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Southsiders
by
Southsiders Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The theme of pain and hope continues on the sixth full-length studio release from the Minnesota indie rap duo of MC Slug and producer DJ Ant.
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Top Track

Flicker
One little flicker of light Can erase the dark One little flicker of light Can erase the dark Yeah I been drinkin', You already know Do I smell like... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. XXL
    May 12, 2014
    80
    Atmosphere has never been afraid to bare everything, strip things down to their most honest form, and grow with their listeners. Southsiders is the next step in that lineage, and one that falls directly in line with their previous work.
  2. AllMusic
    May 6, 2014
    80
    Growth and groundation are skillfully balanced on Southsiders, this is arguably the most deep and different album in the band's discography.
  3. HipHopDX
    May 6, 2014
    70
    Southsiders is a solid album. The production is consistent and there are moments of enlightenment from Slug. But due to Atmosphere’s already extensive catalog, it doesn’t easily separate itself from previous works.
  4. Exclaim
    May 6, 2014
    70
    It's a tried, tested and true formula that has allowed these two humble cats from the land where Kirby Puckett smacked homers to do this for so long.
  5. RapReviews.com
    May 13, 2014
    70
    It's lines like [in "Flicker" that] keep me coming back to Atmosphere's music, and make Southsiders another solid entry into the Atmosphere catalogue, warts and all.
  6. Pitchfork
    May 9, 2014
    63
    For the first time in Atmosphere's long career, the stakes feel low, and Southsiders feels both pleasant and noncommittal, like it isn't even convinced of its own right to exist.
  7. Consequence
    May 9, 2014
    58
    Southsiders is an Atmosphere album, which means that it is going to be better than many hip-hop releases this year, but it’s also exactly what you’d expect from the artists and has moments that feel outdated.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. not_steve
    May 19, 2014
    10
    Very strong Atmosphere album. Not the same feel as God Loves Ugly or When Life Gives You Lemons, but it is a highly enjoyable album. BestVery strong Atmosphere album. Not the same feel as God Loves Ugly or When Life Gives You Lemons, but it is a highly enjoyable album. Best tracks in my opinion are Camera Thief, Arthur's Song & January On Lake Street.… Expand
  2. Botiic
    May 6, 2014
    9
    Fans of Atmosphere will have divided reactions upon listening to Southsiders, and it all depends on your expectations. Are you expecting aFans of Atmosphere will have divided reactions upon listening to Southsiders, and it all depends on your expectations. Are you expecting a throwback to the flow and energy Atmosphere possessed during the Seven's Travels/God Loves Ugly era? If so, I'm sorry to say this album isn't for you. With that said, let me tell you who this album IS for: Everyone.

    Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the group, Southsiders is a well-blended mix of solid lyrical delivery by Slug and exceptionally well produced beats by Ant.

    Slug's storytelling takes us down some familiar paths, but with new perspectives. There is an overall feeling of maturity and competency that embraces the listener in a warm way. The lyrics are approachable, and should resonate on some level with fans of all genres.

    Now, the music behind Slug's rhymes is where the album really shines. Ant is no doubt a master of his craft, and that's become obvious on Southsiders. Known for his diverse catalog of influences, Ant has produced some truly fantastic music to supplement Slug's rhymes. It's original, it's polished, and it provides a sense of class that's exclusive to Ant. The coordination between MC and DJ has never been tighter.

    In conclusion, Southsiders is an impressive effort that stays true the band's roots.    … Expand
  4. daveanalog
    Jun 23, 2014
    8
    this is a very good album, despite being a bit inconsistent over the past few years. this is definitely not a classic like previous efforts,this is a very good album, despite being a bit inconsistent over the past few years. this is definitely not a classic like previous efforts, but still better than a lot of releases this year. as being a fan of Slug since Overcast!, it's good to see him still around and making good music.… Collapse
  5. AOTfan123
    Jan 8, 2015
    8
    A really great album with a lot of catchy songs, this is actually the first time I actually sat down and listen to Atmosphere album from startA really great album with a lot of catchy songs, this is actually the first time I actually sat down and listen to Atmosphere album from start to finish and I do not regret. If you're a Atmosphere fan I recommend this album.… Expand

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