Zion I & the Grouch Are Heroes in the City of Dope

Zion I & the Grouch, Zion I

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2006)
• Original Release Date: October 10, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Om Records
• ASIN: B000I2IS04
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #151,010 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Zion I & The Grouch come together to make a classic album transcending the traditional West coast sound. "Heroes In The City Of Dope" tells the story of two individuals' lives in one of the most drug and poverty infested regions in the world (Oakland, CA) as they rise above the violence and temptations of the 'hood. One of the most refreshing hip-hop albums to emerge in years. For fans of Living Legends, Hieroglyphics, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Mistah Fab, Martin Luther, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, Jurassic Five, Aceyalone, Freestyle Fellowship, and Project Blowed.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't get much doper than this, October 12, 2006

By	Alan Pounds "Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This album is all I could have hoped for from Zion I and The Grouch. The beats are absolutely bangin'. The lyrics flow like butter, and are just as intellectual and conscious as ever. This has got to be one of my all time favorites of 2006. I've played this CD roughly 10 times in the last 3 days. I just can't get enough of it. The best track in my opinion has got to go to "Trains And Planes". If you are a fan of the Living Legends crew or hip-hop in general, I would highly recommend it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those who don't know......, October 11, 2006

By	Tyson R. Staab (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"goin dumb's not really a movement, you are really goin dumb..."-The Grouch, Bad Lands
For those that dont know who Zion I is, saying you're missin out is an understatement. I first learned about Zion I shortly after True and Livin came out. I heard Bird's Eye View and it was OVER, I knew they were somthing beyond special. I was also mad that growin up in an non-underground city for the most of Portland OR, i was never exposed greatly to the likes of Zion I, Living Legends, Rhymesayers crew, ect. I now own way too much music for it to be healthy from all of rap n have been listing on everything i have been missin for the past year to "catch-up." Above all the ones taht stand out to me is Zion I especially wit their gem True and Livin which i think was not only the best album to come out in 2005 but also one of the best in all time! Needless to say i was eagerly anticipating this album, and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint. Beat wise its a no brainer wit Amp Live the are goin to be top notch. And all though they didnt blow me away like on True and Livin they were still A+ material. Lyrically there's not much of a doubt with Zion n Grouch also! Togetehr they weaved stories of "The City Of Dope" so well that you feel lik you are walkin through the streets of Oakland while listenin to this album. Now it didn't blow me away like True and Livin and there aren't any tracks that match the greatness of Silly Puddy, That dosen't mean this is a failure at all. Zion I could, but they may never match the greatness of True and Livin because it was.... so great, n Silly Puddy has haunted the heads of underground listeners for six years now and only gets stronger every year!
All in all if you were a normal, radio, hip hop head lik i was a year and a half ago, 2006's biggest album was the (borin and uninspirin) Rick Ross- Port of Miami. This just shows the way hip hop has literally turned upsidedown. The top 4 hip hop albums of this year go like this: 1. Lupe Fiasco (Because of buzz dyin down form leaked album, still anticipated but for the greatness still overlooked, amazin n chillin album for me) 2. The Roots (Always overlooked, what's new, but NICE bounce back from the downhill Tipping Point n i really think toppin Things Fall Apart as their BEST album!), 3. Swollen Members (Surprised me, i mean swollen members are tight but the went to a whole different level with this one!) and 4. Zion I & The Grouch. This just shows Hip Hop is not dead as Nas is claming on his new album, it stronger then ever. The power has just switched and now the underground heads you have all (including me) made fun of can now say "I told you so!" Get this album by ne means necessary!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's basic. buy it., October 23, 2006

By	Andres G. W. Lora "trust" (Illadelph, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been down with Zion I from Mind Over Matter, and basically they have evolved into one of the most diverse and intelligent hip hop groups to come out in the past couple of years. Fans of old Talib Kweli (reflections eternal) and blackstar should get this album. Two of the best MCs out there and you'll know it after hearing this album. Just check it thats it.