Hopefully you do not fall into stereotypes that surrounds hip-hop music. There is much more to this style of music than the mainstream media will allow the population to hear. Only portraying the negative associated with this genre of music, many of us never get to see the truth. For those who have never understood the depth of this form of artistic expression, look no further than Zion I.With 10 years strong of making head-nodding, thought-provoking music, this Bay area independent duo has jumped to the front of the line of the underground hip-hop scene. With national recognition by winning "Best Independent Album of the Year" by the Source magazine in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005, these two are getting the credit they deserve.
Zion I has had a consistently clear message that has strayed in the opposite direction from many musicians with the same sound. Clearly expressing themselves through their music, MC Zion and Amplive have steadily kept a theme of the non-violence, spirituality, awareness, and just plain having a good time, at the center of their music. This is noticeably reflective in the crowds that they draw to their live shows, which by the way, are full of energy and loud beats, many of which that are composed by Amplive live on stage. Their support of non-violence is cleary stated in the track "Kharma" on my favorite album so far, Deep Water Slang:
"Little boy pack a gun, little boy like Tanqueray
Everything you do gonna make your hair turn gray
Nowhere to run, are you afraid?
Little boy pack a gun, little boy is gonna pay."
With a variety of sounds, Amplive has made his mark as one the more creative producers in the business. In Deep Water Slang he blends classic hip-hop beats, drum and bass, a variety of synthesized sounds, and elements of jazz together to one incredible timeless masterpiece. Integrated with MC Zions lyrics related to world peace, making amends, karma, and finally coming to our senses, it is a can't miss album.
If you want to hear good music these days, you need to turn off your radio (except 90.3fm in Seattle and kexp.org) and television, and ask the people what is really going on.
Wanna hear some? Check out my playlist to the right and break yourself into their music with the track "Sorry" if you feel like it.
"Build rather than destroy" (Zion I)
Stephen DeMent
