“We have an inner core of people who we let listen to the album in different stages and got feedback on what they liked. On other albums, it was generally us just making whatever we wanted and then they’d just say what songs they like. Our skin is thick enough and we’re honest enough with ourselves that we can take criticism.”
illRoots.com: Why the name Zion I?
Zumbi: We chose the name Zion I because it represented the spiritual and creative freedom we get from making music. Zion comes from Mt. Zion in the Bible..where the 144000 righteous souls go during Armageddon. We took that to be the creative and free space we all have within. The I represents us..as well as the listener. The basic statement is that we all have that "spirit" within.
iR: This new song 'DJ DJ' has a contest attached to it. Explain the contest and your reasoning behind this?
Z: The contest is putting up the parts of the song and allowing heads to remix and flip the music according to their own style and preference. We're doing this because we realize that this is where the music is going. The remix culture online is the future and we're just giving our fans the tools to be involved.
Amplive: We did the contest because the song had a really good response and we also have alot of fans out there that make music. It was a good way to interact w our fan base and get different perspecitives on the song
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iR: The new album 'TheTakeOver' is dropping February 17th in the states, what is the first thought that runs through each of your minds as you listen to this album?
Z: The thought that goes through my head is "Thank God!!" We finally got it out!
Amp: I definitely thought this was our best album!!
iR: The biggest conflict for me seems to always be where do I get the up to date and 'real' world news. Looking at all the outlets from Fox to CNN, where do you find your news at everyday?
Z: Honestly, I get some of my best news on twitter. I have a collection of homies on there that always have something good to say. You can check me at twitter.com/zumbi808
iR: Give me one song of the early 90s that you remember word for word and why?
Z: Pete Rock & CL Smooth "Reminisce" this is the quintessential rap song for me. Poetic..painful and celebratory at the same time.
Amp: This is a hard question, especially since the 90s was the golden years.... I remember the words from tribe called quest "buggin out"..song was so fun.
iR: What song off of your new album is the most personal to each of you?
Z: I'd have to say "Antenna". its an open letter to the higher power which connects us all.
Amp: I think the most personal song to me is "bring in the light"..it talks about the world right now..everyone is broke.
iR: What is the reason you do music?
Z: I was born to do this. Anything else would be uncivilized.
Amp: Its my job and I am happy because I love doing it.
iR: If you weren't doing music where would you be?
Z: I'd be writing books..possibly a professor at a university.
Amp: I would be a cardiologist right now
iR: Zion I is _____.
Z: the illest.
iR: One sentence on why I should buy your new album, as well where can we find all things Zion I.
Z: Buy this album if you want something that is going to inspire you to get up and live life to the fullest!
Amp: If you want to actually hear an album in 2009 that has good music all the way through, and not just two songs you like, you should get our album.
For more on Zion I make sure to check out them at www.zionicrew.com
