Atmoshpere – When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (4-22-2008

Posted on Apr 30 in Reviewsby adminPrint

Since its inception in the late 70’s hip hop has been a culture based on trends and rapid change. It usually takes just a single individual to mold the status quo for an entire season. Sometimes it takes an entire region to make a change. Usually something comes along and the masses dismiss it as just another stupid fad. Sooner or later a few more people buy into it and before you know it, it becomes the latest nationwide phenomenon. In the midst of an era based on senseless rap jargon no time could be more perfect for hip hop to go back to the essence of things. If this turns out to be the case then you can punch an early vote for Atmosphere on the strength of his latest anti-substance abuse filled effort When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold.

On the opening “Like The Rest Of Us” Atmosphere delivers a harmonious rap as he steps outside of the realms of your typical internationally known rapper. The MC goes into deep critical while advising others in the world not to speak nor look down on other people’s problems because after all “we’re all cut from the same cloth.” “Puppets” begins a long line of musical offerings in which Atmosphere gives a just say no sermon. In this particular instance he speaks on people addicted to cocaine, alcohol, and sex. Throughout the album Atmosphere displays a somewhat caring outlook for the rest of the world but on the collection’s best production effort “The Skinny” the MC holds nothing back as he bashes females turning tricks for green rectangles. Soon after the harsh tongue lashing Atmosphere explores the other side of the spectrum on “Dreamer” where he delivers an uplifting message for females who fall for bums who end up making bum ass baby daddies.

Atmosphere comes as real as a heart attack on “You” when he makes time to speak candidly to a down and out waitress. He utilizes an interesting melting pot of musical genres such as pop, soul, alternative, and hip hop to paint a vivid portrait of a young lady who ultimately doesn’t really know herself. Speaking of portraits and paintings Atmosphere maximizes the potential of an incredibly spacey backdrop on “Painting” as he speaks “no inspiration to do your best / when nobody hates you more than your reflection.” Heavy bass and synths kick off “Your Glasshouse” where the MC speaks on drunken girls who routinely leave the bar with strangers only to wake up in strange and unfamiliar bedrooms. The only twist to the story is the fact that the girl is so fucked up that she doesn’t even realize that she’s actually at home.

On “Yesterday” a heavy piano riff goes hand in hand with deep bass grooves as the MC revisits past pleasures after hallucinating the sight of his deceased father in a heartfelt tribute. Continuing to keep touch with the average folks Atmosphere eloquently states “the only guarantee in life is a life worth dying for” on “Guarantees.” For some odd reason you might come to the assumption that Atmosphere is actually talking to himself on “Me” as he lays his lyrics over an ice smooth backdrop which is complimented by sweet international sounding background vocals courtesy of Mankwe Ndosi. Before the album closes Atmosphere revisits the bum ass baby daddy. On “In Her Music Box” he speaks sarcastically from the viewpoint of a young daughter who thinks the world of her dumb ass father.

When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold accomplishes what only a very slim and select few rap albums seem to accomplish these days. Consistent, cohesive, and conscious are three words that begin with “C” that are not too often tossed around within the rap industry in these modern times. Atmosphere’s strength lies in putting together an entire album based on real people, real life, and real trials and tribulations. Aside from a few minor mishaps throughout the course of the 15 track collection Atmosphere and his musically inclined buddies make excellent use of mostly live instruments. Don’t keep your fingers crossed too long but Atmosphere may be one of the few MCs actually brave enough to change the face of hip hop again.

VERDICT – 14 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTIONS: 3
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 4