Adding another dimension to their latest chapter, underground hip-hop titans Atmosphere present a new maxi-single entitled “WORD? Side B” today via Rhymesayers Entertainment. The release boasts three new tracks, including “Strung” [feat. Musab], “Sleepless” [feat. Nino Bless], and the single “Clocked.” They also dropped a cinematic music video for the latter.
On “Clocked,” producer Ant’s euphonic thrum waxes and wanes as Slug’s instantly recognizable flow captivates right from the intro, “Once upon a time, there was a young boy…” Between the razor-sharp snares, the warm fleshy basslines, and the resonant melody, fans will notice strong hints of Atmosphere’s nascent years within this cautionary tale about time.
In the visual, produced and directed by the team at 1Light Films, Slug appears to run a carwash, donning coveralls complete with the name patch, “Sean.” After waving an SUV into the tunnel, Slug delivers a foreboding performance from outside, while the wash begins to uncover an ominous tale of its own.
“WORD? Side B” paves the way for the group’s anxiously awaited new album, WORD?, out October 8 and promising an all-star cast of guests such as the late MF DOOM, Evidence, Aesop Rock, Sa-Roc, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Nikki Jean and more.
Atmosphere first set the stage for the album with the “WORD? Side A” maxi-single. Within a month, these four tracks have already eclipsed half-a-million streams and counting. The lead single “Woes” has already racked up 255K+ Spotify streams and 165K+ YouTube views on the fan favorite music video. Right out of the gate, mxdwn claimed, “‘Woes’ plays with futuristic and funky sounds to complete its deep yet light hearted message.” Meanwhile, HotNewHipHop put it best, saying “it’s all Atmosphere, who remain in fine form both lyrically and behind the boards.”
