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Zion I consists of Oakland's MC Zion and DJ/producer Amp Live. The duo blends hip-hop and trip-hop beats with lyrics focused on a message of unity, hope, and spiritual awareness. After a couple of indie hits, they slowly made inroads while opening for rap royalty like De La Soul, Rakim, and Run-D.M.C. After signing with independent label Ground Control Records, the duo released their debut single "Inner Light" in 1998, along with their debut EP Starship. In 1999, they released their next single "Critical" featuring Planet Asia, and another EP, Chapter IV. Their debut album, Mind Over Matter, was released in May of 2000 and features collaborations with fellow Bay Area rappers Rasco, Planet Asia, and the Grouch. With a style that borrows from hip-hop, trance, drum'n'bass, and reggae, Zion I's style is equally mystical and mystifying. They have since released three more albums: 2003’s Deep Water Slang V2.0, 2005’s True and Livin’ (which featured appearances by Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, Del, and Gift of Gab), and 2006’s Heroes in the City of Dope (which was a collaborative effort with The Grouch). They have also released three new mixtapes: 2003’s Curb Servin’: The Mixtape Sessions, 2004’s Politicks: Collabs & B-Sides, and 2004’s Family Business.

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