In memoriam of hip hop legend, Zumbi of Zion I

“… Always in my life, till the day that I die,” raps Zumbi of Zion I, to conclude one of his most poignant verses in “Bird’s Eye View”. Yet, not a single person ever expected for those words to come to fruition so abruptly. Born Stephen Gaines, his family has confirmed the prolific MC’s untimely […]

Unified Highway preaches positivity in ‘Headlines’ album

Headlines may be Unified Highway’s sophomore album, yet these are no green musicians! Unified Highway is a dual collaboration consisting of Amp Live (formerly of Zion I) and of Eric Rachmany (frontman of Rebelution). Amp Live has been recording important music for over 20 years; Rachmany and his mates recorded the first Rebelution album back […]

Reggae Rise Up Utah unleashes full lineup

Reggae Rise Up Utah (RRUU) has just released the full lineup for the big event happening the weekend of August 24-26, 2018! Hold on to your hats, local Utahans and reggae enthusiasts nationwide, because the biggest acts in reggae (and hip hop!) will be coming to celebrate life in the gorgeous natural landscape of River’s […]

Reggae Rise Up Utah announces first-round artists

Reggae Rise Up Utah is back in action with the first wave of artists announced for 2018! Taking place in the wooded glen of Heber City, Utah this August 24th-26th, Reggae Rise Up encourages camping onsite in tents, cabins and bungalows, allowing attendees the full festival experience as they walk between a Local Love Stage and […]

Jon Wayne and The Pain album review

Singer Jon Wayne, of Jon Wayne and The Pain, has overcome a circumstance that many people unfortunately never do. At 27-years-old, Jon was homeless, living on the streets, addicted to heroin and to alcohol. Fortunately for Jon, he was given another chance. He reached out to MusiCares and they gave him the tools to help […]

Zion I gets down with dub in “Elemental Roots”

Zion I, a hip hop duo out of Oakland, California, usually reps a more rap style over a reggae vibe since their formation in 1996. Over recent years, however, the two have leaned more towards the latter, appearing at many a reggae-oriented festival and affiliating themselves with bands within the growing movement. When asked about […]

Field of Haze 2016

Simple Creation Simple Creation Simple Creation Darenots Field of Haze Darenots Darenots Darenots Synrgy with J Ras Synrgy Synrgy Field of Haze IrieFuse J Ras with IrieFuse J Ras with IrieFuse IrieFuse IrieFuse Arden Park Roots Arden Park Roots Arden Park Roots Arden Park Roots Thrive Thrive Thrive Field of Haze Through the Roots Through […]

Field of Haze Festival announces final line-up

Festival season is finally upon us and like many reggae lovers, you probably have started to wonder which festivals are the most worthy of your attendance, dedication, and support this time around. Excitement is in the air, spring has officially sprung, and reggae music is calling you in all directions. You simply cannot attend all […]

Zion I “Unity” music video ft. Bambu & D.U.S.T.

Listening to music stands out as an almost daily occurrence in the lives of many young adults. This art form is one of the most commonly used and effective methods to communicate emotion and open minds to listening ears. It’s no surprised that Oakland-based progressive hip-hop artist Zion I would take on and confront current […]

Bay Area Vibez: Day two

Bay Area Vibez The Courtney John Project The Courtney John Project Bay Area Vibez I-Wayne I-Wayne Bay Area Vibez Bay Area Vibez Fiji Fiji Fiji Bay Area Vibez Kev Choice Ensemble Kev Choice Ensemble Kev Choice Ensemble Kev Choice Ensemble Kev Choice Ensemble Bay Area Vibez Krooked Treez Krooked Treez Krooked Treez Krooked Treez Krooked […]

Dry Diggings Festival 2015

California Roots Presents is pleased to announce the final lineup for the upcoming Dry Diggings Festival taking place in Placerville just east of Sacramento, California in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The festival will be held September 25th through the 26th, 2015 at the acclaimed El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Festivalgoers will enjoy two days of live […]

When reggae met hip hop: a love story

During this past California Music and Arts Festival over Memorial Day weekend, I had a moment to break away from the 5th annual madness to sit-in on Zion I’s exclusive press conference in the middle of Day 2. The meeting conveniently followed the group’s hour-long set on the main Bowl Stage – where thousands of […]

Zion I takes on San Diego, CA

SOL SOL SOL Parker & The Number man Parker & The Number man Parker & The Number man Parker & The Number man Parker & The Number man DJ MK Smith DJ MK Smith DJ MK Smith Oakland natives Zion I just recently concluded the 2013 Summer Good Vibes tour with Rebelution, Collie Buddz, New […]