Zion I: Ready For The Takeover in '09

Zion-I has been a stalwart in the Bay Area's music scene for a decade plus because they make timeless hip-hop that is always on the verge of something new. Amp Live's creative production infuses Zion-I's music with everything from rock to house while still allowing them to maintain a distinct sense of self. Allowing their signature sound to evolve and grow has also helped them avoid straying into the Bay's hyphy clichés. Amp's genre bending drum 'n' bass soundscapes and Zumbi's layed back intelligent flows are staples of the East Bay's underground scene. But their shows are their bread and butter.

I have seen Zion-I multiple times and they can rock a venue like nobody's business. Give Amp his MPC and Zumbi his mic and they'll tear the house down with a on-the-spot improvisational slap for the ages. Their other appeal is that, despite incessant touring, they are always involved in local events in Oakland and the broader Bay Area. They host benefit concerts and showcases for young artists, and always come out for progressive political events. The picture below shows Zumbi speaking at the Oscar Grant rally on Jan. 7th.

The Takeover drops later this month but you can stream the first few tracks of the album at www.zioni-thetakeover.com. You won't be disappointed. The dumb clichés are starting to wither in hip-hop and the leaders of the new school can actually spit, but Zion-I has been on that tip for years. Hopefully '09 will get them their much deserved daps. And if you don't know, get familiar!

Above: A MTVU performance of "Antenna" off The Takeover