-Mitch West
When Atmosphere's "Traveling Forever Tour" rolled into Lincoln's Bourbon Theatre last Friday night, it wasn't just a show—it was a hip-hop pilgrimage. The seventh stop on this musical odyssey transformed the capital city into a melting pot of lyrical prowess and raw energy. With underground phenom Reverie and the genre-defying collective NOFUN! along for the ride, the night promised more than just performances; it delivered a masterclass in hip-hop's past, present, and future.
From the gritty streets of Highland Park to the creative crucible of Los Angeles, and all the way from Minneapolis, these artists converged to turn the historic walls of the Bourbon into a canvas for their craft. As Slug greeted fans in line, setting the tone for a night of connection, it became clear: this wasn't just another tour stop. It was a family reunion for the "Satori Mob," the "delinquent shenanigans" crew, and every hip-hop head in between.
With Reverie's raw, unfiltered flow, NOFUN!'s kaleidoscopic sounds, and Atmosphere's quarter-century of genre-defining tracks, the Bourbon Theatre wasn't just hosting a concert—it was harboring a hip-hop revolution. Buckle up, Lincoln. This is one ride you won't forget.
Reverie at The Bourbon Theatre Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
In the gritty streets of Highland Park in northeast Los Angeles, a young girl found solace in the power of words, penning poems in school counselors' offices and detention halls. Today, that same voice echoes through venues across the globe, and Friday night, it resonated through the historic walls of Lincoln's Bourbon Theatre as Reverie brought her raw, unfiltered brand of hip-hop to the capital city.
Her journey from troubled youth to underground hip-hop phenomenon isn't just a story arc in her lyrics – it's the authentic blueprint of her life. Alongside her brother Louden, who evolved from battles with addiction to becoming her producer, Reverie has crafted 14 projects that chronicle her transformation from street poet to international touring artist, building a devoted following she calls the "Satori Mob" along the way.
Being a road warrior has taken her to more than 20 countries and 30 states, but Friday night marked her first time in Nebraska.
Reverie's performance was stellar. Her flow on stage was seamless, passionate and powerful, delivering an empowering and lyrically complex set. It's clear the reps she's put in over the years are paying off. She's easily one of the best MCs in the game and one to keep your eye on.
NOFUN! at The Bourbon Theatre Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
Like a musical Voltron formed in the creative crucible of Los Angeles, NOFUN! defies easy categorization. The nine-member collective – comprising Garrett Gloom, Mother Wata, Zoodeville, Levi Evans, Louie Lambo, Huebline, Wade08, David Coresh and Swann – brings together a kaleidoscope of sounds ranging from alternative rock to West Coast hip-hop. While each artist maintains their own creative path, it's their unified presence that makes NOFUN! a unique force in the music scene, turning every show into what they lovingly describe as a mix of delinquent shenanigans and family dinner vibes.
The crew came out and filled up the stage. NOFUN!'s energy was palpable. Their performance made the Bourbon Theatre feel like a house party to which everyone was invited for all the right reasons. This was our second time seeing the group; they were good then and they're even better now. Atmosphere brought the group on their first tour, which has now turned into multiple tours.
NOFUN!'s growth as performers was evident throughout the night. Their seamless transitions between genres and the interplay among members showcased a group that has honed its craft through relentless touring and studio work. From the moment they hit the stage, the audience was swept up in a whirlwind of sound and energy that didn't let up until the final note.
As the night progressed, it became clear that NOFUN! is more than just a collective – they're a movement. Their ability to connect with the crowd on a personal level, paired with their genre-defying sound, positions them as a group to watch in the coming years. If this performance is any indication, NOFUN! is poised to make significant waves in the music industry, bringing their unique brand of controlled chaos to even bigger stages.
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Atmosphere at The Bourbon Theatre Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
It was an epic 90-minute set. For over 25 years, Atmosphere has been etching their name into the bedrock of underground hip-hop, crafting a legacy that extends far beyond their Minneapolis origins. The dynamic duo of Slug and Ant has evolved from crafting vivid vignettes in the late '90s to becoming architects of deeply introspective rap, inadvertently birthing the term "emo rap" along the way.
Their latest offering, "So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously" (2023), might be their most personal work yet, weaving themes of anxiety and hope through innovative rhythms and vulnerable lyrics. With over two dozen releases under their belt, Atmosphere has maintained their position as musical shepherds, guiding generations through life's complexities with honesty and humility that's become increasingly rare in modern hip-hop.
If you're studying hip-hop, Atmosphere and Rhymesayers Entertainment need to be one of your lessons. Friday night, the group more than delivered, performing a wide range of tracks from their first album onward.
Prior to the show, Slug came outside and greeted each person waiting in line before doors opened to show his appreciation and connection to Atmosphere's fan base. The show didn't end with a traditional "encore" but rather with a few "bonus features," as Slug put it, before giving an epic freestyle that led into "Trying to Find a Balance" with both Reverie and NOFUN! joining him onstage.
The setlist included: "Puppets," "Fuck You Lucy," "God Loves Ugly," "Summertime," "The Waitlist," "Yesterday," "The Best Day," "Lucy Ford," "Spaghetti Strapped," "Modern Man's Hustle," "Love Life," "God's Bathroom Floor," "Scapegoat," "Okay," "Always Coming Back Home to You" and "Trying to Find a Balance."
This performance underscored Atmosphere's enduring relevance and their ability to connect with fans across generations. Their blend of introspective lyrics, dynamic stage presence, and genuine audience engagement demonstrates why they remain a cornerstone of independent hip-hop. As the night proved, Atmosphere continues to evolve while staying true to the raw authenticity that has defined their career.
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