About a month ago I heard a few joints off Zion-I's forthcoming album The Takeover, and "Caged Bird Pt 1" immediately caught my attention. On it, Amp Live trades in his MPC and synths for some strings and keys, yet manages to maintain a sense of urgency simultaneously. That combination allows "Caged Bird" to sound as transcendent as the title infers. The singer on the hook wails, "Searching for a better world, this aint no game!" MC Zumbi then dedicates the song to "My caged birds who's fighting just like me/ daily and nightly, beyond getting icey." And though Zumbi and guest Brother Ali hold it down, the track really wins me over at the end. Amp brings the track down to a simmer and lets the soulful squalls marinate acapella."In the Mornin' (Caged Bird Pt 2)" starts slow like the first installment, but then Amp breaks out the brooding reverb bass and goes to town. He never stays in one gear for long though, constantly changing the entire feel of the song without losing the direction and angst.
"In the Mornin' (Caged Bird Pt. 2)"- Zion I
"Coastin'" is one of those layed back Cali cruising anthems, perfect for the sunset drive down I-5. K-Flay soothes the hook to perfection and Amp's repetitive piano chords sound like a subdued Dr. Dre recording in a Frisco fog.
"Coastin'"- Zion I feat K-Flay
Once you have absorbed Zion I's latest heat rocks, listen to Zumbi's convo with the homie D Nastee from Youth Radio. They discuss Oscar Grant and the opportunity the situation presents Oakland's African-American community to come together.
Major propers to HillyDilly and DNastee
Previously: Zion I interview and music videos
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2 comments:
Luuuke! Coastin is the perfect song to slap on those long, trafficky rides back from Inglewood to UCLA after SHAPE, haha. I've been checkin your blog from time to time and I'm loving it. Kyla mentioned that she saw you when she went to New York. Stay up!
Thanks Linds, I appreciate the love and support. Be easy miss and tell ur Bay folks about me!
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