Last night, Atmosphere‘s second annual Welcome to Minnesota tour (#WelcomeToMN) took over the First Avenue mainroom. Accompanied by Kill the Vultures, Big Quarters, MaLLy and BK-One, last night’s performance was truly a homecoming of sorts for all the groups after touring various cities in MN for the past months. Playing to a sold out crowd, I don’t think one person left First Ave unsatisfied last night!
Some highlights…
- Flash Back. Atmosphere played songs that spanned his entire discography, over 15 years of music. Slug has come along way from playing the free stage at the Minnesota State Fair in 1999 (I was there). Even though Atmosphere played a solo show at the University of Minnesota’s Homecoming celebration at TCF Bank Studium just months ago (recap/photos), its not surprising that he is still able to fill venues.
- McNally Smith Connection. If anyone ever questioned why Slug asked Big Quarters to join the tour, Zach and Brandon Bagaason’s performance killed any remaining doubt. Big Quarters rocked the house last night. What’s even better about this…both are hip-hop faculty members at McNally Smith College of Music. Great to know that these two talented lyricists are molding the future of Minnesota hip-hop! But, of course, I am biased
- Beware of Vultures. Kill The Vultures‘ frontman Crescent Moon has some real emotion in his stuff. His performance was filled with deep, emotion-filled lyrics and unique beats by DJ Anatomy. Deep, man, deep.
- Oh MaLLy. Ever since Atmosphere endorsed this rising Twin Cities hip-hop star, this kid continues to deliver. Flawless performance, fun to watch. His upcoming album The Last Great is already getting a lot of chatter and it will continue to be fun to watch MaLLy‘s career.
A few photos…
Atmosphere’s Set List From Last Night:
Became
Shoulda Known
She’s Enough
The Woman With The Tattooed Hands
Blamegame
God Loves Ugly
I Don’t Need Brighter Days
The Best Day
God’s Bathroom Floor
Don’t Ever Fucking Question That
Pour Me Another
Modern Man’s Hustle
Freefallin’
Until The Nipple’s Gone
The Abusing Of The Rib
Little Man
YesterdayGuarantees
Trying To Find A Balance
Scapegoat
Encore:
Cats Vans Bags (with fellow Rhymesayer Brother Ali)
Sunshine