Zion I is a group that I've been sleeping on for some time. I really didn't get into them until their 2005 album "True & Livin'" which was dope. This album "Deep Water Slang V 2.0" is a great album as well. Amp Live's production and Zion's rhymes do fit perfectly into the CD. The lyrics on here are consistant and fresh sounding, something that is starting to lack in Oaktown.

The best part of the album is when Amp Live slows his production down. Songs like "Flow" with Grouch and "Finger Paint" with Susie Suh and Dust. Some of Amp's beats are kind of bouncy which are real hard for me to adjust to, but are still nice. "Warrior Dance" with Pep Love is a up beat song that I like. Even though the upbeat production takes a minute to get used to, Zion's lyrics hold things down.

This a real nice album comming from the duo Zion I. If you like hip hop with a different taste, then this album would be good for you to take a listen to. I find this album to vibe almost perfectly. This album is out of print, but I've been seeing it in many stores still for about $14 (well at least here in ATL), so I recommend that you search around for this album before you purchase it here for a high price. Once again Oaktown puts up another great album.

Lyrics: A
Production: B+
Guest Appearances: A-
Musical Vibes: A+
Overall: A-

Favorite Tracks: Warrior Dance, Finger Paint, Flow, Cheeba Cheeba, Sorry, Boom Bip, Mind Blow, One More Thing (Track #31)

Peace!!

Whenever I listen to this album, I always end up in a better mood no matter what is troubling me. Whether you're cruising on a sunny Saturday afternoon, grilling in the backyard, or lounging wherever you may be, this album will make for an excellent backdrop to do it to. This album just feels right. I mean, words don't really do it justice. I can't describe to you what the vibes contained on this disc are like. It's something that you have to experience yourself. It's a shame that albums like this don't get spins on radio. In fact, it's a cryin' shame.

Forget about flaws. There are none on this album. Amp Live's beats are simply too unique to compare to anyone else and Zion rocks every last one of Amp's creations with ease and precision. I don't normally recommend buying overpriced albums, but this album is probably worth the $35 price tag that you see above. I know I'd pay it if I didn't already have this album.

Just press play and let Zion I do the rest. The beats on this album are unique, relaxing, and refreshing. The lyrics are the perfect blend of concious raps and Cali swagger. I can't really say much more than that because I'm still at a loss for words five years after its release. Get your hands on it any way you can. Even if you have to download it, because you're going to end up buying it anyway. It's that good.

Standout Tracks: Every song on the album is excellent

4 years ago I was introduced to this... ZION I's 2nd LP, by a friend who had recommended it to me. Though I really enjoyed the listen for its unique sound and tight flows I haven't had the chance to really appreciate how good this was until now. I keep this and their first in heavy rotation every weekend. I can't stop playin this shhh... So, don't sleep on it go out and support it. Peace

I just got turned onto these guys, and I've liked pretty much every track I've heard. They have a very original sound. The beats are great, and it's been good listening for the car, gym, etc.

The combo of MC Zion and producer Amp-Live prove to be one of the best kept secrets outside of California. I was brought to attention of this group when they recently competed in an MTV2 battle-of-the-bands type program. This is their only album I have at the moment, their debut "Mind Over Matter," which is ranked highly, is out-of-print I believe. But this one was very satisfying.
I believe that Amp-Live MAKES this album. He has to be one of the best producers today. He likes to use a lot of guitar, and plenty other live instruments(sometimes done by himself or Zion). This album is full of spacey, serene, melodic, and most importantly futuristic soundscapes. These beats, along with Zion's rhymes, truly feel like your witnessing the future of Hiphop! Zion may not be the best emcee I've heard, but he's more than capable to be Amp's sidekick. Maybe he's just too abstract for my comprehension. Zion can go conscious, political, spiritual, and definetly funky on any given track, so he does not bog this album down at all. It's just that Amp and his beats are the main attraction. Yes, Zion does have a weird, some say even an annoying voice. I think having a distinguishable and unique voice is an asset to an MC in most cases, and Zion's higher-pitced "little-kid voice" eventually hits you as an asset to their music.

Amp-Live gets three tracks to himself, without any rhymes: the intro "Jahmbo," the title track, and the cool "Kick Snare," with Killa Kela beatboxing(I seriously thought it was Biz Markie). One of the singles "The Drill" is the first song with the two, and should grow on you, especially the second(and last) verse. Tracks 3-6 are definitely the meat of this album. Especially "Finger Paint"(ft. Dust) and "Flow,"(ft. The Grouch) both with have serene and awesome beats with solid rhymes as well. These two just might be the two best of the album. "Warriors Dance"(ft. Pep Love) is a club-type song for the thinkers, if that makes any sense, and has just an outstanding beat. I actually think Pep Love outshines Zion on this track, but they both kick it. "Kharma" is one of my favorites too, and Zion does a little crooning on this one with an insightful message. "A.E.I.O.U." is probably my least favorite track off "Deep Water Slang." It more of a club track too where Zion waters down the lyrics, but it's too short to turn anyone off.
Before you know it, you get to the single and old-school throwback "Cheeba Cheeba" with Hiphop legend and fellow-Californian Aceyalone rockin' it with Zion. This is easily of of my favorite songs here, with Acey one of my personal favs who's rhyming like we haven't heard him in years, and the only flaw of it is the hook. The last five round the album out nicely, but aren't as memorable as the main part of the disc. You have "Sorry" where Zion is sincerely repenting for his wrongdoings and one of Amp's most memorable melodic beats. "Le Le Le"(w/ Dust & Deuce Eclipse) is upbeat and had an annoying chorus at first. Then I found out it was from an African tribal chant, and that turned it around into a good song. I mean, how often do you hear a hook like: "If you really love your mama say Le, Le, Le!"? "Boom Bip" is a slower track with Goapele singing, it's okay but not memorable. "Mind Blow" is hit-or-miss. I'm feelin' it, it's really different and authentic, and kind of a change-of-pace in this album. "Dune" finishes it up, where Zion is speaking in a distorted voice. This track is good, but Zion uncharacteristically says something about giving a girl ecstacy and watching her go insane. ??? Actually, there is a short bonus track "One More Thing"(which is track 31) feat. Suzie Suh that is decent, but "Rock Y'all"(track 34) is really good where Zion gets fiery and political and this is the official end of the album.

This album is consistent, has top-notch beats, great rhymes, and is worth your time. Check it out to witness the future of Hiphop! Everything about it is futuristic. Zion's lyrics are rooted in the old-school, no doubt, but he along with Amp-Live are able to take us to the future of Hiphop and music! I think even rock fans could listen to this and like it, but it's definitely for all you Heads out there. Support these guys, let's hope to keep hearing from them long into the future. I think they have an album coming out this Spring...