Customer Reviews

Deepwater Slang 2.0

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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...

one faithful Friday morning i skipped my class and was driving around only to hear Zion I on a local radio morning show where they performed some of there tracks live for the listeners and with in a couple hours i had this CD. I bought this CD just hoping for a couple of good songs and what i found was a great CD from begining to end this is the exact type of music i have been searching for. Amp Live and MC Zion just come out with some underground Meaningful rap and evne incorporate elements of Drum N'Bass. after about 6 months of owning this CD it is still on HEAVY rotation in my car at work and at home i cant get enough of this album.

I was blown away by the mind over matter album Zion I came out with in 2000. I was awaiting their next release and when I finally purchased Deepwater Slang 2.0 the day it came out I poped it in for a thorough listen. Too many hip hop artists sell out even by their second album but fortunately this is not the case with the Zion I crew. Another album of unorthodox bangin beats without a track needing to be skipped. Awesome indeed. The album's beats are a little more party style this time around but by no means commercial. Amp live is possibly one of the best producers today. The album is filled with lush live instramentals, heavy baselines and conscious Zion lyrics. The songs The Drill, Warriors Dance, Flow, Sorry, and Boom Bip are worth the money alone. The others are dope tracks as well but I cant go naming every song on the cd. There are also two bonus tracks after the last song is supposedly played. Buy this cd and you won't be dissapointed. I am into quality conscious rap with solid beats and I sure wasn't. Very impressive!

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

this CD is absolutley amazing this is in my opininon a CD that is going to be hard to top but i feel the same way with Mind Over Matter. Zion raps about things matter not about cars, women, and money. Amp Live creates awesome beats with some live instruments not just synths and drum machines Much Respect to the Zion I Crew.

It's been a long time coming with all the label problems the group has endured but the wait was well worth it.Amp Live's production really shines on here with clean beats that really show diversity.This ain't your average hip hop and yet I've seen people who are fairly mainstream latch onto songs like "fingerpaint,the drill,and cheeba cheeba(the first single,I prefer the remix version on the vinyl b-side)".If you're looking for something different in a good way or are allready familiarized with M.O.M. and like that then this is for you.You'll look cooler in the eyes of your peers.And go see these guys live if you get a chance,so far I've seen them three times and they always put on an excellent show.

zion is one of the best emcees working out of the bay area right now..amp live is one of the best producers period...this album is very spiritual, political, and intelligent..a very diversified release...this is the best release this year so far..artists like zion i only come around so often..peep the grouch duo with zion on "flow"...indeed a masterpiece...

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!!