The Family Sign - Atmosphere
The Family Sign Image
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Minnesotan hip-hop group is back with a new album released through Rhymesayers.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Okayplayer
    Apr 21, 2011
    87
    There are some tracks on this record I don't appreciate much now as a college student in my early 20s, but I can guarantee as I get older and more mature, I will find this album more relatable and more enjoyable.
  2. XXL
    May 13, 2011
    80
    The album still possesses enough of the classic Slug and Ant material that the underground has come to love that it will prove a welcome addition to their catalog.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 21, 2011
    80
    The Family Sign is a strong continuation and addition to a powerful series of modern rap albums. It's bigger than past records and heavier, a nice combination that genuinely puts the listener into an emotional flux.
  4. The Quietus
    Aug 3, 2011
    60
    The Family Sign commits a few of hip hop's cardinal sins and doesn't provide nearly enough justification for doing so.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. coltron0
    9
    Longtime fans may be disappointed, but that's just because they know how good Atmosphere is. With two full-time instrumentalists brought on, the production is great, and usually appropriately somber. The lyrical content has drastically changed, and I think Slug intends for Atmosphere to now be synonymous with storytelling rap. If you come in expecting that you'll be pleased. Don't expect another introspective, wordplay-filled album though, I fear those days are long gone.… Expand
  2. thetiderises
    8
    Pretty good record. I expect nothing less from Atmosphere at this point. It's not as awesome as some of his other records, but it's better than a few, too. Kinda depressing on the whole; nothing like "You Can't Imagine..." I'd recommend it, though--especially if you like his other stuff.… Expand
  3. BrandonsZombie
    8
    It's a good album, yeah, but he's reached his climax. Slug knows that, so he's settling down with this album. It's a good storytelling perspective and I believe it's still a good album, but not on the levels of Overcast! or God Loves Ugly. It is of course an album to add to the collection though.… Collapse

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