Zee - Livin' Proof

By Peggy Oliver

Once upon a time, a Nigerian-born man of Muslim faith traveled to America pursuing the American dream. He found the woman of his dreams, married, and gave birth to a son, Abdul Aziz Peregrino-Brimah. Through good and bad, that son, nicknamed Zee, turned his life over to Christ, and is the only Christian on his father’s side of the family.

Livin’ Proof, the debut courtesy of Bezworks Music, tells humbling personal stories, boldly teaches about hardships faced and how Christ transforms lives. Zee would eventually be raised by his mother after a divorce, because his father returned back to Nigeria. During his college days at Winston-Salem State University, the North Carolina resident hit a crossroads battling fleshly desires, while recognizing rewards of heaven and consequences of hell. A year later, he chose the heavenly rewards. Zee, who started free styling in 1994, has been extremely busy lately with regional appearances and The Texas Holy Hip Hop Awards, plus participating in a forum, “Can God Use Holy Hip Hop?” with Da Minista and Lil iRocc on WHAT 1340 AM in Philadelphia.

Running through some of the highlights, the heart-pounding Take It Up, advises we “can’t afford to make friends with the world” (John 15:18-19), and brings the humor, “Pull up your pants and tie your shoes.”

My Story summarizes Zee’s life story in roughly five minutes. Jamaican toasting and intense rap flows mesh on No Have To Worry, where we carry our spiritual weapons daily. Sure the world may be a ghetto. Yet Heaven Ain’t Got No Ghetto, and in the temporal, nothing is fabulous whether pimpin’, drugs, etc. 1 + 1 = 2 teaches the principles of Godly relationships, and not the just physical attractions “that don’t add up.”

Radio may take notice of Make Your Life Better, another lesson in choices we make, supported by a magnetic hook during the chorus. The title track nails the purpose of maintaining Christian character toward our fellow man who “hungers for truth but they’re skeptical.”

When afraid to share with the world because of the hurt, You’re Not Alone reminds us learning through past mistakes speaks volumes to those craving to fill life’s voids.

Josephine warns those who prejudge too quickly: “He who has no sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). Surrounded by a pulsating, gruesome soundtrack, Thief In The Night illustrates watching for others and our children: “This ain’t like running errands.”

Yeah the party is onnnn… but as we plug into the six-minute dirty south extravaganza, Moufs of Da Souf, don’t be fooled by the carefree attitude, and keeping it real when representing Him: “If you want to rhyme with me, you’ve got to rhyme with Christ.” Joining in are Big R, Tre-9, and Excelsius (Joined At The Hip Ministries), and more.

Stroked by sonic producers including 4 Sight Sounds (Unity Series), Cross Movement’s DJ Official, and Maji (Genocide), the sixteen-song effort features gorgeous hooks, underground excursions, and delectable hip-hop party joints. Every once in a while the basic beats seems stuck in third gear, but the meat in between accents Zee’s potent lyricism, sprinkled with wisdom, whimsical moments, and of course the truth that shatters ears. After soaking in Livin’ Proof, both believers and the soon to be believers should truly appreciate this testimony and the road well traveled to get there.

Zee’s web, www.thezeesite.com, includes his music, downloads, and links such as the www.what1340i.com that aired the “Can God Use Holy Hip? panel.