Atomic Clock

Headquartered in Oakland, Zion I have been putting out hyper-original, outside-of-the-box, next-level hip-hop since the late '90s. Atomic Clock is their seventh full-length since 2000's breakthrough Mind Over Matter, and is both inherently funky and pleasantly unpredictable. Amp Live's production is razor sharp as always, a futuristic blend of boom-bap, electro, and reggae, while Zumbi's one-of-a-kind flow adapts itself perfectly to the varied moods. The overall vibe is slightly mellower and more introspective than some of their recent efforts, but there are still a few club bangers in the mix. Guest spots are kept to a minimum (they include Macklemore, Rebelution, Martin Luther, and Locksmith), giving the duo plenty of space to do their own thing. Highlights include the dubbed-out "Signs of Light," feel-good jam "Always," throw-your-hands-up anthem "The Sealing," and autobiographical tale "The History," that takes listeners back to their early days as an up-and-coming college crew with a major label deal. Though they may never crossover into the mainstream consciousness, this album proves that they've never fallen off.