After signing with independent label Ground Control Records, the duo released their debut single "Inner Light" in 1998, along with their debut EP Starship. In 1999, they released their next single "Critical" featuring Planet Asia, and another EP, Chapter 4. Their debut album Mind Over Matter finally surfaced in 2000. The effort was one of the most critically acclaimed underground albums of the year, and was nominated for Independent Album of the Year by The Source Magazine. AmpLive's futuristic production techniques and Zumbi's strong and substantial lyrical content were a major hit with underground Hip Hop fans.
Zion I recorded a second album titled Deep Water Slang, set for release in 2002, but their label went under and the album disappeared. They prepared a second version, Deep Water Slang V2.0, which was released in early 2003. Music videos were shot for the songs "The Drill", "Finger Paint", "Boom Bip" and "Le Le Le", giving them the most exposure of their career. Zion I started their own record label, Live Up Records, in 2003, and released a mixtape titled Curb Servin. In 2004, the duo released a compilation titled Politicks, and another mixtape, Family Business, which served as a prelude to their anticipated third album. They were featured along with Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Haiku D'Etat on the CD/DVD Calicomm 2004.
True & Livin' was released in early 2005, featuring guest appearances from popular underground artists like Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Gift of Gab. The album featured the single "The Bay," became a West Coast/College Radio hit, and featured a music video. The remix of "The Bay" earned the group its first significant commercial radio play in the San Francisco Bay area. The remix, and later projects, represent a concerted effort to reach hyphy audiences, by collaborating with artists such as Turf Talk, San Quinn, and Mistah F.A.B..
The duo's fifth album is a collaboration project with Living Legends member The Grouch, titled Heroes in the City of Dope, and was released on October 10, 2006. This fifth album was again highly critically acclaimed, and gained the talented band more artistic respect.
Their song "Spinning" was included in the soundtrack of the movie Grandma's Boy.
Zion I's song "Go Hard" was the feature song in popular video game NBA Live 10.
Always
Zion I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world's separatin', I'm clickin' with my cousin
This life's Quickening, yeah, so sickening
You've seen Highlander, you won't miss a thing
Descend from a long lineage of brave kings
Working class people everyday, fighting
The blade striking, where my hand writing
Attack is increased, release lightning
But we children of the sun so we spit Amen Ra
Beg your par'? Come sit in my star ship
Click light speed, catapult into orbit
Ah, the dark star yeah, we going back home
The ancestors always told me, "act grown"
I came through, got back, get better
The body here and now, but the spirit lasts forever
And "that's a mighty long, time" they say
When any given moment it could be, judgement day
We get down, though it seems like a set up
Love conquers always, you've gotta keep your head up
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
The clock, doubling time, to push the button
Relaying you're enlighten, amen Is what I'm writing
My life, a device to magnetize mics
Insight could take flight inside your own life
I see we in for a change, we on ice
To soar on, I'mma get my roll on
I'm so sore, my flow form is go on
Undefeated and my style is impetuous
Get your groove on, move like Exodus
This for the people holla Jah!
Put up your hands in the air like Wah
So blessed we word of flesh
The vibration, installation pure fresh
And success is a part of the get back
Pray up, stay in tune with the crip track
And give back to the people that need
More strength and god as proceed
Indeed, we can implant another seed
And get down though it seems like a setup
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
The song "Always" by Zion I speaks to the challenges of life and the importance of keeping one's head up through difficult times. The lyrics suggest that despite the challenges in the world, there is still hope for a better tomorrow. The song begins with the image of sitting in the oven, which represents the heat of the moment and how people tend to overreact in difficult situations. The world may be separating, but the singer finds solace in the connection he has with his cousin.
The Quickening refers to the idea that time seems to be moving faster and faster as events unfold more quickly than ever before. The reference to Highlander and not missing a thing speaks to the idea of living in the moment, being fully present, and not letting life pass us by. The singer is also proud of his lineage, coming from a long line of brave kings and everyday working-class people who fight for what they believe in.
The song speaks to the power of love and how it can conquer all. Despite the darkness that may surround us, love remains a potent force that can light the way forward. Whether it's through the power of music or the vibrations of pure fresh energy, the message is clear: keep your head up, stay positive and keep moving forward. The song encourages listeners to pray and to give back to those in need, to plant seeds of hope and to be the change they want to see in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting in the oven is hot, and people buggin'
The world is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate and handle.
The world's separatin', I'm clickin' with my cousin
It feels like the world is drifting apart, but I still feel connected to my family and loved ones.
This life's Quickening, yeah, so sickening
The pace of life is quickening and sometimes it can be overwhelming.
You've seen Highlander, you won't miss a thing
If you are aware and pay attention you won't miss important things happening around you.
Descend from a long lineage of brave kings
I come from a line of strong and brave people.
Working class people everyday, fighting
Normal people are fighting everyday battles to make a living and take care of their families.
The blade striking, where my hand writing
My words can be as sharp and effective as a blade.
Attack is increased, release lightning
When I'm under pressure or threatened, I have the power to strike back with great force and energy.
Swing ma hammer like my nickname Thor
I can be powerful and assertive like the god Thor.
But we children of the sun so we spit Amen Ra
As children of the sun, we have spiritual power and invoke the ancient Egyptian deity Amen Ra in our music.
Beg your par'? Come sit in my star ship
If you're lost or in need of guidance, I can help you find your way and take you on a journey of self-discovery.
Click light speed, catapult into orbit
Together we can use our collective energy to propel ourselves into a new, better future.
Ah, the dark star yeah, we going back home
We are all part of a greater universe, and our souls will return to the cosmic source after we die.
The ancestors always told me, "act grown"
My ancestors taught me to be mature and responsible in my actions.
I came through, got back, get better
No matter what challenges I face, I keep moving forward and improving myself.
The body here and now, but the spirit lasts forever
Although our physical bodies will die, our spirits will live on forever.
And "that's a mighty long, time" they say
People often say that the journey of life is long and difficult.
When any given moment it could be, judgement day
At any time, we could be held accountable for our actions and face the consequences.
The clock, doubling time, to push the button
Time seems to be moving twice as fast as before, and we need to take action before it's too late.
Relaying you're enlighten, amen Is what I'm writing
Through my music, I hope to spread a message of spiritual enlightenment and positivity.
My life, a device to magnetize mics
My life and experiences are like a magnet that attracts attention and allows me to create powerful music.
Insight could take flight inside your own life
By gaining insights into your own life, you can achieve personal growth and take flight towards your goals.
I see we in for a change, we on ice
I believe that the world is on the brink of major changes and we need to be prepared for what's to come.
To soar on, I'mma get my roll on
I'm going to keep moving forward and working hard to achieve my goals.
Undefeated and my style is impetuous
I always maintain my confidence and my style is passionate and energetic.
Get your groove on, move like Exodus
Get into the rhythm and move forward like the biblical story of Exodus, where the Israelites were led out of slavery and towards freedom.
This for the people holla Jah!
This music is for the people and is a celebration of the divine spirit.
Put up your hands in the air like Wah
Get excited and raise your hands in the air like you just don't care.
So blessed we word of flesh
We are truly blessed to be alive and have the ability to express ourselves through music.
The vibration, installation pure fresh
Our music is full of positive energy and has the power to uplift and inspire people.
And success is a part of the get back
By working hard and persevering, we can achieve the success we desire.
Pray up, stay in tune with the crip track
Stay connected to your spiritual side and keep listening to music that uplifts and inspires you.
And give back to the people that need
We should use our success and abilities to give back and help those who are less fortunate.
More strength and god as proceed
As we move forward, we should become stronger and more connected to the divine spirit.
Indeed, we can implant another seed
We have the power to inspire and influence others to create positive change.
Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up
No matter what challenges we face, love and positivity will always prevail and we should strive to stay positive and keep our heads held high.
Contributed by Maya E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tommy Long
I always loved this track but now that he has passed it has given me even more appreciation for it, especially the first verse. Would be terrible to die young, but nice to leave a message like this behind for your family, and for the world. Rest In Peace brother
StrivfeJokerHipHop
This is beautiful music. From the heart and soul. What hip hop started as, ya'll are keeping it alive!
Limitless Lotus
I remember hearing this song senior year of high school and was in love with it, but I lost the name of the song after I lost my iPod touch, 10 years later I find it again and it's just as amazing as I remember "Love conquers always, gotta keep your head up."
Babylone
Very cool song and the editing is WICKED!!
crazyalcayne
I'm loving this one!!
Tommy Long
the beat from 0:44 to 0:54.... I wish the entire track was that beat. god damn, it hits my ears so nice...
TheE
Can't get it out of my head!!! Loove it!
B.S.E PRODUCTIONS
true artists just an honour to listen and watch your music videos art, feel soooo inspired
Brandon Dent
Much love, and thanks again for coming out to Santa Fe and turning us into fans!
ash0attacks
Ayy keep doing your thing, you guys are keeping hip-hop real.