Mind Over Matter
Innovative and engaging, Zion I'sMind over Mattersucceeds because of its impressive conceptual execution. The Bay Area trio of Zion, Amp Live, and DJ K-Genius set the tone with the old-school energy of "Revolution (B-boy Anthem)," reawakening hip-hop's subversive impulses. Spiritual--not economic--uplift is the focus of this album, and Zion's meditative lyrics deconstruct materialist craving ("Venus") and deliver stream-of-consciousness musing ("How Many"). Zion I avoid being overly earnest, tossing in no-frills bangers ("Critical" with Planet Asia), and also tastefully embrace drum & bass on the previously released single "Inner Light" and the soothing instrumental "Metropolis." This versatile and progressive musical ambience, courtesy of the knob-twiddling of 418Hz Productions, mirrors their lyrical tone, serving up a nourishing blend of beats and rhymes.--Del. F. Cowie