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Zion I MC Zumbi Has Passed Away At Age 49

Zion I MC Zumbi Has Passed Away At Age 49

Hip-Hop has suffered another loss. Zion I co-founder Zumbi, aka Steve Gaines, has died at age 49 on Friday (August 13). The veteran Oakland, California MC's family confirmed the news yesterday. "It is with utter disbelief and great sadness that the Gaines family shares the news of the passing of... Read more
August 14, 2021 News
Del The Funky Homosapien Released From Hospital After Concert Fall Injury

Del The Funky Homosapien Released From Hospital After Concert Fall Injury

UPDATE: Del The Homosapien has been released from a Denmark hospital. Earlier this month, the breakout star out the Hieroglyphics crew was seriously injured during a Gorillaz concert performance. The MC/producer underwent surgery after fracturing seven ribs and puncturing his lung. Del updated his condition to HipHopDX. He added that... Read more
July 24, 2018 News
Del The Funky Homosapien & Amp Live Form A Duo. They Did Not Come To Play. (Video)

Del The Funky Homosapien & Amp Live Form A Duo. They Did Not Come To Play. (Video)

This month, Oakland, California's Del announced the collaborative project with renowned producer/musician, Amp Live (formerly of Zion I). It represents a merging of two very meaningful Hip-Hop artists, especially to the Bay Area. The duo's debut album, Gate 13 is due to drop on April 20, and they teased its... Read more
March 22, 2018 Exclusive, Video
A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

A Near 500-Song Mix Showcases The Magnificent History Of West Coast Hip-Hop (Audio)

West Coast Hip-Hop is incredible. So many of its pioneers are still making albums, doing shows, and adding to their legacy. As a tribute to the Left Coast immense contributions to Hip-Hop, Take It Personal Radio has compiled a four-part episode dedicated to gangsta and underground Rap classics from the... Read more
November 4, 2017 Audio, Mixes
Bahamadia Produced An Entire EP On Her Phone & It’s Dialed Up 2 The Max (Audio)

Bahamadia Produced An Entire EP On Her Phone & It’s Dialed Up 2 The Max (Audio)

Revered as one of music's most gifted Philly lyricists, Bahamadia is known for her subdued, under-the-radar persona. However, her presence in the culture has never waned. Largely considered one of the dopest women to have ever touched a mic, her 1996 album Kollage continues to ring bells two decades later.... Read more
October 19, 2017 Audio, Exclusive
This Documentary Portrays Zion I As An Enduring Underground Hip Hop Voice (Video)

This Documentary Portrays Zion I As An Enduring Underground Hip Hop Voice (Video)

Zion I is one of the only Underground Hip-Hop artists who were active in the DIY 1990s and remain so today. Like Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples, and Atmosphere, and a few others, Oakland, California-based Zion I has stayed the course and remained true to their messages and platform in the... Read more
February 15, 2017 Video
Even Through Changes, Zion I Continues To Push The Sound Of Hip-Hop Ahead (Videos)

Even Through Changes, Zion I Continues To Push The Sound Of Hip-Hop Ahead (Videos)

Throughout the 2000s, Zion I was a trusted source for progressively lyrical, forward-sounding Hip-Hop. Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and Amp Live made important records like "Critical" and amassed a dedicated fanbase. In early 2015, Amp stepped away from his dedicated producer's role. The MC, Zumbi remains at the core of... Read more
November 3, 2016 Video
Do Remember: Zion I & Planet Asia’s Critical (Audio)

Do Remember: Zion I & Planet Asia’s Critical (Audio)

February brought some saddening news to many Heads. Zion I, the veteran duo of Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and partner Amp Live are parting ways. The split is amicable, and seems more related to creative directions and geography than anything. However, the Oakland, California group stems out of the 1990s,... Read more
February 12, 2015 Throwback
Zion I Announce They Are Splitting, But Make Final Project Available (EP Stream)

Zion I Announce They Are Splitting, But Make Final Project Available (EP Stream)

Oakland, California duo Zion I has nearly 20 years in the books, dating back to 1998's "Inner Light." However, Zumbi (a/k/a MC Zion) and Amp Live have announced that they are officially, and amicably splitting. The news comes with the group living in different cities for several years now, and... Read more
February 4, 2015 Audio, News
Zion I, Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice & Deuce Eclipse Get It In (Video)

Zion I, Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice & Deuce Eclipse Get It In (Video)

Zion I pulls out all of the stops for "Get Urs." The Oakland-formed duo of MC Zumbi and Amplive link with Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Mr. Lif (The Perceptionists), Opio (Souls Of Mischief), Deuce Eclipse, and Kev Choice for this stellar (and hella colorful) concept video. It's straight bars, and... Read more
October 5, 2014 Fresh, Video
Zion I Drops Some Futuristic B-Boy Funk In Masters Of Ceremony (Video)

Zion I Drops Some Futuristic B-Boy Funk In Masters Of Ceremony (Video)

AmpLive and Zumbi have always been a step ahead. Oakland, California's veteran duo has seemingly looked to the future in finding their pockets of fuzzed out synths, neck-snapping rhythms, and purism MC deliveries. However, their path also has been blazed with Hip-Hop's (and music in general) past in consideration. In... Read more
May 11, 2014 Fresh, Video
Stream Zion I’s New EP The Masters of Ceremony (Audio)

Stream Zion I’s New EP The Masters of Ceremony (Audio)

One of Oakland's most unheralded groups is Zion I. In 2000, they released the sonic tour de force, Mind Over Matter, and they've been representing quality underground Hip-Hop ever since. Now, the duo of AmpLive and MC Zumbi is back with a new EP that you can stream in its... Read more
January 14, 2014 Audio
Dilated Peoples’ Rakaa, Zion I’s Zumbi & Living Legends’ Sunspot Jonz Kick Chess Raps (Audio)

Dilated Peoples’ Rakaa, Zion I’s Zumbi & Living Legends’ Sunspot Jonz Kick Chess Raps (Audio)

Hip-Hop and chess go hand-in-hand, word to DJ Quik. A lot of your favorite MCs, DJs, and producers love to apply lessons learned of the 64 squares to life and competitive art. Dilated Peoples' Rakaa Iriscience, Zion I's Zumbi, and Living Legends' Sunspot Jonz link with the Hip-Hop Chess Federation... Read more
October 24, 2013 Audio, Fresh
AFH: The Presidential Playlist (Audio)

AFH: The Presidential Playlist (Audio)

Here's a Presidential Playlist through the lens of hip-hop. You'll hear music about dead presidents (Biggie, Rakim, Nas, Joey Bada$$), presidential impact (NWA, dead prez, Crooklyn Dodgers), presidential dreams (2Pac, Jay-Z, Gang Starr, Kurtis Blow, Run-D.M.C.) and more. You can listen to the entire playlist here and a shortened version... Read more
February 18, 2013 Audio, Playlists
Zion I – Trapped Out ft D.U.S.T. & Codany Holiday (Video)

Zion I – Trapped Out ft D.U.S.T. & Codany Holiday (Video)

Here's a new video from Zion I. Check out Trapped Out featuring D.U.S.T. & Codany Holiday. Related: Zion I – We Don’t ft Grouch & Eligh (Audio)... Read more
November 15, 2012 Video
40Love – Tiki Tiki ft Zumbi (of Zion I)

40Love – Tiki Tiki ft Zumbi (of Zion I)

Zumbi from Zion I joins 40Love on a funked-out space age track. Check out Tiki Tiki. Props: 2DBZ Related: Evidence, Zion I & The Grouch - Amp Live for President (Video)... Read more
July 19, 2012 Audio
Here’s a President’s Day playlist featuring music about the presidents most discussed in hip-hop: Dead Presidents. You’ll hear music from 2Pac, DJ Quik, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Scarface, Eric B & Rakim, Kanye West, Zion I, J Cole and more. You can listen to the whole playlist below.

Here’s a President’s Day playlist featuring music about the presidents most discussed in hip-hop: Dead Presidents. You’ll hear music from 2Pac, DJ Quik, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Scarface, Eric B & Rakim, Kanye West, Zion I, J Cole and more. You can listen to the whole playlist below.

Dead Presidents by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more
February 20, 2012 Audio, Playlists
Check out our 175+ song playlist of the best hip-hop 2011 had to offer (in chronological order). You’ll hear music from Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quik, Pete Rock and Smiff N Wessun, XV, Action Bronson, Common, Curren$y, The Roots, Saigon, Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Asher Roth, Phonte, Reks, Raekwon, Stalley, Pusha T, Wale, Zion I, Smoke DZA, Busta Rhymes, J. Cole, Jean Grae, Statik Selektah, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Yelawolf, Pharoahe Monch and far too many other great artists to name.

Check out our 175+ song playlist of the best hip-hop 2011 had to offer (in chronological order). You’ll hear music from Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quik, Pete Rock and Smiff N Wessun, XV, Action Bronson, Common, Curren$y, The Roots, Saigon, Bumpy Knuckles, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Asher Roth, Phonte, Reks, Raekwon, Stalley, Pusha T, Wale, Zion I, Smoke DZA, Busta Rhymes, J. Cole, Jean Grae, Statik Selektah, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Yelawolf, Pharoahe Monch and far too many other great artists to name.

The music speaks for itself. Press play and let it ride or click here to see the playlist and pick your own order. Either way, enjoy the good notes of 2011.... Read more
December 31, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists, Video
Evidence, Zion I, The Grouch & Eligh – Amp Live For President (Video)

Evidence, Zion I, The Grouch & Eligh – Amp Live For President (Video)

Here's an ill collabo from some West Coast underground legends. Evidence, Zion I, The Grouch and Eligh go in over an Amp Live track. 4 MCs, 4 different beats. Check out the video for Amp Live for President. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=14GoLqtP4ZY... Read more
December 23, 2011 Video
Chuuwee – Dolla Bill Cosby

Chuuwee – Dolla Bill Cosby

Here's another strong effort from Chuuwee. In the vein of many others before him (Wu-Tang Clan and Zion I to name a couple), he gives his take on the power of the $$. Check out Dolla Bill Cosby. Click here to download. Wu-Tang Clan's C.R.E.A.M. is probably the best known... Read more
October 4, 2011 Audio, The Bridge
Here’s a mix of some new songs that have come out over the last few months. You’ll find music from Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Elzhi, Blu, Black Rob, Chuuwee, Consequence, Rapper Big Pooh, Jay Rock, Zion I & The Grouch, Ghostface Killah, MF Doom Rapsody and more.

Here’s a mix of some new songs that have come out over the last few months. You’ll find music from Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Elzhi, Blu, Black Rob, Chuuwee, Consequence, Rapper Big Pooh, Jay Rock, Zion I & The Grouch, Ghostface Killah, MF Doom Rapsody and more.

This one starts off chill, builds to a crescendo then smooths out again at the end. Check it out. Ambrosia For Heads New Music Mix by Parfit... Read more
August 6, 2011 Audio
The next playlist features music that has more of a groove to it but it’s still head-nodding music. You’ll find new tracks by XV, Dom Kennedy, Sir Michael Rocks, Zion I and The Grouch, The Kid Daytona, E-40 and DJ Quik.

The next playlist features music that has more of a groove to it but it’s still head-nodding music. You’ll find new tracks by XV, Dom Kennedy, Sir Michael Rocks, Zion I and The Grouch, The Kid Daytona, E-40 and DJ Quik.

Just press play, sit back and enjoy.... Read more
March 26, 2011 Audio, Playlists
Wow. Zion I & The Grouch chopped up a classic Earth, Wind & Fire track really nicely on Victorious People.

Wow. Zion I & The Grouch chopped up a classic Earth, Wind & Fire track really nicely on Victorious People.

It features Freeway & The R.O.D. Project.  Check it out. Click here to download.  Here's the Earth, Wind & Fire original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTQJ2QiK4QU... Read more
March 24, 2011 Audio, The Bridge
Planet Asia has been putting in work for more than a decade but dude has never gotten his deserved props.

Planet Asia has been putting in work for more than a decade but dude has never gotten his deserved props.

He, Zion I and Rascoe have always repped hard for the Cali underground. He's back with another banger--the soulful Boiler Makers. Respect. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWYfsCt6nic&feature=player_embedded Planet Asia was also featured on one of my favorite joints of 2000, Critical. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l3EHv6r38k... Read more
March 5, 2011 The Bridge, Video
Here’s a Presidents Day playlist dedicated to the presidents most celebrated in hip-hop: Dead Presidents.

Here’s a Presidents Day playlist dedicated to the presidents most celebrated in hip-hop: Dead Presidents.

This one is all about the mighty dollar. You'll find some Jay-Z, J. Cole, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie, Dogg Pound, DJ Quik, Scarface, 2Pac, 50 Cent and some outliers like Zion I and Mountain Brothers. Press play, sit back and count stacks.... Read more
February 21, 2011 Playlists