Meet Dem Atlas: Rhymesayers’ New Signee Posted by Lucas G. on 11/13/13 | Filed under Meet, Rhymesayers, Dem Atlas

Rhymesayers is home to plenty of the undergrounds best: Brother Ali, Evidence, Doom, Aesop Rock, Freeway, Dilated Peoples, Jake One, and now… Dem Atlas? To those asking, “ who is Dem Atlas?” you are not alone. It was kind of surprising to me because normally, with any signee, there is usually a buzz surrounding them before they sign, but Rhymesayers seemed to pick him from relative obscurity.

Come to think of it, though, I couldn’t think of a more fitting signing. Rhymesayers has always been a favorite of mine because they are such a force in the underground world, and it only seems right that they would pick an underground emcee who is under the underground. It isn’t a flashy signing or one that will draw a lot of attention, but Rhymesayers has always been about the music more than the reputation. Consider Dem Atlas your 2-3 round draft pick. He probably won’t win rookie of the year, but in 3-4 years you might have yourself a bonafide All-Star. Enough about the label, what about the artist?

Don’t get it twisted, just because he isn’t “buzzing” or well known doesn’t mean Dem Atlas can’t spit; the dude is really talented. Those who like the '90s throwback that is in vogue right now will really dig Atlas. With some smooth, jazzy beats, a unique cadence, and some quirky, relatable lyrics, the dude sounds like a lost member of Hieroglyphics or Pharcyde. He will fit in well with Rhymesayers because he is so relatable and fun;Dem seems like someone you would want to have a beer with. He sounds more like your cool friend that can rap.

Now that the St. Paul product - side note, does any region get slept on more than Minnesota? - has the support of a label, I look forward to getting to know him more. Expect big things from him in 2014.

For those who want to hear more or those that aren’t quite sold, I highly recommend his "Charlie Brwn" EP (especially “Lucille”), available via Atlas’ bandcamp. I was bumpin' this while writing and my head has not stopped bobbing yet.  

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