Zion I – The Labyrinth [Album Stream]
Oakland, CA based underground hip-hop duo Zion I drop off their new studio LP, “The Labyrinth”. Take listen below. The Labyrinth by Zion I
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Zion I – Tech $ [Video]
This song was written in response to the rapid gentrification happening in Oakland, CA. Leave a comment on your experience with gentrification in your area.
Read moreZion I – Saving Souls [Video]
“Saving Souls” is available on iTunes now.
Read moreZion I feat. Bambu & D.U.S.T. – Unity [Video]
Off of Zion I’s “The Sun Moon and Stars” EP.
Read moreZion I – The Rapture: Live From Oaklandia [Album Stream]
Recorded live at The Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz, CA on October 4, 2014. “The tunes on this album are some of my favorites, both rare and classic gems from the Zion I catalog. I wanted to touch on some of the more sensitive elements of the music, as I have always viewed that as a strength in today’s current climate driven by sensationalism and hype. For me, music has always been a spiritual process. It helps me deal with my issues, and gives me a proper lens by which to view the world around me. Music is both an escape and a healing salve that I apply to my heart, mind and spirit. I hope you enjoy this offering and feel the fullness of the vibes.” The Rapture Band is a unique formation of Bay Area luminaries that blessed the stage together on this auspicious evening for one night of magical vibrations, captured here in its fullness: Bandleader/Keys: Kev Choice Drums: Dame Taylor Bass: Scott Thompson Guitar: Andrew Levin Cello: Rebecca Roudman Trumpet: Rafa Postel Vocals: Codany Holiday Vocals: Viveca Hawkins MC: Deuce Eclipse MC: Dustin Sharpe Engineer: Deegan McAdams Engineer: Eugene Smith
Read moreZion I feat. Locksmith – Culture Freedom [Video]
We decided to shoot the Culture Freedom video while on the Rapture tour because we wanted to capture the energy of just being in the moment and grinding. I wasn’t tripping off of a deep concept, its more about the way we live than trying to present some glamorized version of ourselves. Most of the footage was taken during the last leg while we were traveling thru Colorado and Wyoming. Plus, we’re from the Bay Area, so being in snow just adds an exotic element in our minds. We had a good time just being free with it. Stay tuned for more from Zion I and Locksmith.
Read moreTrackBlasters Radio: 08.04.15
Da Wednesday Underground Flava – Underground & Old School Hip Hop Non-Stop Host: DJ P.R. Today’s show includes a shit load of new music from the likes of Zion I, Raekwon, CZARFACE, MAHD, Ludacris, DUBB, Russ, Saga and many more! Enjoy. Record Of The Day: Raekwon feat. Snoop Dogg – 1,2 1,2 Playlist Zion I feat. Locksmith – Culture Fre **Record Of The Day** Raekwon feat. Snoop Dogg – 1,2 1,2 CZARFACE feat. Meyhem Lauren – Deadly Class Earl Sweatshirt feat. Vince Staples – Wool MAHD feat. Guilty Simpson – G.M.W.A. Ludacris – This Has Been My World DUBB feat. Jake&Papa – Grindin’ Russ feat. Totem & paulina – 99 HASEEB – Fleas Jabee feat. Fat Tony & Chopps – Hot Sauce Prod. by Droop-E-2 Saga – No Interruptions ScienZe feat. Blu & Elle Pierre – Southside, Queens. Nicky D’s – Schoolboy Crush Swerve 916 x Rav.P – Good Vibes, Good Energy Action Bronson feat. Big Body Bes – The Rising Joey Bada$$ – Christ Conscious Kendrick Lamar feat. Rapsody – Complexion (A Zulu Love) Download here (right click and save as…)
Read moreZion I feat. Locksmith – Culture Freedom [Stream x Download]
“Culture Freedom” is the first collabo from Zion I and the Locksmith. The two Bay Area lyricists are working on a new project which promises to energize the ear of weary rap fans. Produced by Aagee, this tune features the MC’s discussing the lack of balance in the game within this current cycle.
Read moreZion I Interview w/ TheMashup [Video]
Dre-T of Sol Life Music interviews Baba Zumbi of Zion I for the first installment of TheMashup.net’s Artist To Artist interview series.
Read moreZion I – Juggernaut [Video]
Off their recently released “The Sun Moon And Stars” EP.
Read moreZion I – The Sun Moon And Stars [EP Stream]
“The Sun Moon and Stars” EP is the final link in the EP trinity from Zion I, which started with “Masters of Ceremony”, and “Libations”. The project captures the mounting tension of the ongoing clash between the police and the community, with Dreadlock and Unity. On the other side it features savvy storytelling over bass heavy ambience with “Lost in Translation” and “Last Nite”. “Juggernaut” serves as the street anthem, deftly balancing the extremes. The three modes convey the hunger of an artist steady honing his craft. Bear witness, to the “Sun Moon and Stars“.
Read moreZion I feat. Bambu & D.U.S.T. – Unity [Stream x Download]
This song came together as commentary around the murder of unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. The senseless cycle of violence against black men by police departments across the country has reached epidemic proportions. We will never find a sufficient answer by asking the oppressor to change his ways. It is up to us to unify within ourselves and shape the world around us as we see fit. What is your answer? Do you even care enough to consider that there is one? Think about it.
Read moreZion I feat. Mr. Lif, Kev Choice, Deuce Eclipse, Opio & Sadat X – Get Urs [Video]
Off that free EP “Libations”, out now.
Read moreZion I – Masters Of Ceremony [Video]
This video was a collaboration with the “Substance Over Hype” crew out of LA. Filmed at YouTube Studios in Marina Del Rey. Showcases top of the game bboys and poppers as well as some cirque talent (cyr wheel) and martial arts (tricking) to keep it fresh.
Read moreZion I – Libations [EP]
On the heels of the very boom bap oriented “Masters of Ceremony” EP, Zion I drops “Libations” the reflective 2nd installment of their 3 part series. “This project was heavily influenced by one of my best friends passing away suddenly”, states Zumbi, “His death put me in a mood to really analyze my life and how short this existence really can be. It opened my eyes and heart to both the ugliness and beauty of what we experience while alive.” Hence, “Libations” broods with reflection and deep emotion. “To me, libation is when you honor someone by pouring out your brew before you sip, its a sort of prayer. On this EP, I poured out some liquor for my homie, as well as my family, and myself” shares Zumbi. The EP features production from AmpLive, Headnodic, and newcomer Featherload. It also has veteran MC’s Mr Lif, Sadat X, and Opio featured prominently amongst others. Now ease back, and sip some of this heady wine from the Zion I cup. Libations EP by Zion I
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