While the average MTV rap artist focuses on things like money and sex, Oakland hip-hop duo Zion I expresses individuality through topics like politics and the worries in everyday society. The members to be entertaining and also state a message to their audience. Socially aware of the injustices of the world, Zion I easily expresses topics that are often overlooked in everyday life.

“Some people don’t really notice,” Zion, the MC of the group, said. “When I see a guy come up and ask me for money on the street, it bothers me.”

Zion said he prefers to write about positive happenings in his life, like love and hanging out with his friends, but finds it easier to write about society. Zion I is made up of two important members of the underground hip-hop scene, Zion and DJAmpLive, the music producer of the group. They will be performing at 7:30 p.m. today in Serna Plaza behind the University Union. Also performing will be Pep Love, the Grouch and Deuce Eclipse.

“Heroes in the City of Dope” is the most recent release by Zion I, which was produced with the Grouch in October. The mixed-style music from their latest album will be the spotlight of the concert.

Before DJ Amp Live and Zion joined together to create Zion I, they were both in a project called Metufour in the ’90s, a four-member band that fell through the cracks. Both musicians then created Zion I with a mission to send a message through straight hip-hop to keep motivation, DJ Amp Live said.

DJ Amp Live said he wants to send a message to the audience to be aware of what’s going on in the world and all the evils, but tries to keep his music positive. Amp Live is inspired by artists like Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and bands such as Linkin Park.

About five years ago was the turning point for Zion I, DJ Amp Live said. “We gained more of a name in the Bay,” he said. “Our shows were so good, we would be invited back.”

DJ Amp Live is expecting a big crowd tonight and said Sacramento crowds are always enthusiastic.

Everyone at the concert is good friends, DJ Amp Live said.

“Pep Love is a tight MC with all kinds of lyrical styles,” he said. “It should be a really good show.”

While DJ Amp Live produces the musical rhythms, Zion produces the art of lyrics for their music.

Zion has an idea of life that he tries to convey through his rapping. “Enjoy life,” Zion said. “Don’t get caught up with the common media and society.”

Zion started out with DJ Amp Live as independent artists before being signed to Live Up Records. Zion said he enjoys going on tour all over the world, working with friends and meeting new people.

“Music makes me want to get up in the morning,” he said when talking about the challenges of everyday life.

Zion said his music is conscious soul music that is soulful hip-hop with a lot of energy and would like think of himself as emulating performers such as Bob Marley.

Zion said their performance is very professional and choreographed to energize the crowd.

“We work hard to get the crowd engaged. We don’t just walk around on stage and rap and expect people to know our lyrics,” Zion said.

Zion would like to think of himself as an inspiration for oth- ers through his on-stage performances, which are “like a party on the stage,” he said.

Niccole Scrogins, senior English major, has seen Zion I perform five times at Sacramento State, and has been following the underground hip-hop scene since 1998.

“The Grouch is diverse and jazzy,” Scrogins said. “Every song is different and instrumentally driven.” She said the Grouch is one of her all-time favorite hip-hop artists and he raps mainly about funny topics like an old, beater car and is verbally crafty with his lyrics.

Deuce Eclipse is playing first in the lineup and is the most underground out of the bunch.

“He is more underground, more of a hard hip-hop MC and he is really energetic as a stage performer,” Scrogins said. Zion compared his singing and rapping to a daily practice such as martial arts. He searches for songs through everyday occurrences.

“You have to live it,” Zion said. “You have to walk it in your walk.” Camilla Aceves can be reached at [email protected]