2009 two disc (CD + DVD) reissue. Repackaged, re-mastered, and uglier than ever, the critically acclaimed third official studio release from Atmosphere is back and now includes a bonus DVD, originally released as Sad Clown... more » Bad Dub 4 (The godloves ugly Release Parties. The DVD features two hours of live performance footage, backstage shenanigans, several guest appearances, and music videos for "Godlovesugly", "Summersong", and "Say Shh".« less
2009 two disc (CD + DVD) reissue. Repackaged, re-mastered, and uglier than ever, the critically acclaimed third official studio release from Atmosphere is back and now includes a bonus DVD, originally released as Sad Clown Bad Dub 4 (The godloves ugly Release Parties. The DVD features two hours of live performance footage, backstage shenanigans, several guest appearances, and music videos for "Godlovesugly", "Summersong", and "Say Shh".
"Since the late 90's, mainstream hip hop has taken an unusual and very unpleasant turn with the main focus being money, cars, women and the other materialistic things that have been the sole motivation for getting a record deal and releasing an album full of pure garbage. Thus, with the release of God Loves Ugly, Atmosphere's Slug and Ant once again give the correct dose of hip hop that true fans would respect and appreciate. Dubbed as emo-hop(emotional hip hop) by critics and mainstream artists alike, God Loves Ugly breathes life into a genre that has seemingly lost it's way. Slug's lyrical ability is once again on display with tracks like "Lovelife", "Vampires" and the title track, "God Loves Ugly" with Slug's spitting lyrics like "I wear my scars like the rings on a pimp, I live my life like the captain of a sinking ship". My favorite cut would have to be "Blamegame", hands down features some of Ant's best work displaying an old school vibe with Slug expressing his dislike for mainstream hip hop with lyrics like "Raise your hands if you remember the Juice Crew/they don't make em like they used to/this is supposed to be the new school/your songs are nameless/guns are aimless/how long you been famous". Once again complimented by extraordinary production by Ant, this album solidifies Atmosphere's already legendary status."
Slug and ants best
joehiphophead | Kansas city | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this was the heyday for slug lyrically he actually had something to say on this album and wasnt just rhyming about the same girls and getting drunk on every track like he does now. this album was my introduction to rhymesayers Hiphop needless to say I was very impressed and now own all of atmospheres albums.
Ant(the quiet mastermind of the group) creates soundscapes that are beautiful well thought out and in the end leave you wanting more. I could see this album apealing to anyone really even if you dont like Hiphop you might want to give this a chance. this and Lucy Ford are atmospheres best. 5 MICS"
Stellar, infuential dark hip-hop
joehiphophead | 09/14/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The latest Atmosphere release has sparked something of a debate among the bands fans; some love it and some can't stand it. What's the deal, is it really a subpar Atmosphere release? Not really, it's just a slight departure in sound from some of the band's previous releases which used to consist of a few more upbeat, funky old-school tracks. "God Loves Ugly," as the title implys, further explores the dark side of frontman Slug hinted at on the excellent "Lucy Ford LP." Certainly that will throw off some people because, on the surface level, it makes for a decidedly less 'fun' listen. Yet "God Loves Ugly" is not without it's merits. These tracks may be downbeat, but they still really thump. Meanwhile, Slug has never sounded better; his flow is confident and articulate, and the subject matter is as biting and personal as ever. I'd imagine that "F*$# You Lucy" is a song that ever dumped boyfriend longs to put on that final mix-tape for his ex-girlfriend; it's blunt and expresses emotions that other songs can only dance around. Imagine the confessional, angry-tone of Eminem only less manufactured. And while on past Atmospere releases it's sounded like Slug was rhyming over an incredibly clever beat this one sounds like it's the beat that's always changing in order to keep up with Slug, an indication that this important duo has just about perfected their distinct sound. Yeah, it's dark, but it's not the music thats scary, it's the fact that the listener might be able to relate to it."
A classic Album from 2 of hip hops best
Xavier A. Cadena | 07/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Slug has a fantastic swagger mixing pain and jokes he is a great rapper and manages to lay phenomenal rhymes over every song.
And when matched with Ant's beats, consisting of strange rare samples, they create one of the most unique and most talented rappers in hip hop major and underground."