MP3: Zion I x Locksmith – “Culture Freedom” (Prod. by Aagee)

In Advance of a San Francisco Show That Concludes The Rapture Tour, the Bay Area MC’s Release Hard-Hitting Collaboration, Premiered by DJBooth

04.08.2015

Critical Praise for Zion I:

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

“Zion I is the Bay Area-based rapper and production duo who’s been balancing the Bay’s energetic hip hop trends with brilliant lyricism.” – EARMILK

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

The Song:

Wrapping up his Rapture Tour, Zion I released “Culture Freedom” in collaboration with fellow Bay Area lyricist Locksmith. The track, which premiered via DJBooth, energizes the ears of weary rap fans with clever flows and innovative production by Aagee. “I met him back in the late ’90s on the Wake Up Show,” MC Zumbi says of Locksmith. “I’ve always had respect for his lyricism and it took a couple of years for us to connect.” In February, Mass Appeal debuted Zion I’s The Sun, Moon, and Stars, the third and final chapter of their three EP journey. Embraced as an Oakland mainstay known for advanced lyrical deliveries and a cohesive back-to-the-future musical package, Zion I will perform at Slim’s in San Francisco on April 11 with support from Locksmith and Kev Choice.

With “Culture Freedom,” Zion I and Locksmith strive to keep the hip-hop’s progressive spirit alive. “Just seeing the way that society is so twisted, we as artists struggle with tackling the real issues at hand. Don’t get me wrong, there are MCs dealing with things, but in my opinion there are too many caught up in escapism,” Zumbi says. “It’s our duty to show our youth what we’ve learned along our paths, honestly and sincerely. That’s what we attempted to accomplish with ‘Culture Freedom’…Hip-hop is a tool to empower us, not to limit us and put us back into whatever our oppressor wants us to be.”

Catch Zion I, Locksmith, and Kev Choice at Slim’s in San Francisco on April 11:
http://www.axs.com/events/274945/zion-i-tickets-tickets?aff=usaffsongkick

Listen to “Culture Freedom”: https://soundcloud.com/therealzioni/zion-i-culture-freedom

Check out the DJBooth premiere: http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/2015-04-07-zion-i-culture-freedom-locksmith

Listen to The Sun Moon and Stars EP: https://soundcloud.com/therealzioni/sets/sun-moon-and-stars-ep

Buy The Sun Moon and Stars EP on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-sun-moon-and-stars-ep/id959197107

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