Zion I
The Takeover
Gold Dust
Street Date: 01.27
Zion I = Afrika Bambaataa + Juice Crew + Tribe
Zumbi and AmpLive have been around 12 years now. Although they have molded with the hyphy movement going down in the Bay, they have kept their underground swagger at top-notch caliber. The Takeover opens strong with typical Zion flavor featuring some crazy African drum beats, dropping to a bouncy 808 breakbeat. The album moves great with the same flavor in the beginning (“Geek to the Beat” and “DJ DJ”), and my mind became clouded listening to it, picturing myself circa ’88 rocking a ridiculous gold chain and some Kangol for good measure. Then, BAM!! The single of the album, “Antenna” pops on. At first listen, I was disgusted, almost like the morning after a Tortilla Gold binge that ends with Beto’s. “Antenna” is highlighted by Zumbi’s verses, but this is overshadowed by a lacking chorus, AmpLive’s subpar beats and a horrendous breakdown. But picking me up like a pancake breakfast on Sunday is “Caged Bird” featuring Brother Ali. Zumbi and Brother Ali’s flow is laced with an amazing, soulful female chorus. Unfortunately, this song leads to the disappointing end of The Takeover. The final nine tracks are rather dull and do not display typical Zion I talent. It almost feels as if AmpLive took a dirt nap with the MPC for the final nine. Starting strong, fluttering like a Yugo, then picking you back up only to let you down is the best way to describe this album. Sounds like my last relationship … –JRapp