Oakland hip-hop duo Zion I are coming into Minneapolis tomorrow night on their 3 month U.S. tour with Reggae favorites Rebelution and Soja. Zion I are on tour supporting their new album, The Takeover and will be at the Fine Line Wednesday (Feb 3rd).
The first time I heard Zion I was their album Deep Water Slang that I picked up by suggestion from Fifth Element (if you haven’t heard that definitely seek it out). Their latest album has guest spots from by Houston legend Devin the Dude, UK emcee Ty and Minneapolis’ own Brother Ali.
Lyrically, Zion I’s emcee Zumbi runs the gamut on a range of issues both serious and frivolous, discussing problems and pleasures both spiritual and worldly. You may be familiar with the other half of the group even if you haven’t heard Zion I; Producer Amp Live is well known from his remixes including MGMT, Linkin Park, and “Rainydayz Remixes” based on Radiohead’s in Rainbows. “I started using way more effects on this album,” says Amp. “So I was able to bring in more elements that I’ve been using for some of the dance and indie rock stuff.”
Reggae Rock favorites Rebelution from Santa Barbara, California are headlining the tour. Rebelution has developed into the front runner for grassroots, independent, and touring driven music groups representing the Cali-Reggae scene. Originally formed in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals / guitar,) Rory Carey (keyboards,) Wesley Finley (drums,) and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college, while residing in Isla Vista, a popular beachside community in Santa Barbara.
Rebelution w/ Soja, Zion I | 18+ Show
Doors at 7:30pm / Music at 8:30pm
$15 advance / $17 day of show – Buy Tickets
Check out this free 5 track sampler for download on Zion I’s site: www.zionicrew.com/download