For over two decades, Atmosphere have consistently produced a wealth of music, releasing more than two dozen studio albums, EPs, and collaborative side projects. Throughout this time, the esteemed duo has built a legacy on honesty, humility, and vulnerability, always evolving while staying true to their roots.

Slug excels in storytelling and crafting compelling narratives, leaving his mark while honoring the rappers and songwriters who influenced him. Ant skillfully blends elements of soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the artistry of hip-hop’s pioneering DJs and producers, creating his distinctive sounds and providing the heartbeat for songs about life, love, stress, and setbacks. At its core, Atmosphere has been a musical guide, with each new album offering a fresh journey that leads generations of listeners through the complexities of life.

In December of last year, Atmosphere released the Talk Talk EP via Rhymesayers Entertainment. The genesis of the Talk Talk EP began during a recording session for the title track, “Talk Talk,” which originally appeared on their latest album, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously.The duo also made their cult, early 2000s mixtape Sad Clown Bad Dub 2 available for the first time ever. They were recently featured on The Danny Brown Show podcast, and Slug contributed to The New York Times’ “50 Rappers 50 Stories” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop last year.

Earlier this year, Atmosphere announced the reissue of their 2007 mixtape Strictly Leakage. Originally, Strictly Leakage was pressed in a limited run of vinyl and CD, which quickly sold out, leaving fans to seek out bootlegs and digital files to hear the project. Now, the mixtape has been re-released as a double-vinyl LP and CD, available for retail distribution for the first time.

The duo are preparing their return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where they will headline this Friday, August 16th, marking the 12th time Atmosphere has headlined the historic venue. They will be joined by Method Man & Redman, Deltron 3030, NOFUN!, and Skratch Bastid. Click here for tickets.

We had a chance to speak with Slug ahead of his milestone Red Rocks show to discuss everything from Atmosphere’s early days, new inspiration, and recent projects. Check out our conversation below!

[Rooster]: Who were some of your biggest musical influences when you first started, and how have they shaped your sound over the years?

[Slug]: As a kid, I grew up listening to what my parents listened to. Funk and disco and classic rock and reggae. Once I was 11 and old enough to collect my own records, it was Fat Boys and RUN DMC. But the artists who influenced me most were Prince, LL Cool J and KRS One.

How do you feel your music has evolved since your early days in the hip-hop scene?

Like all art, technology and culture crash into each other to evolve and elevate what’s happening. In short, I feel great about the (r)evolution. I think as long as there’s a pathway for the “have-nots” to use music and art to scare the shit out of the “haves”, then everything is going as it should.

Slug, your storytelling is a key aspect of Atmosphere’s music. Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics, and how do you approach writing?

I study my environment. I inform my belief system and moral compass by what’s happening around us, and then I project my thoughts onto the beats. And I try to make that shit rhyme sometimes too.

Can you share the inspiration and process behind your latest EP, Talk Talk? How did it come together, and what themes does it explore?

We had some extra tape left from the recording of the prior album, so we chose to chase after the sound of one of the songs (Talk Talk) from that prior album, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. I wrote all the songs as responses to thoughts and ideas that were expressed on that prior album.

You’re set to headline Red Rocks for the 12th time. What makes performing at Red Rocks so special for you, and how do you keep the experience fresh for both you and your fans?

It’s a magical place. I can hear and speak with ghosts and aliens when I’m there. I can’t get enough. I’d rent a room there to live in if they’d let me.

How has your approach to live performances and touring changed over the years? Do you have any memorable moments or challenges from the road that you’d like to share?

Truthfully, I just want to learn more and become better at my job. I have many memorable moments and challenges, but none of them are as important as tomorrow and the next day.

You’ll be joined by Method Man & Redman, Deltron 3030, NOFUN!, and Skratch Bastid at your upcoming Red Rocks show. How did these collaborations come about, and what can fans look forward to during the show?

We thought about what kind of party we’d like to see happen this time and reached out to the people who can help us achieve that level of fun. All of those names are personal favorites of mine.

What do you hope Atmosphere’s legacy will be? How do you want to be remembered in the world of hip-hop and music in general?

I’m no longer interested in legacy. I’ve done a lot of work on myself to control and limit my ego, and I’ve realized “legacy” is just another weirdo way to overextend the amount of space you take up when you’re no longer in the room. I’d prefer to know that people are inspired by our music and the means in which we played this game. Use us as a stepping stone to fulfill your own dreams.

What’s next for Atmosphere? Are there any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations that you can share with us?

I have no idea and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Cover Photo Credit / Chris “Fiq” Colclasure