Zion I: "Geek to the Beat" Video

Zion I Continue to Evolve on New Album

Album Review by Coolhand Luke for Wiretap Magazine

Zion I fans know that Zumbi and Amplive are bigger and better than the “backpack” status they have been relegated to, and though their latest album will more than satiate their underground following, don’t expect them to Takeover any time soon. The heart of the album is a fresh take on their classic sound, resulting in an ambitious smorgasbord of Bay boom-bap, electronic soul and eclectic funk that changes gears without jolting. Overall The Takeover is sonically diverse and conceptually solid, but is a few songs away from being a great album.

Click HERE to read the rest of my review

Zion I Talks Takeover with Vimby

Zion I sits down with Vimby to discuss their latest album, The Takeover. I know that Zumbi is the emcee and all, but it always amuses me that in every interview, he is the only one ever talking. Free Amp! lol

In all seriousness though, cop The Takeover and be on the look out for my review over at www.wiretapmag.org later this week! Also, if you're down at SXSW, check them out at 1am tonight at The Back Alley Social Club at 303 W. 5th St

Mistah FAB Speaks on Oscar Grant's Murder

Mistah FAB Speaks to MTV News about Oscar Grant's police execution and the upheaval that followed. Click here for the full article. See below for excerpted quotes from FAB.

"I'm on the front lines, homey, because I am a member of this community and we are not going to stand for these assassinations anymore," F.A.B. told us. "I wish (today's protest) was more consistent, though — there's only, like, a couple of dozen people here right now and dwindling. But I can understand, given what happened Wednesday night."

"We have a history of being a city and community known for organizing and for our activism," F.A.B. said. "So it was disheartening that a few people used the protest to get out their frustrations. A lot of those people [causing the damage] didn't know what the rally was for, and had nothing to do with the original protest and had no interest in Oscar Grant's situation. It takes away from what we're battling and the justice we want done.

"But they're frustrated. People are frustrated. I don't condone the burning down of minority businesses or destroying city property — that makes Oakland look bad. But Oscar Grant was not the first young man to be shot and killed by a police officer in Oakland in the last year. The Oakland police do not have a good relationship with the community — especially the young people of this community — so I understand some of that frustration."

Above: Mistah FAB & Zumbi of Zion I speak on the Oakland Police at the Oscar Grant Rally. Click here to see more of Mistah FAB's comments

Mistah FAB has also released a track with Oakland's Jennifer Johns and Amp Live that speaks on Oscar Grant and the past and present state of Oakland. FAB's words are heart felt and pull no punches. One correction however: He states that the police killed Black Panther Bobby Seale, but was probably referring to Lil Bobby Hutton. Props to nahright.

"My Life (Oscar Grant Tribute)"- Mistah FAB feat. Jennifer Johns (prod by Amp Live)

Bonus: "Mad World (Oscar Grant Tribute)"- Novel

R&Bay: Some New Goapele To Swoon To

Although Keyshia Cole may be the best known singer from Oakland at present, I feel that most of my folks tend to identify more with Goapele. A part of Keyshia is very Town, in its more hood incarnations, but I wouldn't say that her music really reflects Oakland. Her music is not bad by any stretch, its just that it's fairly standard commercial R&B. Goapele better captures the Bay's progressivism, unique flavor and subteranean soul. She also seems really down to earth and genuine. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for her, but when I'm cruising through the Town on the late night over the Holidays, Ima have her in the rotation for sure.

This joint "Don't Be Shy" is my one right now. I've fallen asleep to it for the last four nights and swayed to it religiously on the train. It's just so smooth and captivating. It seems so Bay too. Maybe it just seems like home. The idea of running into old crushes at little functions and enjoying the evening on some throwback ish. Apparently it was recorded during the Change It All sessions but didn't make the album. I truly don't know why.

"Don't Be Shy"- Goapele

This song "Chocolate" was commisioned by LG for their Chocolate phone. It is produced by AmpLive of Zion I and features a more up beat synth sound as a result. I likes it, but I'm feeling a little more melancholy and lowkey these days, so I'm goin with the sultry Shy joint. You can't go wrong with chocolate tho . . .

"Chocolate"- Goapele (prod by AmpLive)

Zion I's Amplive Remixes Radiohead

So back in January, Amp was slated to release his Rainydayz Remix album of Radiohead's In Rainbows. From what I recall, Radiohead/their people had a conniption over the whole thing and I never saw heads or tails of it. That said, my cuzzin Chewey had it, so I did some research and discovered that the two parties had reached an agreement and the album was released For the whole remix album go here. Below are a couple tracks from it that I'm feeling.

"15 Stepz (Amplive Remix)"- Codany Holiday & Radiohead

"Reckoner (Amplive Remix)"- Chali 2na (J5) & Radiohead

Due to the rainy weather in NY right now, the fact that this joint is also sampled from a UK rock band and that its dope, here is a little bonus from Zion I and The Grouch's Heroes in the City of Dope collaboration album.

"Z & G"- Zion I & The Grouch feat. Coldplay