West Coast triple hop: Zion I, Los Rakas & Locksmith

(this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)The underground movement of DIY-minded, independent emcees in the Bay Area has somewhat faded since Zion I arose from the scene nearly twenty years ago. Though lacking the mainstream success they sought, mixing spiritualism with hip-hop and trip-hop beats while focusing on positivity in their lyrics has created a cult following for the duo. MC Zumbi and DJ/producer Amp Live have remained not only social conscious, but wide reaching in their choice of collaborations—Linkin Park (on Park’s 2002 album Reanimation), Macklemore (who appeared on Zion I’s 2010 album Atomic Clock), and embarking on tours with electronic bass producer Bassnectar and reggae band Rebelution have all expanded their reach. Over the coarse of eight albums, going in all different musical directions has been a mixed blessing for Zion I.“It keeps people interested and on their toes,” Amp Live told SFGate.com in October. “But the way humans operate, they’re more comfortable with the stuff they know. I think it always helps if you make good music.” Zumbi added, “I’m an African American male in Oakland, California, and I don’t necessarily fit in anywhere I go. So I try to maintain my unique perspective, but also be universal at the same time. Be a human being first, but also be aware of my community. These are the things I try to say in my music.”Sharing the bill are bilingual Panamanian hip-hop/reggae duo Los Rakas as well as Locksmith, who is one half of underground duo The Frontline and first gained notoriety as a battle rapper through MTV’s MC Freestyle Championship. The Rapture featuring Zion I, Los Rakas, and Locksmith, 9 p.m. Thursday at the Pink Garter Theatre. $17-$19. PinkGarterTheatre.com.