"Hip-Hop group Zion I continue to forge new ground musically on their latest LP Shadowboxing, a beat-heavy hip-hop album decidedly grittier than past projects. Always pushing the literal and figurative needle forward, the duo, consisting of emcee Zumbi and producer Amp Live, have once again created something experimental and heartfelt. Shadowboxing features guests such as Bassnectar, Grouch and Eligh, Collie Buddz and Goapele." - Read More // Download Biography (2013)

"Anyone that has listened to Amp Live and Zumbi for any length of time knows the tried and true formula: Amp Live brings the up-tempo, electronic-fused production; Zumbi makes you feel better than you did when pushing play on the stereo; a few tidbits of social awareness are gleamed; you decide to go see them rip a stage when they come through your town." - Hip Hop Authority

"With seven studio albums in the hopper, this crew isn't full of a bunch of new, entitled kids. Zion I have been competitors in the hip-hop arena since 1996, and their distinct ability to adapt and experiment with current sounds (worked with Bassnectar, among others, on Shadow Boxing) without losing their focus on positive socio-politically conscious hip-hop continues to impress. Also, we're a sucker for Zumbi's vocal tone which is deeply reminiscent of Q-Tip." - Culture Map Austin

"The artistry expressed on ShadowBoxing is out of this world." - Kevinnottingham.com

"ShadowBoxing sounds big, mean, aggressive and even extremely catchy, as evidenced in the grimy hooks of the title track and the bouncy electro beat of Human Being. Beyond that, though, there is a rich variety of tones at play on Shadow Boxing, from the house reggae-tinged Sex Wax (featuring Collie Buddz) to the smoothly soulful Lifes Work (featuring Goapele). Meanwhile, the over six-minute Joe Frazzzier stands out as a compelling centerpiece, a sort of hip-hop/prog hybrid." - Submerge

"Unabashedly upbeat, MC Zumbi compares ghetto life to being a "caged bird," but even when he dismisses haters, he sounds optimistic. Mad-scientist producer Amplive -- whose Radiohead and MGMT remixes created a buzz last year -- blends jazz-influenced, melodic orchestrations with stark electro-bass rhythms, and on "Country Baked Yams," devises a unique Southern sci-fi vibe, mixing eight-bit blips with psychedelic soul." - Spin.com