Minnesota isn't exactly a fertile land for rap music, but they did produce Slug. Along with DJ/producer Ant, the two are known as Atmosphere, the alternative hip hop duo that has left a massive footprint on music.
Slug is well respected for his deeply introspective lyrics that were present on early albums like GodLovesUgly and Seven's Travels. He wears his heart on his (vinyl) sleeve for millions of people to listen to, and that type of honesty has yielded a cult-like following that can be seen screaming the words at any Atmosphere show, even in present day. Tracks like "Lovelife" and "Trying To Find A Balance" have become soundtracks for struggling youth from middle America, a far cry from the inner-city foundation that rap was built on.
With dozens of ace tracks, we've decided to narrow Slug's discography down into 10 essential verses. Dig deeper if you must, but use this as a starting point to enter the genius that is Slug.
"Scapegoat" verse 2
Everything is a problem these days. Anything you eat causes cancer. Everything you say will offend somebody. Slug rolls with this theme through the entirety of "Scapegoat," but in the second verse he takes his passion up a notch to make you really feel his message.
"It's in the water, it's in the air, it's in the meat
It's indirect, indiscrete, inconsistent, incomplete
It's in the streets, every city and everywhere you go
In every man it's the insanity, the fantasy, the casualties
It's the health care system, it's welfare victims
It's assault weapons, it's television religion, and it's false lessons
It's cops, police, pigs with badges guns and sticks
It's harassment and a complex you carry when you're running shit
It's wondering if you get to eat, it's the heat
It's the winter, the weather
It's herpes, and it's forever
It's the virus that takes the lives of the weak and the strong
It's the drama that keeps on between me and my seed's mom
It's that need to speak long, it's that hunger for attention
It's the wack, who attack songs of redemption
It's prevention, It's the first solution
It's loose, it's out for retribution
It's mental pollution, and public execution
It's the nails that keep my hands and feet to these boards
It's the part time job that governs what you can afford
It's the fear, it's the fake
It's clear it can make time stop
And leave you stranded in the year of the snake
It's the dollar, yen, pound, it's all denominations
It's hourly wages for your professional observations
It's on your face and it's in your eyes
It's everything you be
Cause it ain't me, motherfucker, cause it ain't me, uh"
"Guns & Cigarettes" verse 2
With a nod to Run DMC, Slug begins the second verse of "Guns & Cigarettes" with a nod to his ex-girlfriend. In true Atmosphere fashion, the introspective lyrics tell us a lot about our subject while cleverly weaving the poetry to the jazzy beat.
"Fuck You Lucy" verse 3
There's nothing like the last verse of a very emotional track. On the final verse of "Fuck You Lucy," Slug's feelings boil into an intense therapy session, leaving the listener feeling deeply connected to the MC's words.
"Sober and upset in the morning
I wanna scream 'Fuck you, Lucy!'
But the problem is I love you, Lucy
So instead
I'm gonna finish my drink and have another
While you think about how you used to be my lover"
"GodLovesUgly" verse 1
The album cover for GodLovesUgly is like the subject matter of the record: up close and personal. The first verse of "GodLovesUgly" will make anyone feel the intensity in Slug's voice.
"I wear my scars like the rings on a pimp
I live life like the captain of a sinking ship
The one thing that I can guarantee
I'm like a stepping razor, I suggest you stay fair with me"
"Lovelife" verse 1
This would have to double as one of Ant's essential beats. Despite the title, the track gets dark...real dark.
"Staring at the bathroom mirror in a stranger's apartment
Can't remember her name, don't remember how I got here
But here I am, thinking about death again
Humbles out the stress, helps the breath get in"
"Trying To Find A Balance" verse 1
The way this track begins is nothing short of genius. The soul sample paves the way for Slug to spit over a little guitar part, and when the beat comes in it kicks as hard as anything in your record collection. Of course Slug destroys the track lyrically, too.
"Somebody give me a big 'yes'
God bless America, but she stole the B from Bless (and kept it)"
"Yesterday" verse 3
Slug visits the topic of his deceased dad on this melancholy track. It's deeply personal, and exactly what we've come to expect from the great lyricist. He waits until the very last line to let us know who he's talking about, and it's both gut-wrenching and genius to listen to.
"Chip on the shoulder, anger in my veins
Had so much hatred now it brings me shame
Never thought about the world with out you
And I promise that I'll never say another bad word about you
I thought I saw you yesterday
But I know it wasn't you, cause you passed away, Dad"
"Puppets" verse 1
Without a beat, the first verse feels even more intimate than your average Atmosphere track. While he tackles the subject of drug addiction, the piano backdrop creates a thick atmosphere (no pun intended), making the words hold even more weight.
"Believe he would have more credibility
If he wasn't just another drunk pill junky
It's obvious to me that he's still hungry
For the superstars a little bad lucky
Go ahead and get mad at God
Point your fingers at your dad and at Santa Claus
Listen all of y'all it's a sabotage
Wouldn't look so bad with the bandage off"
"Brief Description" (the entire thing)
In 1997, it took a lot of courage to spit a verse like this, especially as a white rapper. But Slug has never shied away from keeping it real, which is exactly what he does for the entirety of "Brief Description."
"Always Coming Back To You" + "Shhh" (the entire thing)
It's all just one big verse, and it's amazing. Slug sticks up for his midwestern roots in "Always Coming Back To You," and in the hidden track "Shhh" as well. It's a genius nod to a place that rarely gets respect, especially in the inner-city dominated hip hop genre. Atmosphere always reps for the midwest though.