I'm pretty sure I just heard the future of hip-hop. As a fan of the genre, I've been quite disappointed with the popular offerings of the last few years. Watching a poetic, soulful musical medium such as hip-hop spiral around the drain, I've turned to the underground scene that has filled the void hit-or-miss, but Zion I & The Grouch's Heroes In The Healing Of The Nation has overfilled the void.
With funky use of guitars, horns, strings, and electronics slathered over a pumping beat (I'm pretty sure my neighbors below me are going to have me evicted), this Bay Area collaboration really puts out something unique. The lyrics promote a better life and living up to your best potential. Track names speak for themselves: "Be A Father To Your Child," "Leader," "Victorious People," I really dig what these guys stand for. But unlike the time Bill Cosby tried it, these guys promote living a great life ALONG with sick-ass beats. I really hope other hip-hop artists take note, Zion I & The Grouch are doing it right.
