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.
Lift Me Up
Zion I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Know that God done chose my wealth, I adjust, he
I was so stuck up in a funk, it was hard to just get up
But then I ate away the bump, then I was set free
Lawdy! I'm set free, nothin' can touch me
Even when the road of life, it get bumpy
I be chillin' with my trues, sneakers for my shoes
Never slip sideways, all I do is sing blues
Used to need a breezy, now it sound like old news
Years passin' by, but the faces in the crew
Man, they always stay the same, keep it tight, I thought you knew?
And I'm feelin' so thankful, my cup runneth...
Over, gettin' closer to the summit
In this lifetime, givin' y'all all that I can
Feel the memories and words in the heart of a man, yeah
It's so unusual
'Cause I feel so fly today
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's somethin' beautiful
Lifts me up, I fly away, yeah, yeah, yeah
Lucky labeled me the Duke of Earl
But now that seems like a past life, shoot, you could twirl
When eighty, but baby, me I'm not a ballerina
Maybe I was crazy, I learned a lot and seen a
Large portion of the globe, though
Old habits, rabbit like, now I enjoy it more and probe slow
Keep goin' up, I feel the synergy
Created with my woman since '98 'til Infinity
And Zion I, by and by, see eye to eye
A Legend's work is never done, we try and try
I heard it said, that things go in cycles
The way that I'ma work it, pay attention to the light bulbs
Be rightful, owners upon us
The next moments, check your vitals, the bone isn't so much
Don't go nuts before you turn to accumulate
Your greatest gifts, learn to appreciate
It's so unusual
'Cause I feel so fly today
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's somethin' beautiful
Lifts me up, I fly away, yeah, yeah, yeah
It's so unusual
'Cause I feel so fly today
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's somethin' beautiful
Lifts me up, I fly away, yeah, yeah, yeah
The lyrics of Zion I & The Grouch's song "Lift Me Up" convey a message of self-trust and gratitude. The first verse describes the singer's personal growth and journey towards self-awareness. He promises himself to trust his own judgment and not allow external factors to dictate his worth. He acknowledges that his success and prosperity come from God's guidance and learns to let go of his past struggles. He finds solace in the company of his true friends and has learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The singer expresses his gratitude for the journey he has been on, stating that while challenges may arise, he is continually moving forward and growing.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on the changes he has made and the lessons he has learned. He acknowledges his previous mistakes and experiences and appreciates how far he has come. He mentions the importance of his long-term relationships, such as his partner and Zion I, and how they have grown together. The singer mentions the feeling of energy and synergy he feels with his partner and Zion I, and how he is always striving to improve. He mentions that success goes in cycles, and it is essential to pay attention to how we approach each cycle. Finally, he encourages listeners to appreciate their gifts and focus on what truly matters in life.
Overall, the song's message is one of self-reflection, self-improvement, and gratitude. The lyrics encourage listeners to trust themselves and appreciate their journey's progress, no matter how challenging it may be. The song's upbeat and uplifting tone mirrors its optimistic message, making it an excellent reminder of the positivity of change and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, I made a promise to myself, I said I'd trust me
I promised to trust myself and have faith in my abilities
Know that God done chose my wealth, I adjust, he
I know that God has chosen the path of abundance for me, and I adapt to it
I was so stuck up in a funk, it was hard to just get up
I was struggling and feeling down, making it hard to even get out of bed
But then I ate away the bump, then I was set free
I overcame my struggles and obstacles, and finally felt free from them
Lawdy! I'm set free, nothin' can touch me
I feel so liberated and nothing can bring me down
Even when the road of life, it get bumpy
Even when life gets tough and challenging
I be chillin' with my trues, sneakers for my shoes
I hang out with my true friends and always wear comfortable shoes
Never slip sideways, all I do is sing blues
I never compromise my values, and I express myself through music
Used to mash the gas, now controls set on cruise
I used to rush through life, but now I'm more relaxed and go with the flow
Used to need a breezy, now it sound like old news
I used to crave temporary flings, but now I'm over that phase
Years passin' by, but the faces in the crew
As time goes by, the people in my close circle remain the same
Man, they always stay the same, keep it tight, I thought you knew?
My crew always sticks together and remains loyal, and I assume everyone knows that
And I'm feelin' so thankful, my cup runneth...
I'm extremely grateful and feel overwhelmed with blessings
Over, gettin' closer to the summit
I'm getting closer to achieving my goals and reaching the top
In this lifetime, givin' y'all all that I can
During my lifetime, I'm giving everything I have to offer
Feel the memories and words in the heart of a man, yeah
My experiences and emotions are reflected in my music, straight from the heart
It's so unusual
This feeling is uncommon and unique
'Cause I feel so fly today
Because I feel great and on top of the world today
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's somethin' beautiful
It's a beautiful and wonderful feeling
Lifts me up, I fly away, yeah, yeah, yeah
This feeling lifts me up and makes me feel like I'm flying
Lucky labeled me the Duke of Earl
Someone once called me the Duke of Earl, which was lucky and fortunate for me
But now that seems like a past life, shoot, you could twirl
That title seems like a distant memory, and it's easy to forget it ever happened
When eighty, but baby, me I'm not a ballerina
When I'm eighty years old, I won't be prancing around like a ballerina
Maybe I was crazy, I learned a lot and seen a
I may have been a bit wild and reckless in the past, but I've learned from my experiences
Large portion of the globe, though
I've seen and traveled to many parts of the world
Old habits, rabbit like, now I enjoy it more and probe slow
I used to be impulsive, but now I take my time to enjoy things and explore at a slower pace
Keep goin' up, I feel the synergy
I feel that things are coming together and building momentum
Created with my woman since '98 'til Infinity
My partner and I have been together since 1998 and will continue to be together forever
And Zion I, by and by, see eye to eye
Zion I and I share the same vision and goals
A Legend's work is never done, we try and try
A person's legacy and impact is ongoing, and we strive to make a difference
I heard it said, that things go in cycles
I've heard that life is cyclical and things come full circle
The way that I'ma work it, pay attention to the light bulbs
The way I approach life is by being attentive and aware of opportunities and moments of inspiration
Be rightful, owners upon us
We have a responsibility to be responsible and just individuals
The next moments, check your vitals, the bone isn't so much
Stay mindful of the present moment and take care of yourself, because the future is uncertain
Don't go nuts before you turn to accumulate
Don't become obsessed with material possessions before it's too late
Your greatest gifts, learn to appreciate
Learn to appreciate the things that truly matter in your life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARREN HAYES, RICK NOWELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@milkweed7508
Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil. Dope cover, never noticed that. Throwback shit, forgot about this album for too long.
@Trollololz
very motivational
@markiethcollins1323
motivation inspiration keep going no moves for the day Oakland Oaktown..YADAMEAN...
@justindonaghho3571
..my cup runneth.over. gettin closer to the summit..
@chrisscotthall
Zion Legends. Living Legends x Zion I
@chrisscotthall
Lucky P$C