True & Livin'

Although this is the first album I've heard from Zion I; the Oakland based hip-hop crew's 3rd release is a quality one. Their style is laced with jazzy hooks, soft acoustic melodies, elegant string arrangements, and some straight up head nodding beats. Of course, none of that would amount to anything if the emcee (Zion) didn't match the production (Amp Live). It's very apparent that these two have been working together for quite some time. The music comes out naturally and fluidly. Zion brings it full circle with his soulful and heartfelt lyrics and flow. They have achieved a rich, comfortable sound that nearly anyone could get down to.

Nearly every track has something to offer. Their style is reminiscent of Outkast, Blackalicious, and One Be Lo, which is laced heavily with elements of jazz. They do a fine job of making the album their own in an industry full of similar sounding albums. You get the occasional off-kilter beat on cuts like "Soo Tall" or the abstract "Poems 4 Post Modern Decay" featuring Aesop Rock. My favorites have got to be the slower more soulful joints, such as "Bird's Eye View". On the other hand, head nodders like "The Bay" are equally intriguing. The collaborations with Talib Kweli ("Temperature") and Gift of Gab of Blackalicious ("Stranger In My Home") are also quality cuts.

Honestly, I bought this album because of the aforementioned collaborations; but I really got so much more. The comfort of some of my favorite underground emcees endorsing the album turns out to be a strong point, because "they" aren't in the spotlight. They simply make the album stronger when it's formula starts to tire. The sequencing and track order also makes it a more comfortable listen. It's not the greatest album ever, but it's definitely one that I'd put above most underground hip-hop I hear.

I like the sound of some songs such as:
Doin My Thing
Birds Eye View
Temperature
One Chance
Stanger in my Home

The nostalgic sounding organ is where its at. Otherwise the other tracks aren't my thing, but I like the conscious softer stuff so. It would be nice if they got a drummer a la Roots. Peace.

I have been a fan of Rhymesayers/Def Jux artists for a while now, but was only introduced to the likes of Zion I a week ago. I didn't know there was hip-hop like this. It definitely has a different sound than the Hip-Hop I have heard. The beats are funky, and the only way I can think of to explain them is that they have soul. Many instruments are used that I wish I would hear more of in hip-hop such as trumpet and saxophone. "The Bay" is a great song with deep acoustic sounding bass. "Soo Tall" has a nice guitar rhythm. Zion has a great flow and a very original sound, but I think the guests on this CD are what really make it great. "Temperature" features Talib Kweli, "Stranger in my Home" features Gift of Gab, . "Poems for Post-Modern Decay" features one of my favorites, Aesop Rock. This is definitely one of my favorites on this CD. Another GREAT song is "What U Hear" with Del the Funky Homosapien, who, like every other artist on this CD just works great with Zion and sound great over Amp Live's production. With Zion's well-crafted flows and the featured artists, the thing that impresses me the most of all is definitely the production. Amp Live may be the best producer I have heard. This CD fully deserves a 5/5. A true MUST BUY.

Man, this album reminds me of something. I think it's of when I first heard The Roots, what with that different more live approach to production which Zion I rep on songs like heads up and the bay, it also has that pacey lyricism that really made me connect with The Roots and their music. Actually I think it reminds me of Slum Village what with its slow minimal beats and jazzy soundscape production Which Zion have mastered on tracks like next to you and I need mo. No wait I know what it reminds me of... Good f'ing hip hop.
****1/2

One.
Pj.

The album is bangin. Once again, there is nothing to skip. What really surprised me was track #12, "Poems 4 post modern decay" with Aesop Rock. I've always heard all the hype surrounding dis cat, but he usually appears to a lighter hue. (I.E. E&A, Atmosphere, Necro, need I go on.) But that track delivers, especially with the poem at the end. My history didn't start on no boat!! Talib Kweli came through to deliver, which was a good thing. He hasn't since train of thought. Amp's production is always on point, and they are never afraid to make music out of the box that is actually tight. (I.E. Amerikka, and Ow Lawd.) Rock, blues, hip-hop and trip-hop on one cd, that clocks in just under 60mins and done right;? They really are true to their craft and livin out the dream.