Zion I: Mind Over Matter is an experience. Zion I is the duo of MC Zion, vocals, and Amp Live, who handles the production end. Duos similar to these are not uncommon, but none seem to feed off each other as well as these two. Amp Live creates some of the most futuristic, electric, soulful sounding tracks to rhyme on that I have ever heard. Zion I is a duo consisting of emcee MC Zumbi and producer Amp Live who are known for their drum-n-bass inspired break beats and socially conscious lyrics. Hailing from Oakland, California the group has been in the game since 1997 and released their first album, Mind Over Matter, in 2000.
| Mind Over Matter | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | |||
| Released | May 30, 2000 | ||
| Genre | Hip hop | ||
| Length | 74:18 | ||
| Label | Ground Control Records | ||
| Producer | 418Hz Productionz | ||
| Zion I chronology | |||
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| Singles from Mind over Matter | |||
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Mind over Matter is the debut studio album by Zion I. It was released by Ground Control Records in 2000. It was nominated for Independent Album of the Year by The Source in 2000.[1]
- I have recently purchased 3 albums, People Under The Stairs 'The Next Step,' The Visionaries 'Sophomore Jinx' and this release Zion I 'Mind Over Matter.' The one thing that makes Zion I stand apart (other than it's fantastic production) is how much better the recording is than the other 2.
- Mind over Matter's lead single, 'Creation,' is a track that combines choppy drum snares, razor sharp scratches, and great interplay between Zion and Bay Area rapper Planet Asia, and should appeal to hip-hop fans who are down with abstract rappers such as Blackalicious and Digable Planets.
Critical reception[edit]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | [2] |
| The A.V. Club | favorable[3] |
| Exclaim! | favorable[4] |
| RapReviews.com | 9/10[5] |
Jon Azpiri of AllMusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, writing, 'Influenced equally by hip-hop and various forms of electronica, Zion I offers listeners a collage of new sounds mixed with ancient spiritualism.'[2] Del F. Cowie of Exclaim! called it 'a truly invigorating affair.'[4]
In 2015, HipHopDX included it on the '30 Best Underground Hip Hop Albums Since 2000' list.[1]
Zion I Mind Over Matter Cd
Track listing[edit]
Zion I Mind Over Matter Zip
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 'Creation' | 0:55 |
| 2. | 'Revolution (B-Boy Anthem)' | 4:11 |
| 3. | 'Critical' (featuring Planet Asia) | 3:57 |
| 4. | 'Mysterious Wayz' | 4:17 |
| 5. | 'Tha Choice' | 1:17 |
| 6. | 'Koncrete Jungle' | 3:57 |
| 7. | 'Metropolis' | 2:42 |
| 8. | 'Oh Lawd' | 0:26 |
| 9. | 'Trippin' | 5:08 |
| 10. | 'How Many' | 4:36 |
| 11. | 'Elevation' | 5:58 |
| 12. | 'A Little Change' | 3:39 |
| 13. | 'Fools Gold' | 0:55 |
| 14. | 'Venus' | 4:33 |
| 15. | 'Rap Degreez' | 3:03 |
| 16. | 'Silly Puddy' (featuring The Grouch) | 5:34 |
| 17. | 'Inner Light' | 3:14 |
| 18. | 'Big Ups' | 2:39 |
| 19. | 'All tha Way' (featuring Knowmatic, Eclipse 427, and Rasco) | 4:44 |
| 20. | 'One' | 4:01 |
| 21. | 'Inner Light (Icey Mix)' | 4:26 |
References[edit]
- ^ ab'The 30 Best Underground Hip Hop Albums Since 2000'. HipHopDX. August 26, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^ abAzpiri, Jon. 'Mind over Matter - Zion I'. AllMusic. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^Rabin, Nathan (May 30, 2000). 'Zion I: Mind Over Matter'. The A.V. Club. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^ abCowie, Del F. (August 2, 2000). 'Zion I Mind Over Matter'. Exclaim!. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^Lavenz, Tim (May 15, 2003). 'Zion I :: Mind Over Matter :: Ground Control'. RapReviews.com. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
External links[edit]
Zion I Mind Over Matter
- Mind over Matter at Discogs (list of releases)
