Zion I is a Bay Area hip-hop duo comprised of MC Zumbi and producer
Amp Live. Their previous work has tended to focus on live instruments, but on
Shadow Boxing they dive deep into an electronic space, enlisting the help of such producers as
Bassnectar,
Traxamillion, and DexBeats as well as guest rappers like
Goapele and
Collie Buddz. "This is an album about metaphorical kicks and throws at oneself," says Zumbi, "looking inward at the shadow self, and seeking awareness in the darkness of one's own psyche." If that sounds suspiciously like twaddle, don't worry about it: Zumbi is much more coherent when he's rapping, and his flow is razor-sharp and absolutely disciplined. Even more importantly, the beats are consistently world-class:
Bassnectar is in top form on the acid-funk banger "Human Being," while "Sex Wax" features some wonderful dancehall toasting from
Collie Buddz and "We Don't" brings
Zion I's Bay Area compadres
Grouch and
Eligh on board for some tag-team rapping. One or two tracks hit less hard than the others, but in each of those cases it's because
Zion I took a risk and it didn't quite pay off -- and the willingness to take musical risks is one that needs to be encouraged in today's hip-hop world. Most of the tracks on this album succeed wildly and completely. ~ Rick Anderson