Zion I & The Grouch

At last! West Coast hip-hop stalwarts Zion I & The Grouch return with their sophomore collaborative effort Heroes in the Healing of the Nation.

Twitter: Zion I
Twitter: The Grouch

The long-awaited follow-up to the group's 2006 critically acclaimed Heroes in the City of Dope could not arrive at a more fitting hour. This time around Z&G raise the stakes to expand the playing field from City to Nation, inviting listeners everywhere to join them on their quest in channeling their highest selves. Amp Live provides the bulk of the banging backdrops as Zumbi and The Grouch consciously kill it with a well versed ease.

On the rousing "It's Goin Down" Zumbi and The Grouch are at their best, pontificating the ups and downs of everyday life along side Soja's lead singer's reggae-inspired chorus. The semi title track "Healing Of The Nation" boasts a rare Amp Live vocal appearance where he effectively and infectiously whisper-yells "Get yourself up!!" over twisted guitars and signature heavy bass kicks. "Rockit Man" takes fans one level higher with an unforgettable soulful Silk-E performance before blasting off into infinity and beyond!

Zion I & The Grouch have been leaders marching to the beat of their own 808's for some time now but the group suggests that we're all cut from the same cloth. "Anyone changing other peoples lives for the better is a hero to me" explains The Grouch of the album's title. "People are going through a difficult transition these days," adds Zumbi. "We want this album to aid in that process."

Heroes features an array of musical brethren, including Freeway, Fashawn, Casual, Mystic, Eric of Rebelution, Jacob Hemphill of Soja, Eligh, Codany Holiday, and the R.O.D. Heroes in the Healing of the Nation is due out March 22, 2011.