The group Zion I have been underground stalwarts since they first joined forces back in 1998. With Cali native AmpLive handling the production duties and ATL transplant Zumbi on the mic, the duo strike a balance of social commentary and party vibes on their sixth album The TakeOver. By keeping everything in-house save for a few choice guest spots, the duo keeps the show moving at a nice pace on this succinct and enjoyable album.

Normally when the word diverse is used to describe an album’s production, it either means that the artist got a few tracks from each coast’s producers du jour or continuity is sacrificed for the sake of appearing to step out the box. AmpLive successfully blends together regions and genres of music seamlessly so that the listener’s ears aren’t jarred from track to track. On “Gumbo” he gets to flex his chops dolo, by starting out with a lively New Orleans Brass Band sound before transitioning into an electro/drum n’ bass mash-up. His use of live instrumentation throughout gives the album a warmth that’s missing in most of today’s digital landscape.

Zumbi excels as a hood correspondent, presenting life in all it’s splendor and turmoil. With the help of Brother Ali on “Caged Bird Part 1,” he speaks on the vicious cycle which seems to entrap many growing up in urban areas. Behind an uplifting string movement the two emcees offer words of encouragement for those in the struggle. On the former’s sequel, “In The Mornin’ (Caged Bird Part 2),” the story picks back up with Zumbi portraying a young hustler. Serving as a cautionary tale for the fast life, he’s neither condemning nor glorifying the lifestyle, just presenting it in a more realistic fashion than most. “Country Baked Yams” finds Zumbi linking up with Devin The Dude to pays homage to the fairer sex. Over a bouncy, yet simple and infectious beat, the two create a summer ready tune that will be missed by most.

The reason this album works is because Zumbi is equally adept at kicking knowledge or game at the drop of a dime. “Geek To The Beat” finds him just spazzing out to the drumline, while the gratifying title track finds him in a more quizzical mood, searching for answers to society’s ills. He splits the album almost down the middle in terms of content, leaving the listener yearning for more. With those rubrics, Zion I probably did the right thing leaving it balanced, although it makes the album feel more like a satisfying snack rather than a stick-to-your-ribs meal.  Whereas tipping the scale one way or another would’ve gone a long way in making a more cohesive listen, but maybe a little less digestable.

3.5 CIGARETTES

Download — Zion I’s The Search & The Seizure Mixtape

Watch — “Juicy Juice” Video

For more info, visit www.zioni-thetakeover.com/.

Previously Posted — Zion I, Why?