Science of Breath

There's an aura in the air these days, and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It feels as though there are so many things taking place, but underneath it all we're still struggling for a sense of real direction. Case in point, the murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. In this example, a 17 year old boy was murdered in cold blood, by a trigger happy member of the neighborhood watch. The murderer, Zimmerman, said that Martin looked suspicious. Why? Oh, because he is black and was simultaneously wearing a black hoodie, so he must be a menace to society. It is clearly a case of racial profiling which has cost this young man his life.
The cold part about this case is that the police and the district attorney are coddling Zimmerman. He hasn't been arrested yet, and from eye witness accounts, it appears that the police are dead set on protecting Zimmerman. Eyewitnesses have reported that as they tried to make statements to the police on hand about what they witnessed, that they were blown off, and told that "That is not what happened." Is this proper police procedure? Obviously, it is not. I guess it doesn't hurt that Zimmerman's father is a retired judge either, with all the connections and understanding to protect his son, for now.
Under the Stand Your Ground law, Florida is trying to protect this murderer. However, this case is being handled irrationally. At the very least, Zimmerman should be held and investigated. It sends a message of ill-intent to people about the value of human life, when a child can be murdered by an adult without suffering the consequences. I have a feeling that this case could be as explosive as the OJ case, in that both of them share the fact that the police have mired the investigation by corrupting the evidence. The media is trying to make the case that Martin attacked Zimmerman, but it is all too apparent from the 911 calls released that Zimmerman is the aggressor, and stalked this boy to his death. When did it become legal to chase down children because they are drinking a snapple and eating skittles? Something is very wrong in our country and in our media when we allow criminals such as this to go unpunished.
It is a shame that, in this world of massive hype and short attention spans, organizations such as the Invisible Children can garner so much support for exotic issues such as the capture of Kony. However, pressing issues in our own backyard are left alone, without impressive video campaigns or support. It feels like we're hustling backwards when I look at it. My only prayer is that justice is eventually served in this case. Lord knows that it's already taken too long.

Mia Wallace-(Prod. By Dumont)
swim good-Frank Ocean
Sun Red Sky Blue
High Tolerance-Kendrick Lamar - A.D.H.D Remix
Dipset Anthem
Dipset Anthem
One Blood-Jr Reid
Revolution
Affirmative Action-Mobb Deep
Sound Bwoy Bureill-Smif n Wesson
I Got Cha Open-Black Moon

"It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...without a strong rhyme to step to"-Rakim
Real talk! This is my first show of 2012..wow, I've been off the grid for a hot minute. But, as you'll soon hear, I've been collecting some good music for y'all to vibe to. In the meantime, let me explain where I've been.
To begin, I've been on two tours since we last talked. The first was the "How the Grouch Stole Xmas" tour at the very end of 2011. It featured Zion I, the Grouch and Eligh as the headlining group, with support from Evidence of Dilated Peoples. It was a magnificent tour needless to say. The second one just ended, and that was Zion I opening up for Collie Buddz, along with the New Kingston Band. That was also super dope! Both tours boasted audiences ranging from 600-1500 people a night. During the time on the road, I noticed that we have a lot of areas in which to improve our business. Thus, along with the fun on the road, I also experienced a few revelations about ways to improve our business, as well as my personal life. I know, it's a lot, but I'll be speaking about all this more in subsequent shows.
I just wanted to catch y'all up with my movements, and to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you, or this show. I was definitely caught up, but I'm settling down, and taking time to express myself in this medium as well. Enjoy the show..and we'll talk more next week. Bless!!

1. Testament-Flying Lotus
2. Leaves-Asap Rocky
3. Dillanor Rigby-J Period X the Roots X John Legend X Blu
4. Rock n Roll- Mos Def
5. Off the Wall-Zumbi X the Are (the Burnerz) ft OneBeLo
6. ADHD-Kendrick Lamar
7. Rejoicing Skank-the Upsetters
8. Mind in the Sky-Zumbi
9. Pacs Blood-Danny Brown
10. Crew Love-Drake
11. We All Try-Frank Ocean
12. Somebody I Used to Know-Gyote
13. The Birds Part 2-the Weekend
14. Where Have You Been-Rihanna
15. Represent- Nas
16. Two Dope Boys-Outkast

We are in times of great change. It is quite obvious if you are in the least bit aware of self, society, or the world. The Occupy movement is a prime example of this. It has swept across the country and is currently manifesting in our beloved city of Oakland in a major way. Last week, the Occupy Oakland movement made international headlines when the police took aggressive measures to remove protestors from the lawn of City Hall. "Aggressive measures" is actually an understatement, if you search it on Youtube, you will find footage that resembles that of a WTO riot. The cops are throwing tear gas into groups of people that are trying to assist injured protestors, they are firing rubber bullets into crowds recklessly. Mind you, this is a very peaceful and even-keeled protests. It does not bear tangible frustration of, let's say the Oscar Grant rallies. But rather, this is a more ethnically, socially, and economically diverse crowd.
Since this tragic event, the spotlight has been on Oakland as a resistant hub, eager to rail against the system. In fact, the police may have done the movement a favor by reacting so violently. They have encouraged people to be sympathetic to the cause, since the Occupy movement is a largely abstract idea based around the general principle that capitalism is dying. Today (November 2nd) is the ordained strike day that came about as a result of protestors re-claiming Frank Ogawa Plaza last week after the clashing with police. I just came from down there, and the energy is rather festive, and from what I've heard, the crowd is the largest it has been so far.
In essence, I see that the movement is growing in Oakland. Unfortunately, many other cities were shut down last week. Yet, the resiliency of the Town should help to inspire others across the country. It is my sincere prayer that this movement continues to gain massive steam, and helps to topple over the wicked economic system which continually exploits the weak. The power of it is actually in the diversity of participants, and the far reaching values which the vast array of people hold dear. This is not a monolithic movement. The Occupy movement is something new for us. Let's all do our best to energize this historical moment with our highest intentions and goals. May blessings be upon you...

1. So Mean Remix-Paypa
2. Jah Jah Jehovah-King Tubby & the Aggrovators
3. JJ Beat-DJ Premier
4. Poor and Humble-Wayne Wade
5. Millenium-Outkast

Bless up family...this week's show is dedicated to the mixtape I just dropped this week. Yea I know, it may sound trite to many of you, but for me it is a major shift in expressing myself. Don't get it? Well, let me explain.
I've been making music for the past 20 years...damn! But, this is actually the first time that I've given away a free project, outside of free promo mixtapes here and there with Zion I. But, as a solo artist, I feel like this is my introduction to the world in many ways. For the OG's who know, my name was once Zion. However, as we evolved, I found that it would be strange to release a side project as Zion, when the name of the group was Zion I. Thus, I changed my name to Zumbi, gaining inspiration from the revolutionary Brazilian leader.
Although I've been using this name since True & Livin' (2005), many people still don't recognize the name. Thus, in many ways I am presenting myself to the world for the first time. It may be a bit confusing, but from my perspective it is crystal clear. Either way, this project is all about spreading love and adding to the evolving consciousness of Planet Earth. I pray that when you listen to these songs that you experience whatever kind of peace and healing that you need in the moment. Feel free to download the mixtape in it's entirety at:
http://zumbi.bandcamp.com

Peace and Blessings yall...enjoy!

PS: If you're in the Bay Area...come out and check our annual festival "the Hella Fresh Fest" feat Zion I, the Jacka & Hustla, Los Rakas, the Honor Roll, Jealous Guys & DJ Twelvz. It's a celebration of Bay Area Hip Hop, and it wouldn't be right if you weren't there!

Big Sean-Final Hour (inst)
Herbalist-Albo Rosie
WRMS Dedication to the Bitty-De La Soul
Trenchtown Rock-Bob Marley
Champion-Zumbi X Bassnectar
Problemz-Zumbi X Vitamin D X D'Fahie
Likwid-Zumbi X Little Dragon X D'Fahie
Dank-Zumbi X Wiz Khalifa X the Jacka X Martian Luther
Mind in the Sky-Zumbi X Shad
Decatur Psalm-Outkast X Big Gipp X Cool Breeze
ABC-Zumbi X Lloyd Banks X HotCrossBones
All of the Lights Interlude-Kanye West
Infinite-Zumbi X Lee Bannon
Wheel It-the Burnerz X Deuce Eclipse X D.U.S.T.
the Edge- the Burnerz X the Grouch X Martian Luther
ON- Zumbi X Flying Lotus X Codany Holiday
Mecca & the Soul Brother-Pete Rock & CL Smooth
the Score-the Fugees
Everything is Fair-ATCQ

Comedy is one of my favorite things in the world. It enables us to smile at the dark sides of ourselves, thus accepting situations and ideas, that would otherwise cause internal turmoil in many cases. In fact, I've heard enlightenment described as being a "lighter" humorous state of being constantly. As if one never takes things too seriously and is thus able to handle challenges and stress without batting an eye.
Most comedians definitely pull from real life experiences, and are able to make fun of themselves and laugh at the very things that hurt them. This is what comprises the true strength of comedy. It allows us to be with the pain, and come to understanding that this thing which once hurt, can indeed be laughed at without experiencing more pain. It is a form of emotional alchemy in this way.
Skimming thru Netflix, I often find myself viewing stand up comedy more than anything else. I enjoy the improvisation and crowd interaction of it all. It may very well inform my own performance practices. I am always fascinated by the way that certain comics are able to handle hecklers, whilst others fall into their clutches, their life being sucked away by the negative energy.
Recently, I watched a clip of Katt Williams, a remarkably funny dude, be reduced to a shit talking chihuahua onstage by a heckler. I'm sure you've heard of it, seeing as though its been a news story for the past week or so. The heckler was of Mexican heritage, and the show was in Phoenix, AZ. Now, what happened to get Katt all wound up, I don't really know. But, what transpires is a emotional tirade poured in the direction of this heckler for nearly 8 minutes straight. Initially, its comical, but eventually it just turns into a personal vendetta. It's as if Katt is really scared or hurt, and his defense mechanism is to continue to berate this man based on the fact that he is from Mexico.
I heard one writer try to compare this to Michael Richard's n**** outbursts a few years back. But, I think that assessment is incorrect. Michael Richard's obviously harbored racism in his heart. Katt Williams on the other hand doesn't seem to be racist in my opinion. I just think the dude is losing his grip on reality. An example is another clip of Katt at a Young Jeezy show when a fight breaks out. There's a huge scuffle, then the two sides are separated and everything calms down a bit. Suddenly, Katt Williams saunters into the scene with his shirt off? Huh? I didn't know comedians were so gangster? He proceeds to jump around and act as if he's going to steal on someone, but somehow we know that it's all an act. It's actually a bit embarrassing, as the big fools who were actually involved in the fight barely notice Katt's prancing around. It feels like Katt is trying to prove something to everyone, or is it to himself.
This is in no way a diss to Katt Williams, as I still respect his talent and his grind. But, it feels like homey is about to go way overboard, and that's not what I would like to see of such a talented brother. It's true, fame and the media have a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people, it just depends on who you are, and what part of your career you are in. I don't want to see him disappear for awhile, as we saw from Dave Chappelle. Here's to hoping that Katt reclaims his center and returns to being the funny man we love, and not the rude little guy on stage that disrespects an entire people. Church..

Rapsodia Stellare-Piero Umiliani
Breathe-Open Door
Send Me an Angel-Big K.R.I.T.
Hold Up-Big K.R.I.T.
Hold On-Currensy ft Young Roddy, Trademark
Love in the Purple Forest-Jet Age of Tomorrow
Blame Game-Kanye West ft John Legend
The Runaway-UNKLE ft Lupe Fiasco
Young Gee-According to My Swagga
The Story-KING
Feeling U, Feeling Me-Alicia Keys
Think Twice-Erykah Badu
La Primavera-Manu Chao
Cowboys-the Fugees
Soy Raka-Los Rakas

2011 has been an interesting year in Hip Hop. All the way around, the extremity of what we see on a daily basis has definitely been cracked up over the past couple of years. From Lil B, to Oddfuture, to Kreayshawn...the west coast is on a strong run right now. However, there is a strong undercurrent of "beef" being utilized to sell records, or at least stimulate interests in projects and the artists promoting them. What's beef you ask? Let me explain.
Beef, traditionally, is what happens between two individuals, crews, or countries and causes deleterious action on one or both parties. In other words, bad things happen when "beef" occurs. But, the "beef" that I'm talking about is a of a different breed, no pun intended. This new style era funk is more about attracting headlines and strong first week sales then actual problems. Has Hip Hop really become this corny and formulaic? I am afraid so good people. We've got Messy Marv dissin' Too Short, JT the Bigga Figga & San Quinn, the Game dissin' Lil B, Jay Z, Big Sean and more, Kreayshawn and Rick Ross supposedly funkin'..I mean, it's out of control. It's all about grabbing the headlines, and it really doesn't matter how you do it.
Beef can also be related to n****, as has been told candidly in the reaction to V-Nasty's wanton usage of the word. There has already been decades and possibly centuries of commentary about the word and it's perpetuation. Some want to kill it and end it's usage forever. Others claim to use it as an affectionate term. Many say that we've used it historically to take the sting out of it. Regardless of your viewpoint, it is a question for us to ask ourselves. Can we call ourselves something, and not expect others to call us the same? We must respect ourselves enough to understand the cyclical nature of the universe, and realize that thoughts=word=action=our experience. We have to learn to think and speak the reality that we seek to experience. Bless..

Dowhatchalike-Digital Underground
dub fi gwan
Give Me The Night-George Benson
Caught Up
Fonda Rae - Over Like A Fat Rat
The Way You Move (Greg Wilson Version)
Canto Para Chango
No One Else In The Room Ft. Maxwell
Canto Para Chango
clear as water (ft. bajka)
Rappin N Rockin The House
A Lesson To Be Learned
International Zone Coaster (Re-Remix Edit)-Leaders of the New School
A3 - The International Zone Coaster (ultra shandilere tango-trixx mix)
Lowdown
Chocolate City Dreaming
Good Man (Live Acoustic)

This week my attention was captured by the widespread rioting of England's youth. Similar to our Oscar Grant situation, all of the trouble began after a young man was unjustly murdered by the police. However, unlike the US, the entire UK rallied behind this one event, and subsequently riots took place in around 10 major cities across the country. Besides the actual shooting, the withering economy has also been discussed as a main cause of discontent amongst the young.
What I found so fascinating is that the people who were in the streets rioting were from vastly different social and economic backgrounds. Initially, they tried to blame the outbreak on "ethnic minorities" (really? that is so original). But, as I watched clip after clip of footage, it became obvious that diverse groups of people were populating these riots. It seemed as though they had no other means of expressing themselves, and simply took to the streets as a way to communicate the feelings of separation and isolation from "society".
Why does it take a riot for the powers that be to notice that something is wrong? No matter where in the world, the authorities are always wealthy and few in number. Their wealth, however, is resting on the backs of mainly the poor and what is left of the middle class. Without one, the other cannot exist. Quite possibly, this is the reason why there is such a disconnect between the haves and the have nots. It is the "haves" duty to keep the "have nots" confused, on edge, and powerless, thereby protecting their wealth and subsequent dominance.
Yet, we are watching in real time as these old systems of governance crumble before our eyes. Governments were intended to rule according to the needs and wishes of the people. But we all know that oft times, these "officials" are only interested in serving themselves. However, in today's world, the dividers between the masses and the elite are thinning. The underclass is growing like weeds, and the old school tricks to delude and manipulate them aren't as effective as they once were. There is immense change in the air. All we have to do is open the window to smell it. What do you smell...barbecue or mildew? Think about it.

1. Run Tings-Coti
2. Arkestry-Flying Lotus
3. Trenchtown Rock-Bob Marley
4. None A Jah Jah Children No Cry-Ras Michael
5. How the West Was Won-Toyan
6. Wa-Do-Dem- Eek-a-Mouse
7. Love is Divine-Sizzla
8. Next to U-Zion I
9. Hip Hop-Dead Prez
10. Return of the G-Outkast
11. Villematic-J Cole
12. Peace-the Burnerz
13. Vicadin-Jose James
14. Everything Must Go-Foreign Exchange
15. Plead the 5th-Zion I & the Grouch ft Codany Holiday, Fashawn & Casual
16. Layabout-Lukid

Bless up all massive and crew! We're back in the saddle again...riding for freedom, peace and justice. I say this because my esteemed colleague, Vinroc has been back on the scene as of late. There's nothing better than working with like-minded cats who understand how important this music is in shifting reality. We are scientists of sound, mathematically putting it down.
This week, we built a great deal on the idea of taking time for self. Our society is not one that encourages us to reflect, or tune in to our inner lives. It is my opinion that this is a purposeful technique used to weaken our psychic constitution. Let me explain. There is a good reason why all the commercials on television constantly remind us how inadequate we are without the products which they endorse. Buy this deodorant, and you'll be able to get more women. Take this pill and all your pain will disappear. It goes on and on. To add to this, society encourages materialism over and above all other things. The spirit takes a backseat to science, while the dollar rules both religion and government. The empowerment of the individual is completely unimportant outside of fringe new age movements.
Nonetheless, time to sit and listen to one's inner desires is incredibly necessary in order to be a well-balanced person. Many people call this practice meditation. Some would call it just chillin'. I call it paying attention to the divine inner voice. We all have it, it's just that some of us don't realize it. Try this experiment: 1. Sit in a quiet place where you will be undisturbed 2. Breath slowly, focusing attention on the area right below the navel. When you breath in, this area should gently push out 3. Just relax and allow your mind to drift. Remain unattached to these thoughts, its cool to observe them, but don't react emotionally to them, they do not define you. 4. Stay here for at least 5 minutes, and as you get comfortable sit for longer periods of time.
This process is a basic introduction to meditating. It is one of the most powerful exercises that I have ever come across. Try it as a experiment and see how you feel. Hit me with some feedback family...love y'all..PEACE!!

Teddy P-Love TKO
Ahmad-Back In The Day
Kool & the Gang-Summer Madness (Longer Mix With Vocals Remixed By Roy Ayers)
Mos Def-Brown Skin Lady
Daylight
ATCQ-Bonita Applebum
ATCQ-Bonita Applebum (Remix)
4 Moms
Slum Village-That S*** (Featuring JD)
A Tribe Called Quest - We Got (The Jazz) (Instrumental)
ATCQ-We've Got The Jazz
De La Soul-Stakes Is High
Souls of Mischief-You Never Knew (Album)
Kenny Dope Presents The Mad Racket Supa (Deep In Brooklyn Mix) 12"
Heart & Soul (Clean)
vinroc drop
ATCQ-Scenario
Busta Rhymes-As I Come Back
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5-The Message
Quiet Dog (Sake1 Edit)
Kanye West-TOUCH THE SKY (Big Jacks' Remix Clean)
No One Else In The Room Ft. Maxwell
vinroc drop

Greetings family...I know, it's been a hot minute since we've been in contact. Feels like forever on my end. Please forgive me, but life has been getting the best of me lately. It's one of those moments when there are a ton of things on my mind. I've been restless, and much worse, have been procrastinating on some important stuff that I need to take care of...which has only added to the weight on my mind. However, fret not, I am making my way out of this funk. What with career, family, and maintaining physical and spiritual health, time has been slipping thru my fingers. The only things that have given me grounded anchor lately are my son and meditation. The former, simply by mere presence, but the latter by reminding me of what's truly important in life. Sitting silently in contemplation may seem like the most simple and easiest thing to do, but somehow I forget how important it is in my life at times. Yet, in this moment, I am re-energized as to it's power in re-creating and shaping life. It is with this state of mind that I offer you today's show...Soular. It is designed to inspire a reflective outlook by getting you deep into the groove. Enjoy good people...BLESS!

1.3070-3 AM
2.Growing Old-Outkast
3.3rd Coast Freestyle-Big K.R.I.T.
4.Radius-Zion I
5.Wonderland-Jet Age of Tomorrow
6.H20gate Blues-Gil Scott Heron
7.1st Nite-Knxldge
8.Dillanor Rigby-the Roots, Blu, PORN
9.Umi Says-Mos Def
10.Untitled-Coultrain
11.Turn Me Away-Erykah Badu
12.Test of Time-Zion I & the Grouch
13.the Story-KING
14.Watermelon-Peter Hadar

Big up to all of the massive! Please forgive me for the lag in production lately. I actually lost a couple episodes recently, combine that with being on tour and, well..you get it. Luckily, I'm back at home and in the AllDayPlay studio, so we're back in business. We ride again...
The world in which we live is dictated by subtle rules and agreements that we, the populace, agree to and thus empower these ideas. Simple things such as wearing clothes, and driving on the right side of the road are concepts that we all agree on. However, where do these mass agreements stem from? Have we helped to co-create society, or is this something that has been forced into our consciousness?
It is my opinion that the programming begins the moment that conception occurs in the womb. From that time on, the "system" is at work, trying to shape and guide our being-ness. There is a constant barrage of fear hurled at the pregnant mother to conform with the pre-concieved plan of hospital birth, formula and epidurals. Once we are born, they begin hitting us with the mental programming. Every commercial seeks to detail how important the acquisition of material goods and wealth is to our well being. A status quo is established very early and those that deviate from it are automatically outsiders or weirdos. How do we break free from this constricting philosophy of conformity? On today's show, Vinroc and I discuss this as shown thru our compulsive attachment to materialism. We share thoughts about value systems and the media, in an attempt to shed some light on how effected we are by the efforts of the powers that be to control our ideas. Remember, "As a man, thinketh, so shall he do". Reclaim your power, reclaim your mind!

antonio carlos jobim-Batidinha
standing on the shore
2pac (Intro)
Brown Sugar-D'angelo
Crack Music (Featuring The Game)-Kanye West
Datskat-the Roots
Radio Daze (Feat. Blu, P.O.R.N., Dice Raw)-the Roots
Window Seat-Erykah Badu
Ex Girl To Next Girl-GangStarr
99 keys-Vinroc mash

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