Ten years after the release of their debut single, Oakland hip-hop duo Zion I return with The TakeOver, a filler-free new mix of jabs, roundhouses and uppercuts that continue their streak as one of hip-hops most diverse groups. For TakeOver, which features guest spots by Houston legend Devin the Dude, UK emcee Ty and Rhymesayers Brother Ali, producer AmpLive and emcee Zumbi incorporate the best parts of their live showperfected through nonstop touringand bring that vibe to the studio. 
Over the course of five LPs and numerous EPs and mixtapes, the group has proven to be a welcome enigma in hip-hop. Lyrically, Zumbi runs the gamut on a range of issues both serious and frivolous, discussing problems and pleasures both spiritual and worldly. Throughout, his fanbase keeps coming back for his smooth delivery and ability to raise issues without sounding didactic. Musically, Amp draws from both the usual (funk, soul) and esoteric (house, drum'n'bass) to create soundscapes that work as well on an electronic music mixtape as it does hip-hop. An accomplished remixer as well, Amp has remixed everyone from Linkin Park to MGMT, and most recently released Rainydayz Remixes based on Radioheads In Rainbows. Despite living a few miles from each other, technology facilitated the making of TakeOver. The duo would e-mail verses and beats back and forth, with each member continually making notes and suggestions on both parts of the song. This fully collaborative effort ensured that both Amp and Zumbi would have a say in the final product during the entire production process. While the final work is still Zumbi and AmpLive, the two are quick to point out how their writing process has changed this time out. This new method of recording was essential to the finished product, but the group always has a definite idea in mind, looking at their tracks as fans as much as musicians. From the electro-rap homage DJ DJ to the spacey futuristic synths of Antenna, The TakeOver encapsulates the diversity and versatility that have made Zion I Bay Area stalwarts for over a decade. As with any Zion I album, therell never be any compromise away from deep thought, but as anyone whos seen the pair live knows, that means nothing if the crowd aint entertained. One listen to the album, and youll know The TakeOver may be the most appropriate title of the year.