In all fairness I thought everyone already knew Atmosphere. That's right. Everyone. On Earth. Knows Atmosphere. Then I went to Lollapalooza and casually browsing Facebook saw a post from a high school acquaintance that said something like, "..went to check out Eminem and this guy Atmosphere played before him; new favorite band". I don't think he used a semi-colon though. Who uses semi-colons on Facebook?

I guess I'm lucky that an ex-boyfriend bestowed upon me one of my favorite artists ever ten years ago on a mix tape. Real name Sean Daley, stage name Slug, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Atmosphere is a huge fan of the midwest and tells us often. So for me going to college in Chicago I got to see him perform with Hieroglyphics, Grieves, Mac Lethal..the Warped Tour? Oh yeah. Slug used to be on Epitaph, notorious punk label.

For the past decade Slug has called Rhymesayers home, and just recently released a new record The Family Sign and is currently touring in support. The Family Vacation Tour, featuring Atmosphere, Evidence and Blueprint is winding down but if you're in the southwest, pick up some tickets. Otherwise buy the album, then buy the old ones, then hold your breath with me watching Rhymesayers.com for the next round of shows to come up. And the best thing about Slug is that you won't die waiting to check him out live. In ten years of being a fan he's yet to disappoint.

Check out the video for 'You' off the best named album in the history of music, "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold". Told you he's smart.