuals were jam packed into The Crofoot on Thursday to express their admiration for some of the best up and coming rappers, and Atmosphere. Hip-hop and rap music has got hold of a downswing in the past decade, and started to morph into a singular sound that can be hard to classify at times.
At 7:30pm, Dem Atlas sashayed his way on stage with some serious eagerness to showcase his music to the audience. Even though Dem Atlas had no stage set-up or visuals, his performance, energy and orgasmic flow was enough to satisfy the crowd.
What is unique about the rapping of Joshua Evans AKA Dem Atlas is the melodic flow he emanates. Coupled with his electrifying stage presence, his set brought you back to the essence of 90’s west coast hip-hop. Check out DemAtlas’s, EP – Charle Brwn to experience the flow that brought the audience to a level of euphoric enjoyment.
When PROF took the stage at 8:15pm that night he followed the trend of Dem Atlas when it came to zeal, but what made his set special was his revolutionary rhymes.
Throughout the years, rap has received a reputation of continuously spitting about women, money, cars, and so on, But PROF changes up that tradition. His lines span from hilariously confusing, dark and depressing to profoundly inspirational.
The moment that PROF rapped, “Gambo” the crowd flung their fists forward to every beat. That song strongly exemplifies his broad rhymes with lines such as, “I’ve made up my mind, I’m ready to break laws, I’m ready to sacrifice, ready to take off. I’m ready to blow away anybody trying to get between me and mine. Ya feel me?” .
As it came time for the headliner, Atmosphere to make his debut on stage, the venue was overflowing. The sold-out show craved the real and personal perspectives that group lays out with every lyric, track and performance.
This American hip-hop group got their set, wheeling with, “January On Lake Street” off their 2014 release of, Southsiders. Atmosphere has been around the music scene since 1989 and released six studio albums along with ten extended plays. I don’t know about you, but before attending every show I wonder what tracks will be played off certain albums, and usually prefer a strong variety, discography wise.
The array of Atmosphere’s setlist was impeccable.
They spun classic hits like, “Onemosphere” and “Guns & Cigarettes” that fund the qualifications of great rap and hip-hop. Every track played that evening had each attendee grooving vigorously to the nostalgic beats.
Still, Atmosphere supplied some of the treasures of the new album such as, “Flicker”, “Kanye West” and “Camera Theif”. Even though Atmospheres sound has matured and developed over the years, they stay true to their roots, and if you give it a listen you will surely agree.
The crew decided to close out the evening with the hit, “Trying to Find a Balance”. At this point in time, people were forced the stand outside of the entrance to the venue due to the high volume or people. The night was truly nostalgic and was a reminder that real hip-hop/rap isn’t dead, and has strongly revolutionized.
