J-IV
Underground Sounds
Zumbi and Amp Live have done it yet again. Zion I’s new album, The Take Over is simply brilliant. Amp Live is making his case to be put up with the elite names of producers at this point. Zumbi’s performance is stellar as well, once again showing his uncanny versatility over various beats. This album is proof to those who say you can’t have a “banger” with conscious themes.Geek to the Beat is a wild intro to the album, just a taste of what’s to come.
The title track may be the best cut on the album. Just a thumping beat with those perfect horns. Zumbi rips it, loved these lines: “the tried to call us yoga, a couple years later we came to take this thing ova.” “they call me starving to grimey, conscious to cosby, hyphy to hip hop, I’m happy I’m sorry.”
DJ DJ is wild. Some old school, Planet Rock sounding b-boy anthem vibe on this track.. This is completely original and Zumbi pays homage to the legendary Bambaataa with this classic b-boy track.
Antenna is such a smooth melodic beat that is perfect for Zumbi. “Use to feel a little better bout the garden I’m tendin, weeds in my life enemies I befriend, feels hella heavy please don’t get offended.” Love the hook: “what should I do? when can I talk to you through my antenna?”
Another great beat from Amp on Caged Bird Pt. 1. Zumbi & guest Brother Ali slay the track with some gems, a great struggle to success theme.
Caged Pt. 2 is completely different. Hits with a Houston-esque guitar riff and then flips to a calmer beat. Zumbi’s ability to flow through both is amazing. “Feel like a Sodom, maybe is Gomorrah, couldn’t find a job now we’re sure to be poorer.”Radio is another gem with Zumbi commentating on people’s concept of Zion I and the state of the music industry.
Gumbo is a dope instrumental with Amp Live doing his best New Orleans homage and then doing just like gumbo, mixing it up to create some goodness.Country Baked Yams is a unique beat. Zumbi’s altered voice adds to the appeal & Devin the Dude has a great appearance on the hook & his own verse. Song grew on me after a couple listens.
Coastin starts of with a perfect use of the piano by Amp and another standout from Zumbi. “Used to feel hopeless, now I feel so rare, seats leaned back can’t see my chair, see my eyes reflect in the sky, I feel so divine, giving thanks I’m alive.”
Juicy Juice has Amp going back to some hard thumping drums, Zumbi with some dope rhymes. “We don’t die, we multiply, puts your hands in the air if you feel them fly, feeling juicy, movin in the juicy juice.”
Peppermint Patty is another gem with a very intricate beat by Amp and some more knowledge from Zumbi. “Hollering about the liberty she’s never gonna give to me, feel like a buster can’t help that I lust her.”
Bring in the Light makes you think The Roots were in there recording this live the way Amp crafted this one. This may be Zumbi’s best performance on the album. “Deep in the city like concrete cracks amongst the stacks of wax, monitors on black we face infinity we simple & free, crowded off into a box where the energy be.”
Legacy is a nice way to finish the album with a very melodic beat by Amp. Zumbi & Ty give some dope rhymes & a very nice singing performance from Jennifer Johns.
Only a month into 2009, it may be hard to top this album, as it is truly a gem. Zumbi and Amp Live keep expanding their musical talents to keep the ever evolving Zion I as one of the best hip hop groups on the scene.
You can hear Underground Sounds on Mondays at 9-11 p.m only on KLSU.
