| At a time when the norm is one good track on any given album, Bay Area act Zion I and Living Legend’s front-man The Grouch have created something different: a record comprised of 15 varied, soul-drenched, equally impressive tracks. The latest effort from these two formidable hip-hop acts, 'Heroes in the City of Dope,' will have heads hyphy, uplifted, and pondering social ills-all within one album. Tracks like "Current Affairs" calls for heads to reject sensationalistic news and mind control by the mass media. "Trigger" tackles the issues of the Homeland Security Act and the diminishing rights of everyday citizens. But Zion I and The Grouch never stick a formula. Take "Hit Em," featuring Bay Area Hyphy emcee Mistah F.A.B. Simple and bangin,’ the track demonstrates both these west coasts acts are too raw and versatile to be relegated to underground hip-hop. |
"Our past collaborations—Silly Puddy and Flow—were always fan favorites,” explains emcee Zion of Zion I of why the two acts decided to collaborate, “and the creativity just flows when we get together in the studio.”
“We all share a strong connection with Oakland,” adds The Grouch of the title that he says is also a spin on the Too $hort track on the 1989 Life Is…LP ”A lot of beauty and hope has come out of the struggle here.”
Guests on the record includes emcee Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, soul and funk rocker Martin Luther, the multi-talented singer Esthero. Production on Heroes in the City is handled by Amp Live. Guest producers include Headnodic (Crown City Rockers), Eligh (Living Legends), and The Grouch.
With Heroes.., The Grouch and Zion I give fans an entire album of inspired tracks, proving again that they’re consummate artists and here to stay for the long hall.
Watch the "Hit Em" video here
- Giant Step
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