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.
Oh Lawd
Zion I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh lord let me get them groceries
Oh lord let me see that music
Hey!
Were you just a little boy
Damnin' and sinnin'
And chewin' tobacco like you was your own pappy
You ??? oughta be ashamed of yourself leadin' this boy to sin
Why he's the best crapshoot in town (in town, in town, in town)
In "Oh Lawd," Zion I makes a plea to a higher power for basic necessities and spiritual fulfillment. The opening lines of the song demonstrate a sense of scarcity and need, as the singer asks for help in acquiring groceries. The use of "this milk carton is empty" is a powerful image, suggesting that the singer may be struggling with basic needs such as food and sustenance. The repetition of "Oh Lord" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's longing for a spiritual connection and guidance.
The second half of the song employs a spoken word monologue, where a voice chastises a young boy for his sinful behavior. The boy is portrayed as a troublemaker, chewing tobacco and engaging in unspecified illegal activities. The use of the term "crapshoot" suggests that the boy may be involved in gambling or other risky behaviors. The singer, who appears to be a moral authority figure, admonishes the boy for leading others into sin, implying that the boy's actions have consequences beyond himself.
Overall, "Oh Lawd" is a deeply introspective song that reflects on the struggles of everyday life and the need for guidance and spirituality. It also comments on the power dynamics at play in communities and the responsibilities that individuals have to those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh lord this milk carton is empty
I am in need of basic sustenance and this carton of milk is empty.
Oh lord let me get them groceries
I pray for the means to purchase food and other necessary items to sustain myself.
Oh lord let me see that music
I seek spiritual enlightenment and inspiration through the art of music.
Hey!
An expression of excitement or enthusiasm.
Were you just a little boy
Addressing someone who may have acted in a childish or immature manner.
Damnin' and sinnin'
Engaging in sinful and immoral behavior.
And chewin' tobacco like you was your own pappy
Treating oneself as a father figure, or exhibiting behaviors similar to one's father.
And you been drinkin' Sunny Kick Mammy wine too
Partaking in low-quality or cheap alcoholic beverages.
You ??? oughta be ashamed of yourself leadin' this boy to sin
You should feel guilty for tempting and influencing this young boy to engage in sinful behavior.
Why he's the best crapshoot in town (in town, in town, in town)
This boy is skilled at gambling, and is well-known among the locals for his abilities.
Contributed by Savannah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.