Atmosphere kicked off Governors Ball weekend with an official after party show at New York City’s Irving Plaza Friday night. The group, who was slated to play the festival’s Big Apple Stage on Randall’s Island Park Saturday evening, return in 2015 to promote their eighth studio album Southsiders (released in 2014 on Rhymesayers Entertainment).

Atmosphere is no stranger to warming up a crowd, lead rapper Slug has credited much of the group’s success to their avid touring, and Friday night was no exception. Despite having laid it’s roots in the late ’80s, Atmosphere continues to thrive and bring in a newer and a younger crowd–one that meshes seamlessly and respectfully with longtime fans. The unity amongst spectators gives perfect stage for Slug’s charisma and charm, as the two groups banter back and forth in equal admiration. The group payed homage to the classic songs that topped the charts and kept the evening fresh with rounds of newer songs eloquently thrown into the mix. All in all, it was the perfect party to kickstart a weekend full of musical celebration in the city that never sleeps.

Be sure to check out Atmosphere at rhymesayers.com/atmosphere.