Video: Zion I x Locksmith – “Culture Freedom” (Prod. by Aagee)

Concluding The Rapture Tour With April 11th San Francisco Show, the Bay Area MC’s Release Wintery Visual For “Culture Freedom” Collaboration

04.10.2015

Critical Praise for Zion I:

“Zion keeps the revolutionary fire spirit lit in the minds of the people.” – Davey D’s Hip Hop Corner

“Zion I is the Bay Area-based rapper and production duo who’s been balancing the Bay’s energetic hip hop trends with brilliant lyricism.” – EARMILK

“Producer AmpLive and emcee Zumbi want you to be moved not just by the music, but also by the message.” – HipHopDX

The Video:

With a collaborative project in the works, Zion I and Locksmith shared their single “Culture Freedom”via DJBooth earlier this week, and now they’ve delivered an accompanying video. The Bay Area duo trade verses in a wintery backdrop that they encountered during the last leg of their Rapture tour. “We decided to shoot the ‘Culture Freedom’ video while on tour because we wanted to capture the energy of just being in the moment and grindin’,” MC Zumbi explains. “I wasn’t tripping off of a deep concept, it’s more about the way we live than trying to present some glamorized version of ourselves. Plus, we’re from the Bay Area, so being in snow just adds an exotic element in our minds.”

With “Culture Freedom,” Zion I and Locksmith strive to keep the hip-hop’s progressive spirit alive. “Just seeing the way that society is so twisted, we as artists struggle with tackling the real issues at hand. Don’t get me wrong, there are MCs dealing with things, but in my opinion there are too many caught up in escapism,” Zumbi says. “It’s our duty to show our youth what we’ve learned along our paths, honestly and sincerely.”

In February, Mass Appeal debuted Zion I’s The Sun, Moon, and Stars, the third and final chapter of their three EP journey. Embraced as an Oakland mainstay known for advanced lyrical deliveries and a cohesive back-to-the-future musical package, Zion I will perform at Slim’s in San Francisco on April 11 with support from Locksmith and Kev Choice.

Catch Zion I, Locksmith, and Kev Choice at Slim’s in San Francisco on April 11:
http://www.axs.com/events/274945/zion-i-tickets-tickets?aff=usaffsongkick

Watch “Culture Freedom”: https://youtu.be/3r8MII_N_rw

Listen to “Culture Freedom”: https://soundcloud.com/therealzioni/zion-i-culture-freedom

The Sun Moon and Stars EP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-sun-moon-and-stars-ep/id959197107

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Zion I.