Minneapolis Hip Hop group Atmosphere was founded in 1996 by Sean Daley (Slug) and his Washburn High School friend Derek Turner (D-Spawn). They later recruited Anthony Davis (Ant) to provide production and the rest is history. While Slug and Ant have been the words and beats behind Atmosphere for 11 albums, Spawn contributed to Overcast!,the group’s 1997 debut album.
Although Spawn left the group three years after its release, he and Slug have remained good friends — and now, they need Hip Hop’s help. On Tuesday (May 17), Slug shared a screenshot of a GoFundMe campaign erected by DJ Stage One in Spawn’s name. According to the description, he suffered a stroke and is need of financial assistance.
“If you are reading this, then you know this man’s voice from the Overcast album/Headshots tapes, as well as over three decades of contributing to the Twin Cities music scene,” he wrote in the caption. “D-Spawn is a founding member of Atmosphere, one of my oldest friends, and the wizard who taught me all my fly dance moves.
“Unfortunately he suffered a stroke and needs assistance with the medical bills. Let’s show our brother some love. Please click the link in our bio to read, donate, comment and share. Anything you can do is much appreciated! Love you. Thank you to @djstageone for putting this fundraiser together.”
AD LOADING...
According to a post from DJ Stage One, Spawn is currently in the hospital. As he wrote, “Please help me send ital vibes and healing prayers to my BROTHER like no other: Derek ‘D-Spawn’ Turner who is currently in the hospital. You got this brodie.”
Slug Reflects On 20th Anniversary Of Atmosphere's "Overcast!" & Spawn's Departure
The GoFundMe description explains Spawn “needs assistance with medical fees attached to his unfortunate medical issues.” It continues, “Derek is a long standing artist in the Twin Cities community & a founding member of the Hip Hop group Atmosphere. He is also a provider and husband who like many of us could use a helping hand sometimes in life’s journey and the time is now.”
The goal is currently set at $9,000, but DJ Stage One and the Turner family are grateful for anything. To contribute to the GoFundMe, head here, and revisit Overcast! below.
