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.
Bird
zion i Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hip hop, there's so many things you can say about it, you feel me?
Like, on the real like, hip hop is just, beautiful
Hip hop is life
[Verse 1]
From the first time I saw you, infatuation
Pulled to the side to provide conversation
Any old fool knew that you was a jewel
Ghetto to ghetto, your influence settled
More hardcore than r&b but not metal
Blacker than the kettle, you made me feel mellow
Introduction to my life, I said "hello"
Meet me in a minute 'cause I gotta finish school
Some of my homies, they never finished puffin' woo's
Stayin' up late, always studying the tapes
The world watched you fall in love, I guess fate had a,
Grip on my mind state, I wanna rhyme, wait
I fell in line, getting signed at the wrong gates
And so my heart braced at first for real
But I would still be lovin' you 'cause deep is what I feel
I got a bird's eye view
I be wit'chu, I be there wit'chu
I be wit'chu, I be there wit'chu
2x
She's the one I always count on, one that wouldn't leave me
One that's in the city always written in graffiti
One that keeps me company, when I'm all alone
She's my heart, my mind, my spirit and my bones
She's the only one I know that would go across the globe
Meet me in a foreign land, treat me like I'm home
Everything I own, give to her, she deserves it
Treats me like a king, every syllable is perfect
Searched through the earth for a reason just to be here
And since I met her every moment's like a leap year
Baby you can sleep here, you can stay with me
Anywhere you go, know I'm probably gon' be
Full of energy, and you never acting tired
You're everything I need, when I prayed, God supplied
You my chonky fire, blessings you provide
Always in my life 'til the day that I die
In Zion I's song "Bird's Eye View," the artist reflects on his love for hip hop and how it has been a constant presence in his life since he was young. The song begins with Zion I stating that hip hop is beautiful and that there are many things to say about the genre. It is evident that he has a deep appreciation and love for hip hop which he describes as being his life. The first verse reflects on how he first encountered hip hop and his fascination with it. He was drawn to the culture and its cool reputation. He describes how hip hop introduced him to a world of possibilities and ignited his desire to become an artist himself. He also acknowledges that the lifestyle and culture surrounding hip hop can be tough and reflects on how some of his friends never graduated from high school because they got caught up in the scene. Despite this, he was still deeply in love with the genre.
In the chorus, Zion I expresses that he has a "bird's eye view" and will always be with hip hop. He sees himself as a part of the hip hop culture that has continued to shape his life.
In the second verse, Zion I personifies hip hop as a woman and describes his relationship with her. She is the one he can always count on, with him in both the good times and the bad, the loneliness and the happiness. In many ways, she completes him and is a constant presence in his life. He describes how he would do anything for her, including traveling across the globe just to be with her, and how she treats him as a king in return. He acknowledges that hip hop has influenced him positively, and his love for her will never die.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a bird's eye view
I have a clear perspective on hip hop and its place in my life
From the first time I saw you, infatuation
From the moment I discovered hip hop, I was hooked and fascinated by it
Pulled to the side to provide conversation
I found myself drawn to hip hop as a way to connect and communicate with others
Wild reputation but you were so cool
Despite its negative associations in some circles, hip hop still had a coolness and appeal to me
Ghetto to ghetto, your influence settled
Hip hop's influence was felt across different communities and neighborhoods
More hardcore than r&b but not metal
Hip hop had a distinct edge and toughness compared to other genres, but wasn't as aggressive as heavy metal
Blacker than the kettle, you made me feel mellow
The intensity and emotion in hip hop made me feel relaxed and at ease
Introduction to my life, I said "hello"
Hip hop became a fundamental part of my identity and self-expression
Meet me in a minute 'cause I gotta finish school
Despite my passion for hip hop, I had to prioritize my education
The world watched you fall in love, I guess fate had a, Grip on my mind state
Observing others fall in love with hip hop solidified my own connection to the genre as fate
And so my heart braced at first for real
I was initially hesitant to fully commit to pursuing hip hop as a career
But I would still be lovin' you 'cause deep is what I feel
Despite any doubts, my love for hip hop remained strong and steadfast
She's the one I always count on, one that wouldn't leave me
Hip hop is a constant and reliable presence in my life
One that's in the city always written in graffiti
Hip hop culture is ingrained and visible in urban environments
One that keeps me company, when I'm all alone
Hip hop provides solace and companionship during difficult times
She's my heart, my mind, my spirit and my bones
Hip hop is a vital and inseparable part of my being
She's the only one I know that would go across the globe
Hip hop has a global reach and can connect people from around the world
Meet me in a foreign land, treat me like I'm home
Hip hop can create a sense of familiarity and belonging in unfamiliar places
Everything I own, give to her, she deserves it
Hip hop is worthy of my passion, dedication, and resources
Treats me like a king, every syllable is perfect
Hip hop offers me respect, validation, and a sense of mastery over my craft
Searched through the earth for a reason just to be here
I feel a sense of purpose and destiny in my love for hip hop
And since I met her every moment's like a leap year
Hip hop has given me a sense of timelessness and transcendence
Baby you can sleep here, you can stay with me
Hip hop is a constant and welcome presence in my life
Anywhere you go, know I'm probably gon' be
Hip hop is always with me, wherever I go
Full of energy, and you never acting tired
Hip hop has a boundless and infectious energy that never fades
You're everything I need, when I prayed, God supplied
Hip hop is a vital and fulfilling aspect of my life, provided by a higher power
You my chonky fire, blessings you provide
Hip hop is a source of inspiration and positivity, providing me with blessings
Always in my life 'til the day that I die
Hip hop will always remain a part of my life, even after I pass away
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: STEPHEN GAINES, ANTHONY W ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anthonytruman
RIP Zumbi. Thank you for the lyrics. Your music connected me more than almost any other. I felt there was someone who felt the way I did. I will play your music forever
@DoobieKeebler
He really got that birds eye view on us all now. Damn. We miss u cuddie.
@Aesop70
I used to listen to this song so much in Highschool. It brings back so many memories. Life changes so much over time, it's crazy.
@colinvesely7845
the realness
@QuintonFresh
lookin ass nigga lol. me to
@RyanMatson
+Aesop70 Sounds like i wrote this comment, for real. haha. respect word for word
@Aesop70
:)
@QuintonFresh
Aesop70 ♡☆
@daisyprince5829
Feeling heartbroken as I bump the best of zumbi today. RIP to a legend and sending love and light to his family
@tbssb6779
"...always in my life till the day that I die"
😥🙏🕯