Atmosphere, HEBL, and NOFUN! Deliver Unforgettable Underground Hip-Hop Performance at The Admiral in Omaha
By Mitch West
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, The Admiral in Omaha, Nebraska, became a vibrant hub for underground hip-hop fans as Atmosphere, HEBL, and NOFUN! brought their "Tour De Friends" to the city. The newly renovated venue, formerly Sokol Auditorium, pulsed with energy as a packed crowd welcomed the Twin Cities' finest. Minneapolis, Minnesota, a recognized powerhouse in the underground hip-hop scene, boasts more record labels and concert stages per capita than any other city, cementing its influence in the genre. This performance showcased why Minneapolis underground hip-hop remains a force, with each act delivering a unique contribution to an electrifying night.
NOFUN! Ignites the Stage with High-Energy Underground Hip-Hop Set
NOFUN!, a multi-genre collective known for their dynamic stage presence, electrified The Admiral with their infectious energy. The nine-member crew—Huebline, Mother Wata, Levi Evans, Louie Lambo, Garrett Gloom, WADE08, Zoodeville, Dave Coresh, and Swann—commanded the stage, engaging the crowd with playful antics like climbing into the audience, fake fighting, and piggyback rides. Their setlist, featuring fan favorites such as "Get Faded!," "Spend It!," "STOP DROP and ROLL!," and the unreleased track "8-Mile," kept the audience captivated. Their performance of "DAYTRIP!" closed the set with a burst of energy, leaving fans buzzing. Post-show, NOFUN! connected with fans at the merch table, strengthening their bond with the Omaha underground hip-hop community.
HEBL Mesmerizes with Experimental Electronic Hip-Hop Soundscapes
HEBL, a master of dark, experimental electronic music, brought his signature atmospheric sound to The Admiral. His minimalistic arrangements, heavy low-end frequencies, and intricate samples created a hypnotic experience, offering a calming contrast to NOFUN!'s high-octane set. An LED wall displaying live footage of HEBL's hands at work added a captivating visual layer, immersing the audience in his sonic world. HEBL's performance highlighted his ability to blend electronic and hip-hop elements, reinforcing his status as a trailblazer in the Minneapolis underground hip-hop scene.
Atmosphere Cements Legacy with Soulful Underground Hip-Hop Performance
Atmosphere, the legendary hip-hop duo of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and producer Ant (Anthony Davis), delivered a masterclass in storytelling and stagecraft. Formed in 1996, Atmosphere has released 13 studio albums and 10 extended plays, earning acclaim for their introspective lyrics and soulful production that blend hip-hop, alternative rock, and jazz. Their live shows, known for Slug's charismatic presence and raw energy, explore themes like addiction, mental health, and personal struggles, resonating deeply with fans. "Omaha! How the fuck are y'all feeling?!" Slug shouted, igniting the crowd as Ant worked the decks. Their setlist, including classics like "Puppets," "Shoulda Known," "Sunshine," and "Guns & Cigarettes," took fans on a nostalgic journey through their discography. Atmosphere's performance underscored their pivotal role in shaping the Minneapolis underground hip-hop scene and their enduring influence worldwide.
Tour De Friends Continues to Spread Underground Hip-Hop Across the Midwest
As fans left The Admiral, still buzzing from the night’s energy, the "Tour De Friends" rolled on to its next stop at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tour was set to return to Minneapolis for a homecoming show at First Avenue on Nov. 24, 2023, followed by a final performance at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Nov. 25, 2023. Fans could preorder the "Talk Talk EP," a special release commemorating the tour, available on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital platforms. New singles "Rotary Telephone," "Talk Talk," and "Traveling Forever" are streaming on major platforms. Atmosphere is also slated to headline the Rise Up Concert Series on Jan. 6, 2024, at St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, promising more unforgettable underground hip-hop moments.
