After a quarter noticeably lacking in free Wednesday noon-time entertainment, ASPB and a large crowd of revitalized students welcomed spring with musical duo Zion I. The Oakland-based performers DJ Amplive and emcee Zumbi, along with backing vocalist Codany Holiday and rapper/keyboardist Kev Choice, brought "real hip-hop" to the Belltower for the spring quarter's first Nooner.
Students waited anxiously as the group finished their soundcheck.
"We're not used to being up this early," explained Zumbi as the set began a few minutes late. "We didn't get [to Riverside] until 3 a.m."
The set opened with Kev Choice encouraging students to repeat after him, "Music makes me high!"
Students were slow to join, but began chanting and dancing once Zumbi joined and urged everyone to rise up and come closer to the stage. A few quick freestyling sessions from Zumbi and Kev Choice and some crowd interaction and the energy changed completely. The crowd seemed to double in just a few moments. Zumbi took advantage of the energy and jumped off the stage to weave his way through the crowd and up the interaction level.
"It's interesting," said third-year Wendy Nwosu, "more underground than most hip-hop. They're interacting with the students. I love it."
Kev Choice's live keyboard and DJ Amplive's futuristic sounds mixed well, bringing together different types of music.
"I'm glad they're playing the classics," said fifth-year Kristofer Dangcil. "I also like the freestyle he's doing and that he's getting involved with the crowd."
The vibes continued to grow as students danced in front of the stage, enjoying the stylings of the group. With socially conscious lyrics and a message to students to embrace the community and look for the positive, Zion I's unique sound filled the crowd with good thoughts and feelings.
"It's beautiful. Lots of diversity. A faster pace. Lots of smiling faces. It's good to feed off the different energy," said Holiday after the performance as Zumbi jumped into the crowd and took pictures, freestyling with fans.
"Things are gettin' crazy in the world right now," announced Zumbi, as he closed the show with a slower song.
Fortunately students got a break from the craziness; beautiful music on a beautiful afternoon.
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