True & Livin'

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, True & Livin’ by Zion I sees its first-ever vinyl reissue, honoring a record widely regarded as the group’s most accomplished work. Originally released in 2005, the album showcases Zion I at their most focused and spiritually grounded—an embodiment of conscious hip-hop steeped in purpose, community, and soul.

At the heart of the group was Zumbi, whose thoughtful lyricism and visionary presence served as Zion I’s lifeforce. His untimely passing in 2021 left an undeniable void in the hip-hop community, but his voice and legacy continue to resonate powerfully through this album. True & Livin’ is both a time capsule and a tribute—an essential listen for longtime fans and new heads alike.

The album boasts an impressive guest list including Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, Del The Funky Homosapien, and Gift of Gab, each adding their own layer of brilliance. Standout cuts include the horn-driven bounce of “Doin’ My Thang,” the introspective anthem “Birds Eye View” (Zion I’s take on I Used to Love H.E.R. with nods to OutKast), the soulful “Temperature” with Kweli, the laid-back groove of “One Chance,” and the abstract lyricism of “Poems 4 Post Modern Decay” featuring Aesop Rock.

This deluxe reissue arrives as part of the Coalmine Reissues series, a vinyl-focused division of Coalmine Records committed to preserving essential hip-hop releases with care and craftsmanship. True & Livin’ is a cornerstone in that mission.

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