{{Short description|American rapper (born 1992)}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Dem Atlas | image = Dem atlas - first avenue - the current birthday party - rhymesayers (39093033394).jpg | alt = | caption = Dem Atlas in 2019 | birth_name = Joshua Evans Turner | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|05|31}} | birth_place = Akron, Ohio, U.S. | origin = Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | death_date = <!-- {{death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|1992|05|31}} --> | death_place = | genre = Hip hop | occupation = Rapper | instrument = | years_active = 2010–present | label = Rhymesayers Entertainment | associated_acts = Sifu Hotman | website = {{URL|https://dematlas.bandcamp.com}} }} '''Joshua Evans Turner'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/297102931.html|title=Young Minnesota music stars graduate to SXSW (page 1 of 2)|work=Star Tribune|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|date=March 21, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411001437/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/297102931.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (born May 31, 1992),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dematlas/status/737658467805212672|title=Throwin like a throw up. Today's my birthday! Yay!|website=Twitter|author=Dem Atlas|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dematlas/status/461710042559815681|title=I'm 21.|website=Twitter|author=Dem Atlas|date=April 30, 2014|access-date=November 23, 2018|archive-date=November 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123114039/https://twitter.com/dematlas/status/461710042559815681|url-status=live}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Dem Atlas''' (often stylized as '''deM atlaS'''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2015/03/once-upon-a-time-in-minneapolis-20-years-of-rhymesayers/|title=Once Upon a Time in Minneapolis: 20 Years of Rhymesayers|work=Consequence of Sound|first=Killian|last=Young|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=December 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215233322/http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/03/once-upon-a-time-in-minneapolis-20-years-of-rhymesayers/|url-status=live}}</ref> is an American rapper from Saint Paul, Minnesota.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2015/01/dem_atlas_at_7th_st_entry_review.php|title=Dem Atlas Proved His Star Is Rising Rapidly at 7th St. Entry (page 1 of 2)|work=City Pages|first=Jack|last=Spencer|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329075932/http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2015/01/dem_atlas_at_7th_st_entry_review.php|archive-date=March 29, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was formerly a member of the group Sifu Hotman alongside rapper Guante and producer Rube.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.thecurrent.org/2013/11/dem-atlas-signs-to-rhymesayers-entertainment/|title=Dem Atlas signs to Rhymesayers Entertainment|work=The Current|first=Andrea|last=Swensson|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411125023/http://blog.thecurrent.org/2013/11/dem-atlas-signs-to-rhymesayers-entertainment/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was formerly signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26234/title.rhymesayers-entertainment-signs-dem-atlas|title=Rhymesayers Entertainment Signs Dem Atlas|work=HipHopDX|first=Dean|last=Mayorga|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410135311/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26234/title.rhymesayers-entertainment-signs-dem-atlas|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/11/rhymesayers_inks_dem_atlas.php|title=Rhymesayers inks St. Paul's Dem Atlas|work=City Pages|first=Reed|last=Fischer|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331014947/http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/11/rhymesayers_inks_dem_atlas.php|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="xxlmag2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/prof-dropped-allegations-predatory-behavior-sexual-misconduct/|title=Prof, Dem Atlas Accused of Misogyny, Sexual Misconduct|work=XXL|first=Aleia|last=Woods|date=June 26, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref>
==Early life== Born in Akron, Ohio, Turner moved to Minneapolis at age 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/245421031.html|title=Rap's new throwback to the future|work=Star Tribune|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|date=February 13, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411011056/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/245421031.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He attended Eagan Senior High School.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mndaily.com/2013/02/14/atlas-last|title=Atlas at last|work=Minnesota Daily|first=Patrick|last=Maloney|date=February 14, 2013|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411014937/http://www.mndaily.com/2013/02/14/atlas-last|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Music career== In 2013, Dem Atlas self-released his debut EP, ''Charle Brwn''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26250/title.dem-atlas-charlie-brwn-ep-tracklisting-stream|title=Dem Atlas "Charlie Brwn EP" Tracklisting & Stream|work=HipHopDX|first=Andres|last=Tardio|date=November 14, 2013|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410132752/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26250/title.dem-atlas-charlie-brwn-ep-tracklisting-stream|url-status=live}}</ref> During 2013, Dem Atlas signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment and they re-released the ''Charle Brwn'' EP on their own imprint. After signing to the label, Dem Atlas joined label mate Greives' Running Wild Tour. In 2014 he released the ''Dwnr'' EP to critical acclaim. ''Pitchfork'' included it on the "Best MN Hip-Hop Releases of 2014" list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Paul|date=December 10, 2014|title=Minnesota Weird: The Best MN Hip-Hop Releases of 2014|url=http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/590-minnesota-weird-the-best-mn-hip-hop-releases-of-2014/|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=Pitchfork}}</ref>
After releasing the EP Dem Atlas joined Atmosphere's summer tour and joined Joey Bada$$ on tour to promote the EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiok.org/features/weekly-release-spotlight/dem-atlas/|title=deM atlaS: DWNR (Rhymesayers Entertainment)|work=Radio K|first=Sam|last=Segal|date=February 9, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411071202/http://www.radiok.org/features/weekly-release-spotlight/dem-atlas/|url-status=live}}</ref> While touring in 2014, Sifu Hotman, his collaborative project with Guante and Rube, released a studio album, ''Embrace the Sun''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2014/07/guante_sifu_hotman_interview.php|title=Guante details his full-length with Dem Atlas as Sifu Hotman (page 1 of 2)|work=City Pages|first=Jack|last=Spencer|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330091807/http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2014/07/guante_sifu_hotman_interview.php|archive-date=March 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dem Atlas spent the entirety of 2015 on the road touring the US and released a single, "With a Smile".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/287840441.html|title=Allan Kingdom, deM atlaS kick off 2015 with celebratory singles|work=Star Tribune|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411000151/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/287840441.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Village Voice'' included him on the "Five Rap Artists to Watch For in 2015" list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kangas|first=Chaz|date=January 5, 2015|title=Five Rap Artists to Watch For in 2015 (page 1 of 2)|url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2015/01/five_rap_artists_to_watch_for_in_2015.php|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=The Village Voice|archive-date=March 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321120602/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2015/01/five_rap_artists_to_watch_for_in_2015.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, he released a mixtape, ''MF Dem'', which became an instant cult classic and featured 13 previously released instrumentals from MF Doom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/dem-atlas-talks-mf-doom-project-long-awaited-debut-ahead-of-summit-backyard-bash/392897531|title=deM atlaS talks MF Doom project, long-awaited debut ahead of Summit Backyard Bash|work=City Pages|first=Michael|last=Madden|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2017}}</ref> During 2016 and 2017, Dem Atlas, served as opener from Atmosphere's Freshwater Fly Fisherman and Welcome To Colorado tours. In 2018, he released his debut solo studio album, ''Bad Actress''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.thecurrent.org/2018/10/dem-atlas-embarks-on-a-new-journey-with-debut-full-length-album-bad-actress/|title=deM atlaS embarks on a new journey with debut full-length album 'Bad Actress'|work=The Current|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|first=Hanna|last=Bubser|date=October 23, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> He then performed at Soundset 2018 and spent the rest of 2018 on the road touring in support of ''Bad Actress.'' Dem Atlas spent the entirety of 2019 on the road touring both the US and Europe.{{cn|date=May 2024}}
In 2020, Rhymesayers was accused of racism and sexual abuse stemming from within the organization. Rhymesayers ended its working relationship with Dem Atlas, following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Aleia |title=Prof and Dem Atlas Dropped From Label After Allegations of Predatory Behavior, Sexual Misconduct |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/prof-dropped-allegations-predatory-behavior-sexual-misconduct/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=XXL Mag |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712070934/https://www.xxlmag.com/prof-dropped-allegations-predatory-behavior-sexual-misconduct/ |url-status=live }}</ref> deM atlaS refuted the claims by providing both a written and video testimony.<ref>{{cite web | title=deM atlaS Responds to Allegations | website=YouTube | date=6 March 2024 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAr09Yg97Bc | access-date=29 May 2024 | archive-date=17 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717213011/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zAr09Yg97Bc | url-status=live }}</ref> There was no formal investigation and no charges were ever filed. In 2021, Dem Atlas signed a management deal with San Francisco Supply. After a year under contract, deM atlaS and San Francisco Supply parted ways. On November 12, 2021, deM atlaS self-released the redeMption EP. Today,{{when|date=May 2024}} deM atlaS continues to do his music, working on a follow-up project to redeMption.{{cn|date=May 2024}}
==Style and influences== In a 2015 interview with ''Star Tribune'', Dem Atlas stated that his influences range from Pharcyde to Nas, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/style/287991021.html|title=Style profile: Rhymesayers rapper Dem Atlas talks fashion|work=Star Tribune|first=Aimee|last=Blanchette|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Studio albums=== * ''Embrace the Sun'' (2014) {{small|(with Guante and Rube, as Sifu Hotman)}} * ''Bad Actress'' (2018) * ''FANTASY PKWY'' (2024)
===Mixtapes=== * ''MF Dem'' (2016)
===EPs=== * ''Charle Brwn'' (2013) * ''Sifu Hotman'' (2013) {{small|(with Guante and Rube, as Sifu Hotman)}} * ''Dwnr'' (2014) *redeMption (2021)
===Singles=== * "All We Got" (2014) * "With a Smile" (2015) * "In the Mud" (2017) * "Bad Days Are Over" (2019) *"Retribution" (2021)
===Guest appearances=== * Irenic - "Angels Lose Their Way" from ''Wisdom Teeth: The Art of Pulling Roots'' (2012) * Beasthead - "Different Son" from ''Tallest Trees'' (2013) * Atmosphere - "Color in the Snow" (2013) * Antioch - "Prozac Daytrips" from ''King of the Forest'' (2014) * Christopher Michael Jensen - "Psychosis" from ''CM Cool J'' (2014) * Atmosphere - "Finer Things" (2015) * Andre Mariette - "Beer vs. Champagne" from ''Cloud 8.9'' (2015) * Doze - "Nice Guys Finish Last" from ''Pay Dues Forever'' (2015) * Atmosphere - "Next to You" from ''Fishing Blues'' (2016) * Onry Ozzborn - "Figure It Out" from ''Duo'' (2016) * Brother Ali - "Special Effects" from ''All the Beauty in This Whole Life'' (2017) * YYY - "Wouldn't It Be Nice" from ''A Tribute to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds'' (2017) * Lady Midnight - "Slide" from ''Midnight Special Vol. 2: Countdown 2 Sunrise'' (2018) * Ultra Suede - "Selfish" from ''Ultra Suede'' (2018) * Atmosphere - "Drown" from ''Mi Vida Local'' (2018)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://rhymesayers.com/artists/dematlas|Dem Atlas}} on Rhymesayers Entertainment * {{SoundCloud}} * {{Discogs artist|Dem Atlas|Dem Atlas}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dem Atlas}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century American rappers Category:Musicians from Akron, Ohio Category:Rappers from Minneapolis Category:Rhymesayers Entertainment artists Category:21st-century American male rappers