Mind Over Matter: 25th Anniversary Edition (RSD 25)

This RSD edition 2XLP is pressed in a striking clear, purple, and pink color mix, coined Cosmic Punch. Mind Over Matter by Zion I stands as a powerful testament to the group’s innovation in hip-hop, carrying an even deeper weight following the untimely passing of Baba Zumbi in 2021.

Zumbi’s conscious lyricism and spiritual presence were the heart and soul of Zion I, and his passing left an undeniable void in the hip-hop community. The 2000 release of Mind Over Matter combined Zumbi’s socially conscious rhymes with producer Amp Live’s futuristic beats, creating a sound that was both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in the traditions of hip-hop. Tracks like the Planet Asia-assisted Critical and Inner Light exemplify this balance, where complex lyricism meets genre-bending production.

The album’s themes of self-awareness, community, and resilience remain just as relevant today, showcasing Zion I’s unique ability to fuse the personal with the political in a way that feels both intimate and revolutionary. Because of its impact, the album received critical acclaim upon release, earning a nomination for Album of the Year by The Source in 2000 and later being ranked among the 30 Best Underground Hip-Hop Albums Since 2000 by HipHopDX. These accolades solidified its influence in the underground hip-hop scene.

In celebration of the album’s 25th anniversary, Mind Over Matter is being reissued through Live Up Records in partnership with Coalmine Reissues for Record Store Day. This special edition serves not only as a tribute to Zion I’s genius but also as a celebration of Baba Zumbi’s enduring legacy. His spirit lives on through these songs, offering fans old and new a chance to reconnect with the timeless messages he left behind.