Zion-I

Oakland's Zion-I (Amp Live and MC Zion) has few peers when it comes to skillfully integrating samples, original instrumentation, and substantive lyrical content. Unlike others, Amp preserves the essence of his sampled source material, using it to make effective points (as on "Luv"). He's also known by his fans for...

By Tamara Palmer

April 21, 2005

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "19274298",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17482312",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482310",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482313",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Oakland's Zion-I (Amp Live and MC Zion) has few peers when it comes to skillfully integrating samples, original instrumentation, and substantive lyrical content. Unlike others, Amp preserves the essence of his sampled source material, using it to make effective points (as on "Luv"). He's also known by his fans for his accessible experiments with rhythm and tempo, and True & Livin' is no exception, particularly with the two-step time signatures of "Soo Tall." Meanwhile the guest stars on this third studio album, including Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, Del, and Gift of Gab, should give those unfamiliar to the duo several entry points, and garner the well-deserved national attention that has so far eluded them.

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.