Anthony "Ant" Davis: The DJ Behind the Beats of Atmosphere

The rap group Atmosphere has been the preeminent collective in the world of indie hip-hop. While rapper Sean Daley (aka Slug) spits out rhymes dealing with his own insecurities, fatherhood and his failed relationships, Anthony "Ant" Davis comes up with the funky beats to back up the introspective lyrics. Ant (get it Slug and Ant) has been manning the wheels of steel as a dj since he was thirteen. He is now not only known as Slug's right hand man but he is also the most sought after producer in the Rhymesayers bullpen. Atmosphere will be on tour this fall in support of their latest disc "When Life Gives You Lemons Paint That Sh*t Gold." Before leaving for Iceland I had the good fortune to sit down with Ant and chat about how he comes up with his bass heavy beats.

Associated Content: When and how did you first get into dj-ing?

Ant: I started dj-ing when I was thirteen years old back in 1983. I spun at a lot of house parties and it just progressed from there. In the 90's I got more into the production aspect of things. As a party dj I really did not get into the whole social aspect of the scene. I was way more into the music. During the 90's I got more into production and distanced myself from the party lifestyle and touring.

AC: Who were the djs that influenced you the most while growing up?

Ant: Grandmaster Flash was a big influence but when I say Jam Master Jay with Run-DMC that was when I said to myself, that's what I want to do!

AC: You mentioned that you did not like the party aspect of being a dj. Isn't that a big part of the lifestyle?

Ant: Yeah it is but I was just not into it. Like I said by the time the 90's hit I really wanted to get more into the music and not dj parties anymore. I was just not into the politics and the party atmosphere. I know it may sound crazy because at that age most kids want to party! I just didn't like it...the social aspect of the scene was difficult for me.

AC: Is that part of the reason why you did not tour with Atmosphere in the early days of the group?

Ant: Yeah pretty much. I was still trying to figure out how to deal with the social aspect of it all.

AC: In recent years you have been on the road with Atmosphere. How has that been for you?

Ant: Well I am getting a chance to re-live my 20's! I know how to handle it now and I am having fun! I still don't like to fly. We leave for Iceland soon...that's the only thing I don't like about touring. Other than that I have enjoyed being on the road and playing out live. To be honest it's the best way to judge what folks like and what they don't like!

AC: Your last disc with Atmosphere (You Can't believe How Much Fun We Are Having) had an amazing old school hip-hop sound. Your latest disc (When Life Gives You Lemons Paint That Sh*t Gold) sounds vastly different. It has an almost 80's funk/quirky vibe to it. Did you and Slug sit down and make a conscious decision on how both discs would sound?

Ant: Slug and I definitely discussed the sound of both discs when we hit the studio. I have always chased that late 80's sound...the sound of the Bomb Squad. I'm not hiding that fact at all. That sound is something I am always looking for and that became the sound of the last disc. I knew I couldn't do that again right away so Slug and I talked about what the new record would be sonically and lyrically. Lyrically Slug did not want to really talk about himself. This time around he wanted to tell other people's stories. Musically I wanted to try something new...we both listen to a lot of different stuff...the vibe I went for was a lot of early 80's funk stuff and...well a lot of weird stuff also. This record had to sound different and we accomplished that.

AC: Explain your musical relationship with Slug. How have you all been able to communicate in the studio with each other over the years?

Ant: We really challenge each other. We are both willing to do anything and take risks musically. At this point there isn't that much discussion any more. We have a base that we start from and from there we just make it happen. We are both willing to take risks with the music so we can do a straight up hip-hop tune or a blues tune or a folk tune and it all seems natural to us.

AC: Who else have you worked with?

Ant: I produced the last Brother Ali record. He is a close friend of mine. I have also done stuff with Self Devine, the Felt record and some remix things.

AC: Is there anyone you would like to work with? Any folks not on the Rhymesayers stable.

Ant: There are tons of folks! I would love to work with. Guys like MC Eight, The Geto Boys, and Scarface come to mind. I am a different type of producer...I need to get to know the artist first. I need to have a discussion and well...build a relationship and then get to work on the music.

AC: Many folks in the world of hip-hop have lamented on how blinged out and gangsta the genre has become. Is hip-hop in need of a change?

Ant: Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves. I honestly feel there is room for everyone in hip-hop...things do have a way of changing...times are changing politically here in the US and with that happening the music I feel will change along with the times.

AC: After the "Paint the Nation Tour" what's next? Will you take some time off?

Ant: After the tour I will have a little bit of time off but then I will get back to work producing the next Brother Ali disc. Once that is done I am sure Slug will have some ideas for some new music!