Atmosphere plays to sold out Metro crowd

Just after 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, Moby fans had already started a line outside the Metro’s Smart Bar to catch a secret (and free) DJ set from the dance music guru. Meanwhile, Atmosphere, the underground hip-hop sensation from Minneapolis, was kicking off its Paint Your City Gold tour with the first of two sold out shows inside the Metro. (Photos by Jim Collins)

Before the show started, Slug, the main lyricist and the face of Atmosphere, hosted a karaoke session in which fans got a chance to share the stage in attempt to spit the lyrics of their favorite Atmosphere songs.

Abstract Rude, a rapper from Los Angeles, provided a low-key opening set.

Abstract Rude recently signed to Atmosphere’s label Rhymesayers Entertainment.

To the delight of the sold out crowd, Atmosphere took the stage shortly after 9 p.m.

Tuesday also marked the release of the new Atmosphere album “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold.”

Playing a mix of old favorites and new material, Slug started the tour off with a bang.

The packed house was extremely hot, but that didn’t stop the fans from getting their dance on.

Combining intelligent lyrics, a sense of humor and on-stage charisma, Atmosphere has a built a rather large devoted following.