Baba Zumbi Leaves A Legacy of Conscious Hip Hop For The Future

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Editor-In-Chief


It is with great remorse that we share with our Hip Hop audience that Steven Gaines also known as Baba Zumbi, co-founder of the infamous Northern CA Hip Hop group, Zion I passed away Friday, August 13 at Alta bates Hospital in Berkeley, CA of unknown causes.

This is comes as a shock for those who knew him, his warm, positive demeanor and whose music was always uplifting and fun. Gaines (Zumbi) always found time to give back to his community and support those in the underground and independent Hip Hop scene in the Bay Area and beyond. Zumbi was loved by so many; a mentor, friend and collaborator – one who will be dearly missed. His unfortunate departure from this earth also comes during a time that the same Bay Area Hip Hop community is still mourning Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and Shock G (AKA Humpty Hump & Digital Underground); not to mention several others in the Hip Hop world of late and it just does not seem to stop.

Steven “Baba Zumbi” Gaines is leaving behind two decades of conscious, mindful Hip Hop for his fans, his family which includes three young sons, hundreds of friends all over the world and a close Hip Hop community core who is grieving his loss and pouring out what his legacy means to them. Zumbi’s consciousness has awakened the community to its core despite his physical demise.

The Oakland, CA based emcee passed away from unconfirmed causes that have yet to be revealed due to an altercation where Zumbi was ‘pinned down’ according to a spokesperson at the Berkeley Police Department and which occurred between the patient and hospital staff soon after 5:00 AM. There is an investigation into what exactly happened. All of this is to the San Francisco Chronicle who reported that Berkeley Police Department is investigating his untimely death ‘after a physical altercation at the hospital’ occurred.    

“Zumbi was recovering from COVID and had a severe asthma attack and his heart stopped. He died in the hospital. They were unable to revive him.” says DJ True Justice who was the tour manager & DJ for Zion I. DJ True Justice also works with Mac Mall and Equipto among other artists.

The family of Zumbi is awaiting results of an autopsy to release his undetermined demise. Zumbi, received press in 2016 when he wrote and released a song about gentrification in the Bay Area; losing his own home where his family lived, he had reason behind his words which only amplified the catalyst about the subject.

“Zion I’s mystical rhymes such as ‘Trippin’ which focuses on spirituality and are a welcome relief from much of the materialism that permeates modern Hip Hop.” According to Jon Azpiri who is a staff writer of AllMusic which is one of the originators of online media. Zumbi was the type of father who taught his craft to his children, his boys and remained real at all times.

Soulmedic who is a Northern CA and Big Island of Hawaii Reggae and Dancehall artist has information that he shared on his Instagram page explaining that he was at the event at The Haven Theatre in Nevada City where several people contracted COVID.

This was a Zion I show where Equipto (Bored Stiff, Solidarity Records), San Quinn (SF Emcee) and DJ True Justice were in the building. Soulmedic also had a chance to get on the mic earlier in the evening.

“Infinite respect goes out to Zumbi aka Steven aka Zion I. Powerful artist, you know. I just want to send a lot of .love to his family, friends and collaborators. All the people who are very close to him. This has been a very difficult time. A very inspiring person in the culture, the community and carried a torch of positivity and God-Lyrics. Self-God Lyrics and that is super inspiring To me, it causes me to want to say something… I have been irked all week, I have been pulled to say something all week. The creator is trying to get me to say something. I am not really good friends with the bredren.” Shares Soulmedic in his Instagram post where he goes on to explain that there is an investigation going on concerning his death.

“We all shared the same mic; we shared the same stage. We all got COVID. We all got sick. The DJs got sick, the artists got sick, the club owner’s sick. The bartender’s sick. Everybody got sick from COVID there, including Steven. When I got sick, it came and went within three-four days. I got rid of it with certain herbs and vitamins that I know that would get rid of it. Maybe bring some things to light, I don’t believe that the police are going to investigate the truth on this matter. They rarely do, especially when they are involved with being the result of the death. You can’t say it is or it isn’t. These things came to light after Stevens passing.” Says Soulmedic, watch the full recording from Instagram.

Soulmedic also brings up that Zumbi had asthma and wants those of us out there who pay attention to keep our ears and eyes sharp to all the information that is coming in.

According to DLabrie, early on, there was a time when Zumbi attended an audition for Epic Records A&R’s who were providing distribution opportunities to other Hip Hop artists, including DLabrie who was also participating. Zumbi seemingly moved on to the next level, according to DLabrie who said he had a “cult following.”

“I just noticed his name was always coming up and folks loved his music and his vibe in a unique way, like a cult following. It just reminded me of the Oakland Hip Hop vibe [that] I came from. He kept that lane open for us Town ‘outliers.’” D Labrie remembers.

According to The Haven Theatre STAFF in a Covid PSA, Released August 13, many days after the July 24 performance where
Zumbi and others performed
and on the same day as his death:

“Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Nevada County The Haven Underground is re-implementing safety protocols to keep our customers and staff healthy and safe. Temperature checks will be performed prior to entry and masks will be required for all patrons attending
Girls Night Out on Friday August 13.
The venue is fully sanitized and the ventilation has all brand new filters.
After Girls Night Out we will be taking
a three week hiatus, and returning with a full slate of shows in September. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. See you tonight!

Zion-I, remembered by the WOKE fans, Hippies, Rastas and even the Hyphy-Hood fans, according to Bay Area emcee DLabrie and whose members include Baba Zumbi and Amp Live was just on the verge of their reunion tour which would remind fans of their 20^th anniversary “Mind Over Matter” album. This album was released by Ground Control Records in 2000 where it was nominated for album of the year in The Source Magazine.

During this time, ALLMusic gave the album three out of five stars sharing that the album was ‘influenced equally by Hip Hop and various forms of electronica, Zion I offers listeners a collage of new sounds mixed with ancient spiritualism’ according to Canadian Journalist Jon Azpiri who also has written for The Source, XXL, SLAM Magazine, Inside Stuff upon other magazines and newspapers. Hip Hop DX named the album “30 Best Underground Hip Hop Albums since 2000” in no particular order however the list is filled with some of the greats that we have seen through out the years at regional shows while they were on tour and this was no exception for Zion-I.

Zion I was known for great CD-recorded albums such as “The Sun Moon and Stars,” “The Masters of Ceremony EP,” “The Rapture: Live from Oaklandia,” “Libations EP,” “The Labyrinth;” both on CD and vinyl, “Stay Woke Mixtape,” and “Heroes in Healing of the Nation” which is a vinyl record. Only available for digital download, “God Is Us (Remix) Free GoFundMe Release,” “Mind Over Matter,” “Deep Water Slang V2.,” “Don’t Lose Your Head EP,” “Shadowboxing- The Remixes” among others which are available as CDs available on Empire Distribution.

Forgot VERY KEY ALBUMS , Deep water Slang, True and Living, Heroes in the City of Dope, The Take Over, Street Legends

Listing these projects takes me back to shows I attended in the past where I would network and write reviews and where Zion I would set up shop with their booth of merch.

“We built something special together. Zion I was organic and was real with no barriers. We built this group from ground zero.   Built something up that enabled us to travel the world, many times. My heart right now is just shattered. I would not be who I am today without my brother.  Steve was an excellent father, out of this world vocalist and the most sincere, real, loving friend anyone could have. He was something special. Please send prayers to his family, children and loved ones. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the outpouring of condolences and love from friends and family that have come in.  I want you guys to know, I am getting all the texts, DMs, emails and phone calls.. I really appreciate it and need it. I wanted to write so much more but I can’t right now.  You will be greatly missed my brother.” Says Zion I Member Amp Live who announced this statement on Instagram upon reuniting for the 20^th reunion of “Mind Over Matter.”

The tour itself was slated to begin October 1 in Washington, DC on the East Coast visiting NY, touring into Canada and then back in the states through Colorado, Utah; some of their favorite places in Northern CA and the Los Angeles Area then moving up the West Coast from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, WA and then ending the tour Dec. 18 in Vancouver, BC. There has not been any updates on the tour as of yet.

“We had a solid friendship. He was one of the most supportive artists I knew. Not just for me but for so many others. He was just a nice, pleasant guy. No Drama. No hating. No Beef. So many stories I am just reflecting on the loss…but with Steve, it is always positive GAINES!” says D. Labrie.

Those closest to him remember Steven “Baba Zumbi” Gaines in their own way


Please Donate in Remembrance of Steve “Zumbi” Gaines,

Organized by The Community Loves Zumbi Benefit

FAMILY-FRIENDS CONNECT WITH UBOMAG

Emcee J Ross Parelli (Northern CA Hip Hop-Soul Emcee/Poet & Singer)

“Yo, mama, this one hurts… He was our generation’s hero. He spoke on truths and spiritual health. He did not just speak. He lived it. He is one of the healthiest folks. It is hard to believe. Zumbi; ZION I, defines Hip Hop. And to see folks like J Period in Brooklyn and Rhettmatic in Los Angeles, CA pay tribute to Zumbi.

He is a true leader and legend in this culture; in the bay, for an artist and emcees everywhere. I learned how to find peace watching Zumbi on stage. His element. Fans from all around the world!! This one just hurts. For his boys, to have to make sense of this makes no sense. Just know this Hip Hop community has you. We are here for you. For real real.”

DJ True Justice (Zion I Booking Manager, San Francisco, CA & Bay Area DJ)

DJ True Justice was Zion I’s former booking agent. Sometimes DJ. Always a friend.

“Zumbi is an incredibly genuine person. There were no conditions to his friendship. K-Genius left the group shortly after their Bay Area arrival in the mid-’90s. The duo of Zumbi and AMP Live along with Deuce Eclipse and Dustin Sharpe [is] what makes up Zion-I Crew. After performing solo for six-years, AMPLive was set to reunite with Zumbi October 1. 2021.

“Zion-I was dedicated to crafting lyrics of self-awareness and positivity into spiritual anthems like no other. He was available for community organizing. I have had the incredible honor of being with him at his last show on this plane. I was going to be a prideful ticket holder at Zion-I’s upcoming tour.

Nick Linhares AKA ThaConnectedOne (Northern CA Emcee)

“Zumbi, where to start…with a man so solid. He was a literal personification and embodiment of a true emcee. Growing up in the Bay Area Hip Hop and Hyphy scene in the early to mid-‘00s was a wild experience. And you honestly would have to be there to fully get where I’m coming from. No doubt we knew what was going down was something special and different. I met Steve for the first time in ‘07 at a Super Hyphy 17 Concert Series. At the time, MAC DRE’s legacy had really opened the door to so many young artists and gave a platform for them to really be heard. At the time a lot ‘gangster rappers’ were a part of the Heroes in the City Of Dope (OM Records) might have seemed like an ‘anti’ in a sorts the Thizz/Hyphy/Party Hip Hop culture that was birthed from the eventual combination of Rap/Hip Hop/Rave Culture that dominated the collective consciousness in the bay area. As emcees, these individuals really shinned light on the problems we as communities were facing as kids between drug use or musical connotations and music influences. Zumbi was a true Master Of Ceremonies (MC) and would introduce himself onstage as such, often.

“He was fully aware of his power and influence on stage and chose his path very methodically. His messages are read: one-part hype and trends but real knowledge that will remain relevant for generations. The Hip Hop community will be forever in gratitude for his contributions to the craft. In general, Zumbi lived his life as a man to the rest of the world. A real father to his sons, a real friend to his peers, a real barer of light and keeper to the flame of truth. How much his words of wisdom and encouragement helped me as an artist and lover of music cannot be understated.

“In essence, I saved a lot of us young and ‘goin’ dumb’ from ourselves. Promoted a true knowledge of self that I’ll be in homage of all my time… While it seems there is a lot of things going on with his unfortunate passing…all I can focus on is that we lost an amazing man. I pray for everyone’s sake that we find the truths we need and justice if that is the case.

“I will be sleeping in the street in front of Alta Bates if we find any excessive force is attributed to his death. His sons, family and friends deserve to know exactly what took place. Like Duece Eclipse (Jorge), I was extremely shocked he passed as I [had just recently] exchanged messages with [Zumbi] on the 6th of Aug. We were in the process of collaborating on these new sounds that AMP Live recently made. He said he was still moving slow but getting better and would be in the studio as soon as he was 100%. Like many people I’m sure it’s hard to see how or why it got to the point of him losing his life. Right now, I’m just praying and chanting for his loved ones. It still doesn’t feel real honestly. Every morning I wake up hoping maybe I was tripping and it was all just a nightmare I had. But then the internet and algorithms troll us all. HOMAGE TO THE KING, ZUMBI”

DLabrie  (Bay Area Emcee, Hip Hop Congress, RonDavoux Records)

“I’m crushed by Zumbi passing. It doesn’t feel real. I’m not over my bros: Gift of Gab (Blackalicious). (Shock G (Digital Underground), just to name a few. I’ve been on a lot of huge shows, big songs and countless adventures in so many states with Zumbi but Steven was my Hip Hop brotha, not before I knew a lot about the group Zion-I or how big he had gotten with “Mind Over Matter” which is an amazing piece of work.

“We met before I had any official albums out or songs on the radio. I might have been on a few cameos and had a few demos or mixtapes. Even when he was blowing up, I didn’t realize the name Zion-I was related to him at first. We met at a huge audition in the East Bay for Sony Records. A lot of upcoming Bay Area artists were there trying to get a deal. I was a member of a hot group at the time (D.E.A.T.H. Organization) and I think he had his own group and [who knows], he may have gotten the Zion-I deal that day!

“I was building my local indie buzz and [the two of us] reconnected after I moved to San Jose and was doing my thing all over the states with Hip Hop Congress and [Zumbi] ended up [becoming] really popular in the HHC Network. I just noticed his name coming up and folks loved his music and his vibe in a unique way, like a cult following. It just reminded me of the Oakland Hip Hop vibe I came from. [Zumbi] kept that lane open for us town outliers.

“He was embraced by the woke fans, hippies, all backgrounds; the Rastas, the Hyphy-Hood fans. That’s my kind of emcee. I would tell him, ‘Man you deserve that Bay Area Radio love on ‘Lose Ya Head’ with Too Short and my favorite Zion-I song shocks a lot of people, ‘Roll On Out (Feat. Mac Dre).’ Ha-ha… I love when my lyrical purest fam has those club/radio hits and they get their props. I love to see different styles come together. That’s why we always were tight. I would learn a lot from him on the road. He always pushed hard for me and was there to help if I needed it.

“As the Hyphy Movement grew, Zumbi did a verse on my biggest album, ‘Mr. NETW3RK (Part one)’ on ‘East Bay Legend (Remix)’ and ‘Turn The Party Out’ which also featured Mista F.A.B., Kev Choice, Rich Tycoo AKA Filthy Rock (Black Bizness), GorillaPits, Big Thump (Side 2 Syde, Ray Ryda, Dirty Mackin), Peda Man and my RDV partner who was also cool with Zumbi (KDoe of RDV/K-Midas, RIP). I may have been first to have Zumbi on a Hyphy record but I’m not sure… we both had that in common; being more on the purist side of Hip Hop but also loving to have fun and kick it too – so we would mix it up.

“In more recent years, we both had kids and talked about fatherhood more and how we had to adjust and fall back from Hip Hop more than usual to focus on our children. Lately, I noticed he had been touring again and I have also been getting back to live shows so I was thinking about him a lot. Last week, (days before his death), I was talking to the owner of a cannabis store in Oakland who was schooling me on various strains and I was tellhim him how a Zumbi song with our mutual fam, Traxamillion and Deuce Eclipse [released a song called] “Indo or Sativa” [which] kinda educated me on the different effects of cannabis. That’s when I realized I am a sativa guy and was wondering how Zumbi was doing.

“I thought folks were posting his picture because he dropped a new album or single and just did something epic. Keyanna Celina of RDV hit me up Friday morning with the RIP Zumbi information. She met him through me and he became a fan of hers from our song, ‘…(Feat. San Quinn)’ and through that, she was able to get on the hit radio track from Traxamillion, “Slapp Addict” album together. She was mourning and showing love to our comrade. There are so many great moments that come to mind. RIP to my brotha Zumbi of Zion-I and much love to your beautiful family. You really left a positive impact on all of us! Thank you.”

Mariana Rojas-Hagardorn AKA Norcal Chicka (Previous Northern CA Promoter, Event &  Radio Show Host)

“Whether you knew Zumbi on or off stage, you loved him because of his genuine way of connecting with you and making you feel special. He truly was a beacon of light, always greeting you with that beautiful smile and a big hug—Interested in everything you had to say. Steve embodied consciousness, growth, truth and the pursuit of the higher self. His lyrics were beautifully deep and life-changing for me.

“After seeing him live for the first time back in 2001-2002 in Santa Cruz, Zion I opened up a portal to a whole new world of Hip Hop for me and it was thanks to them that I became so immersed in the Hip Hop scene. They single handedly were responsible for introducing me to so much of the music I listen to now and for my love and adoration of underground Hip Hop.

“Zumbi was a true master of his craft, a wonderful father and a kind, humble and wise man. I wish I could’ve told him just how much he has impacted my life. Hip Hop will never be the same without him. My heart is destroyed.”

J Lately (Bay Area Emcee)

“Zumbi had a way of  making everyone around him feel loved, respected and valued. When I first heard of him passing, I thought about the special relationship I had with him but then I realized that everyone who knew him felt [as if] they had a special relationship with him. That’s just how he was, truly a man of the people.

“He’s been a big bro, a mentor and a supporter to so many people, it’s crazy. His life and his love will live on forever through all the souls he’s touched in his time on earth. I will miss him dearly, standing on the side of the stage and watching as ‘Bird’s Eye View’ drops over the speakers. On every show I rocked with him that was always such a special moment for me to get to see and feel. It makes me so sad to think that I will never get to experience these moments with him again but they are forever in my memories.”

Rahman Jamaal (Bay Area Emcee, Actor, RonDavoux Records, RapForceAcademy, Hip Hop Congress National Director)

“[I] first heard Zion I at a club in Los Angeles when the DJ dropped “Revolution (Bboy Anthem).” It wasn’t long after that Zion I Crew got booked by our USC (University of Southern CA) chapter of Hip Hop Congress. Their show was one of our most successfully thrown events between 2001-2004.

“I forget which came next but the other show permanently stored in my memory was at the Hip Hop Congress National Conference in Boulder, CO. Folks reached new personal highs that night. Who else remembers?

“At some point I was back on the grind in the Bay and ran into Zumbi at a commercial audition in San Francisco, CA [and he] was reading for the same role. I reintroduced myself and told him how he had become my favorite Bay Area rapper and immediately felt like I was growing from a fan into fam. It was an important lesson in the beauty of humility that his music and lyrics embody.

“‘Music can make you larger than life, but how you handle your presence is bigger.’

“Thanks for all the GEMS my brother. You left us with so much to celebrate in your honor. Ever humbled to have exchanged respect and shared your legacy in Hip Hop with the next generation.”

ALL THE LINKS
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

OFFICIAL WEBSITES
ZION-I CREW Official Website
Empire Agency
The Community Loves Zumbi Benefit

MUSIC PLATFORMS
Zion I – Bandcamp
Zion I – Apple Music
Zion I – Spotify
Zion I TV– Official Youtube

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