"Tuned Into Pop Culture" guest contributor Nick Carrabine is a News-Herald staff writer.

P.o.s.












Atmosphere














As a huge music lover, there is nothing better than getting acquainted with a talented artist or band.

It doesn't matter which genre, I'm always looking to get into different things.

In the past month, I’ve came across two experimental hip hop artists that have been around the block for a while, but have been buried in the underground scene.

Both artists, Atmosphere and P.o.s. are from Minnesota and are on Rhymesayers Entertainment, which is a record label out of Minnesota.

Atmosphere is a duo that released their first album, Overcast in 1997. Since then, the group has released nine more studio albums and EPs including 2008’s “When Life Hands You Lemons,” LP which debuted at No. 5 on the billboard charts upon it’s release, their most successful offering to date by far.

P.o.s. has released three albums, with his latest release in February titled, “Never Better.”

The other two albums, “Ipecac Neat” and “Audition,” are extremely hard to find in stores (but can be purchased on iTunes.)

Never Better’s first single, “Optimist” has been in heavy rotation on MTV2.

Now, what caught my attention of these two musicians?

First off, anyone who knows me knows that I think hip hop music died a long time ago (long before my favorite rapper Nas released Hip Hop is Dead in 2006.)

In an era of gun-toting, womanizing, bling-wearing, money-bragging, club-hopping, ego-tripping and a ridiculous obsession of material items, both Atmosphere and P.o.s. bring a fresh view to the music scene.

Both of them can be classified in other genres other than hip-hop and both of them actually talk about things the majority of listeners around the world can relate to.

P.o.s., whose real name is Stefon Alexander, actually began as a punk rock musician and remains loyal to his roots while he raps over guitar riffs and drum loops.

The same could be said for Atmosphere, who tours with a live band and is inspired by many rock acts.

Both of them have toured on the punk rock themed Warped Tour in past years.

If you are looking for something different, honest and creative, give Atmosphere and P.O.S. a shot.

You Tube it:

P.o.s. covering Pearl Jam’s “Why Go”

Atmosphere performing “You” on Late Show with David Letterman