Atmosphere, Abstract Rude, Blueprint, DJ Rare Groove

Before Atmosphere's Slug and Ant made a name for themselves on their 1997 debut album Overcast!, hip-hop fans might not have been very intrigued by the idea of introspective rap from Minneapolis. But since, the indie rap duo has garnered praise, both underground and commercial, for their complexity and honesty.

When others displayed materialistic vanity, Atmosphere offered Midwest candor; when hip-hop got tired, this duo offered something interesting and unconventional. The act's latest release, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, pulls Slug out of his journal and into the world of fiction, allowing him to tell new stories with the same consistent honesty. And the subsequent tour allowed Ant the challenge of sharing the new music while dropping beats with a backup band.

Now touring under the Paint the Nation tour banner, the duo is joined by Rhymesayers labelmates Abstract Rude and Columbus, Ohio, natives Blueprint and DJ Rare Groove.