MP3: Zion I – “Masters of Ceremony” (Thriftworks Remix)

California Indie Hip-Hop Duo Release Remix of Title Track From Their Masters of Ceremony EP, Premiere via PotholesInMyBlog

10.10.2014

Critical Praise for Zion I:

“Zion keeps the revolutionary fire spirit lit in the minds of the people.” – Davey D’s Hip Hop Corner

“Producer AmpLive and emcee Zumbi want you to be moved not just by the music, but also by the message.” – HipHopDX

The Song:

Following the release of new visuals last week, Zion I is back at it with the release of their new remix of the title song from their The Masters of Ceremony EP, which released at the top of the year. The album release kicked off the first in a series of three EP’s from the Bay Area hip-hop fusion duo. “Masters of Ceremony” (Thriftworks Remix) debuted via PotholesInMyBlog and is the latest work from the crew. The remix presents a more chill vibe than original emphasized by chimes and bells. Zion I released their latest video single “Get Urs” last week, premiering via XXL. The song was produced by Headonic and the video featured a strong cast of rappers including Mr. Lif, Kev Choice, Deuce Eclipse, Opio, and Sadat X. The track is a single from the second installment of their trilogy, Libations EP.

The goal of Zion is to change the perception of hip hop by simultaneously infusing elements of spirituality and a mix of genres including trip hop, R&B and a bit of Latin flavor. Featuring rapper MC Zumbi and producer AMP Live the duo released part one and two of their three free EP series: The Masters of Ceremony EP and Libations EP earlier this year. “For this first installment of the EP trilogy, we took it back to the simple essence of hard, straight banging beats and tight raps and these visuals of the dancers, with their bright colors and attention-grabbing movements complemented that perfectly,” states AMP Live. The Masters of Ceremony is recognized for its innovative and forward thinking values including The Nug who stated that “…Zion I have released a brand new EP that keeps them pushing the boundaries of the indie hip-hop game. Never ones to shy away from electronic-influenced beats, Zion I’s new release The Masters of Ceremony EP hits on all levels.”

Last Saturday, Zion I recorded a live album at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz. This was the first performance of a tour that extends through the month of October, as the group will be hitting several U.S. and Canada cities. The tour concludes on Halloween night, as they’ll be celebrating with their Hella Fresh Fest in Oakland alongside Grieves and Dizzy Wright. Tickets for all shows are available here.

Listen to “Masters of Ceremony” (Thriftworks Remix): https://soundcloud.com/therealzioni/masters-of-ceremony-thriftworks-remix/

Read the PotholesInMyBlog premiere: http://potholesinmyblog.com/potholes-premiere-zion-i-masters-of-ceremony-thriftworks-remix/

Buy The Master of Ceremonies EP on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-masters-of-ceremony-ep/id793425975

Stream The Master of Ceremonies EP on Bandcamp: http://zionicrew.bandcamp.com/album/the-masters-of-ceremony-ep

Buy Libations EP on iTunes: bit.ly/1lCowO3

Stream and listen to Libations EP here: https://soundcloud.com/therealzioni/sets/libations-ep

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Zion I.

Zion I Background:

Since 1999, Zion I has released seven critically acclaimed LPs, including Mind Over Matter (1998), Deep Water Slang (2000), True & Livin’ (2003), Break of Dawn (2004), The Take Over (2009), and Atomic Clock (2010). They also have two highly acclaimed albums under the name Zion I and The Grouch with long time collaborator The Grouch, Hereos in the City of Dope and Hereos in the Healing of the Nation. Voted best Bay Area hip-hop group by the SF Weekly numerous times, Zion I have been featured in media outlets from XXL, The Source, Vibe, YRB, 944, Prefixmag.com, Popmatters, 7+7, SF Chronicle, and SF Bay Guardian.

Having opened for rap royalty including De La Soul, Rakim, and Run-D.M.C, this duo of genre-bender pride has made a name for itself on the Bay Area scene. Oakland’s MC Zumbi and DJ/producer Amp Live blend hip-hop and trip-hop beats with lyrics focused on a message of unity, hope, and spiritual awareness while successfully mixing spiritualism and hip-hop. 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. Although Zion I operates out of Berkeley, the group was originally formed in Atlanta, making their music difficult to classify as strictly West Coast hip-hop. Their musical style makes them even harder to define. With a style that borrows from hip-hop, trance, drum’n’bass, and reggae, Zion I’s style is equally mystical and mystifying.