ATMOSPHERE: Welcome to Florida Tour w/special guests

Minneapolis is known for many things — pretty lakes, the Mall of America, lutefisk. But 17 years ago, hip-hop act Atmosphere transformed the city into something else entirely: a nexus from which underground rap spiraled-out to the masses. And thanks to the duo's indefatigable touring habits, Top 20-charting albums, and their galvanizing artist-owned label Rhymesayers (MF Doom, Aesop Rock), they're still pushing the boundaries of what indie rap can mean.

Much of Slug's songwriting agony stems from his need to translate things he relates to into universal messages — which is why even after all these years, Atmosphere remains relevant in the rap game. "Do I want to leave a legacy of, 'Oh, that guy was really dope. He figured out how to rhyme astral projections with gastral infections'? Or do I want to be a positive energy source for the movement in general?" Slug says. "There is purpose behind what I do than just talking about me." And how does that impact his rhymes now? "Well," he points out, "I have to keep things realistic: making sure the gross stuff represented itself as gross, and that the beautiful stuff stays beautiful."