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.
Coastin'
Zion I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can fight or run away
I have no struggle
Relax watch me float away
I'm coastin'
I'm coastin' on a dream
I'm coastin'
This one's for you and me
Not to set trip but my car jets west
As I drift over cliff
The sunset yes
It's me and myself
I needed a rest
The windows down breathin' deep in my chest
I used to feel hopeless
Now I feel so rare
Seats lean back
Can't see my chair
See my eyes reflect in the sky
I feel so divine givin' thanks I'm alive
'Cause we came a long way since our days in the A
Sleepless nights was tryna get right
Now I just glide
Wind in my sails
I toast to the ocean
She balance my scales
West coastin'
Got the breeze at my left
Believe in me black
When life do you wack
Stay focused
True indeed it's a fact
When those hard times come love will bring you right back
When life brings trouble
You can fight or run away
I have no struggle
Relax watch me float away
I'm coastin'
I'm coastin' on a dream
I'm coastin'
This one's for you and me
Now some pop bottles, some chase models
As if it's all live, primetime, the Apollo
Mighty big pill too many can't swallow
The pain got 'em trippin' off things feelin' hollow
Weight in my brain
Spittin' my slang
'Cause I don't wanna I don't wanna go insane
I'm forward on my mission now I'm deep in the game
Got my speakers on blast while I'm switching the lanes
Stay low-pro kinfolk
Started out at Kinko's
Ten years later out to Vegas on a G4
The seats bucket when we puff puff pass
Passports in my luggage got my beats on smash
Attitude of a winner that's some VMA
So we feel like its summer anywhere that I lay
Ay, it's C.A. To the day that we out
Stay strong through the struggle that's what life is about
When life brings trouble
You can fight or run away
I have no struggle
Relax watch me float away
I'm coastin'
I'm coastin' on a dream
I'm coastin'
This one's for you and me
La la la lada
La la la lada
La la la lada
La dee da
La la la lada
La la la lada
La la la lada
La dee da
In “Coastin” by Zion I, the lyrics describe a sense of peace in difficult times, suggesting that instead of fighting or running away from problems, the singer chooses to relax and “float away” on a dream. The song is split into three verses, describing different aspects of the singer’s life journey. In the first verse, the singer is driving westward, breathing in the fresh air and feeling grateful to be alive. They reflect on their previous struggles and how they have come a long way since then. The second verse describes the crazy life of excess that some people choose to lead, reflected in lines such as “Some pop bottles, some chase models / As if it's all live, primetime, the Apollo.” The singer contrasts this with their own attitude of staying low-key and focused on their mission, traveling the world with beats on blast. In the final verse, the chorus repeats, emphasizing that the song is meant for all those who choose to stay strong and “coast” through the difficulties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
When life brings trouble
Life can be challenging and difficult
You can fight or run away
We can choose to either confront our problems or avoid them
I have no struggle
I am at peace with myself
Relax watch me float away
I am enjoying a moment of calm and tranquility
I'm coastin'
I am enjoying the journey without any particular destination in mind
I'm coastin' on a dream
I am following my aspirations and pursuing my passions
This one's for you and me
This moment of joy is shared between us
Not to set trip but my car jets west
I am not trying to show off, but I am driving towards the west coast
As I drift over cliff
I am figuratively enjoying the ride with no fear of falling
The sunset yes
The beautiful colors of the sunset enhance my moment of peace
It's me and myself
I am taking a moment to be with myself and reflect
I needed a rest
I was feeling overwhelmed and needed a break
The windows down breathin' deep in my chest
I am taking deep breaths and enjoying the fresh air
I used to feel hopeless
I used to think that life was pointless and devoid of meaning
Now I feel so rare
Now I feel special and unique
Seats lean back
I am comfortable and relaxed in my car
Can't see my chair
I am figuratively floating in mid-air
See my eyes reflect in the sky
I am metaphorically connecting with the universe
I feel so divine givin' thanks I'm alive
I feel grateful and blessed to be alive
'Cause we came a long way since our days in the A
We have come a long way since our struggles in Atlanta
Sleepless nights was tryna get right
We went through many challenges and hardships to get to this moment
Now I just glide
Now I am gracefully moving forward without any obstacles
Wind in my sails
The wind is guiding me towards my dreams and aspirations
I toast to the ocean
I celebrate the vastness and majesty of nature
She balance my scales
Nature has a harmonizing effect on me
West coastin'
I am enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of the West Coast
Got the breeze at my left
I am feeling the wind blowing on my left side
Believe in me black
I have confidence in myself and my abilities
When life do you wack
When life gets tough
Stay focused
Stay determined and motivated
True indeed it's a fact
This is undoubtedly true
When those hard times come love will bring you right back
Love will help us overcome any difficulties or obstacles we may face
Now some pop bottles, some chase models
Some people may seek pleasure through materialistic things and shallow relationships
As if it's all live, primetime, the Apollo
As if their lives is a glamorous show on TV
Mighty big pill too many can't swallow
Some people are unable to handle the pressure and stress of modern life
The pain got 'em trippin' off things feelin' hollow
Some people cope with their pain by engaging in destructive behaviors and feeling unfulfilled
Weight in my brain
I am experiencing a heavy burden of thoughts and emotions
Spittin' my slang
I am expressing myself through my unique way of speaking
'Cause I don't wanna I don't wanna go insane
I am determined to maintain my mental health and not lose my grip on reality
I'm forward on my mission now I'm deep in the game
I am committed to achieving my goals and fully invested in my pursuits
Got my speakers on blast while I'm switching the lanes
I am enjoying my music while driving fast and changing lanes
Stay low-pro kinfolk
Stay humble and grounded, my friends
Started out at Kinko's
I started from humble beginnings and worked my way up
Ten years later out to Vegas on a G4
After a decade of hard work, I am now able to afford luxury travel
The seats bucket when we puff puff pass
We are enjoying our time smoking marijuana and passing it along
Passports in my luggage got my beats on smash
I am ready to travel the world and create music
Attitude of a winner that's some VMA
I have the confidence and mindset of a successful person
So we feel like its summer anywhere that I lay
We are enjoying life and feeling happy no matter where we are
Ay, it's C.A. To the day that we out
Hey, it's California. We will enjoy our time here until we leave
Stay strong through the struggle that's what life is about
Life will always have its struggles, but we must stay strong and persevere
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY ANDERSON, KRISTINE FLAHERTY, STEPHEN GAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nickey90
Blast from the past.. When I first came of age and moved out of my parents place I used to spend my sparetime walking around in the city smoking joints, observing the dynamics of human society while listening to music, this was my favorite tune at that time... good times :) enjoy your youth people.
𝕴𝖙𝖟𝕴𝖟𝖒
Yu still here w me gang ?
acreatureofhabit
@𝕴𝖙𝖟𝕴𝖟𝖒 right here my guy
Sam W.
💯💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Nickey90
@Sam W. dude i spent hours a while back trying to find this song again but couldnt. Your little comment made me find it again. Thank you <3
young_man
1:36
"When those hard times come,
love will bring you right back" 👌 2020 still coastin' 😎
Merlin Sunlight
This has been my absolute favorite song for more than a year now. definitely reflects the west coast vibes :)
David Carbon
It's 2021 and I'm still feeling this deep in Hawaii
OwlShadow
time to time i use this song as medicine for my soul and well being to enjoy this world
Elhastezy
Word!! 💗🖤💗🖤💗
Many blessings 🌊🐬