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.
Target Practice
Zion I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And stay alive unlike drug lord bosses
I made friends who I know got my back
#1 main reason I'm a mad idiot
And I add not subtract to the miles on the track
And I will not stand back by a wall in the crack
See me in the cut of the scene with the queen
See how these men livin' what you call a dream
I'm as sharp as a whistle so I say I'm on point
Deuce and Dos, you know the one-two
Always down to kick it, you can call me kung-fu
It's in my nature just to lunge at you
It's not that I hate ya, it's just what I do
Now open up the gates, let a brother get through
And gesundheit my maine, when you hear me atchoo
All around the world it's the real sho' shot
Like a fish in the ocean you went and got caught
You look like a target, hit you in the spot
Your blood starts to pump, 98 degrees hot
Get what you want, what it is, handle your biz
Dust gamble with his, strangle ya kids
What you wanna know? They want an answer for this
Feeding every addict cause I'm good at it
I can play the best
It's like a game of chess
The strategy killing the anatomy, laid to rest
Brutality and humanity I just came to bless
The tragedy of reality, what a dirty mess
Yes, where do I end or begin it?
For sure they want the world and everything that's in it
I never get on my knees, my nigga please
Melt down to my degrees, I don't freeze
I'm not impressed by none of these MC's
They want beef? Give 'em mad cow disease
Nobody wanna really hear what ya say
Like Kay Slay, slap ya favorite DJ
All around the world it's the real sho' shot
Like a fish in the ocean you went and got caught
You look like a target, hit you in the spot
Your blood starts to pump, 98 degrees hot
Yo, renegade rap writer
Cadillac rider
Track inside, I spray verbal Mac hot
Blast the gat, lick a shot
Then run like Assata
Head to the hills, post no bills Don Dada
Spread wider, drop lyric gun powder
I blow bless the flow, now turn the bass louder
Got a crowd
So proud they stand around us
And rep to the death which vex's the out of towners
I was a young boy when I came into this world
I was a young boy, now I let the gold unfurl
Gap tooth with the bullet proof vocal
Life in this world got a brother feelin' loco
Dance like I'm Jojo, now call me Richard Pry'
Blaze up the mic when I light it catch a vibe
Look into my eye
And you can see the truth yo
Chillin' with my people, max in the studio
All around the world it's the real sho' shot
Like a fish in the ocean you went and got caught
You look like a target, hit you in the spot
Your blood starts to pump, 98 degrees hot
In "Target Practice," Zion I Ft. Deuce Eclipse & D.u.s.t. describe their relentless pursuit to achieve their dreams and overcome any obstacles thrown their way. The lyrics suggest a sense of confidence and power as they reference cutting losses and staying alive like bosses, having friends who have their back, and adding to the miles on the track. They also boast about their lyrical skills and ability to handle their business. The chorus talks about those who appear vulnerable and easy targets but end up being powerful and dangerous when pushed to their limit, hitting back hard and with force.
Throughout the song, there are references to pop culture and historical figures such as Don Dada and Richard Pryor, giving the lyrics a sense of depth and cultural relevance. The chorus emphasizes the theme of the underdog rising up and fighting back against any adversary, regardless of appearances or misconceptions.
Overall, "Target Practice" is a powerful and confident song about resilience, determination, and the importance of having a strong support system.
Line by Line Meaning
I carry 'nuff crosses, I learned to cut my losses
I have faced many challenges and losses in my life but have learned to leave them behind and keep moving forward.
And stay alive unlike drug lord bosses
Unlike drug lords who end up dead, I have managed to stay alive.
I made friends who I know got my back
I have made true friends who will support and protect me.
#1 main reason I'm a mad idiot
My closest friends are one of the main reasons why I am crazy about them.
And I add not subtract to the miles on the track
I am constantly improving and adding more miles to my journey instead of going backward.
And I will not stand back by a wall in the crack
I will not let obstacles and challenges hold me back from achieving success.
See me in the cut of the scene with the queen
You can find me in hidden places with a woman of my dreams.
See how these men livin' what you call a dream
Look at how successful and happy we are living a life that many only dream of.
Holla at ya boy I'm in Holland with a joint
I am currently in Holland smoking a joint, hit me up if you want to join me.
I'm as sharp as a whistle so I say I'm on point
I am always alert and focused, ready for anything that comes my way.
Deuce and Dos, you know the one-two
Referring to himself and his friend Deuce Eclipse as a powerful duo.
Always down to kick it, you can call me kung-fu
I am always ready to hang out and have a good time, just like a martial artist always ready to fight.
It's in my nature just to lunge at you
I am naturally aggressive and assertive in my interactions.
It's not that I hate ya, it's just what I do
I don't hate you, it's just my natural way of reacting to things.
Now open up the gates, let a brother get through
Give me the opportunity to succeed and prove myself.
And gesundheit my maine, when you hear me atchoo
Bless you my friend when you hear me sneeze.
All around the world it's the real sho' shot
This is real and authentic hip-hop music recognized all over the world.
Like a fish in the ocean you went and got caught
You are an easy target and have been caught in a trap.
You look like a target, hit you in the spot
You are vulnerable and I am going to hit you where it hurts the most.
Your blood starts to pump, 98 degrees hot
You will become angry and defensive when I attack you.
Get what you want, what it is, handle your biz
Achieve your goals and handle your business efficiently.
Dust gamble with his, strangle ya kids
Dust (the rapper) takes risks and will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means harming your loved ones.
What you wanna know? They want an answer for this
People are curious and seeking answers to their questions.
Feeding every addict cause I'm good at it
Dust is skilled at attracting and satisfying his fans, who are addicted to his music.
I can play the best
I am confident in my abilities and can compete with the best.
It's like a game of chess
Life is like a game of chess, where each move has consequences and requires careful thinking.
The strategy killing the anatomy, laid to rest
My strategic thinking kills the competition, putting their careers to rest.
Brutality and humanity I just came to bless
I am both brutal and kind, and I am here to bring blessings to the world.
The tragedy of reality, what a dirty mess
The sad reality of the world is messy and chaotic.
Yes, where do I end or begin it?
I am complex and hard to define or explain.
For sure they want the world and everything that's in it
People are greedy and want all the best things in life.
I never get on my knees, my nigga please
I am proud and will not submit or beg.
Melt down to my degrees, I don't freeze
I am confident and do not get intimidated or scared easily.
I'm not impressed by none of these MC's
I am not easily impressed by other rappers or their music.
They want beef? Give 'em mad cow disease
If someone wants to fight or start a conflict, I will give them more than they can handle.
Nobody wanna really hear what ya say
People are not interested in listening to what you have to say.
Like Kay Slay, slap ya favorite DJ
I will take action and make a statement, even if it means slapping your favorite DJ (who represents the mainstream music industry).
Yo, renegade rap writer
I am a rebellious rapper who writes unconventional lyrics.
Cadillac rider
I drive a Cadillac and enjoy the finer things in life.
Track inside, I spray verbal Mac hot
My rhymes are hot and powerful like a Mac gun.
Blast the gat, lick a shot
I am ready for action and will shoot if necessary.
Then run like Assata
After taking action, I will run away like Assata Shakur (a political activist who escaped from prison).
Head to the hills, post no bills Don Dada
I will escape to the mountains and become a powerful leader, like a Don in the mafia.
Spread wider, drop lyric gun powder
I am spreading my message and causing a powerful impact, like dropping gun powder.
I blow bless the flow, now turn the bass louder
I am blessing the music and making it better, so turn up the volume.
Got a crowd
I have a following of fans who appreciate my music.
So proud they stand around us
My fans are proud to support and stand with me.
And rep to the death which vex's the out of towners
We will represent our city and culture with pride, even if it causes problems for outsiders.
I was a young boy when I came into this world
I was born into this world as a young and innocent child.
I was a young boy, now I let the gold unfurl
I have grown up and become successful, letting my wealth and fame unfold.
Gap tooth with the bullet proof vocal
I have a unique appearance and a strong, confident voice.
Life in this world got a brother feelin' loco
Life in this world is crazy and chaotic and has made me feel insane at times.
Dance like I'm Jojo, now call me Richard Pry'
I am dancing like Jojo (a famous dancer) and taking on the persona of Richard Pryor (a famous comedian).
Blaze up the mic when I light it catch a vibe
I am energized when I perform and create a strong connection with my audience.
Look into my eye
Pay attention and look into my eyes for a deeper understanding.
And you can see the truth yo
If you look closely, you will see the honesty and truth in my words.
Chillin' with my people, max in the studio
I am having fun and relaxing with my friends, working on music in the studio.
Contributed by Dominic E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.