MC Zumbi Biography – Wiki
MC Zumbi, the Prolific Bay Area Master of Ceremonies, Zumbi, whose real name was Steve Gaines, has passed away. The news was shared by his grieving family. Gaines also called himself Baba Zumbi and contributed greatly to shaping a generation of Golden State masters of ceremonies.
Age
MC Zumbi has died at the age of 49-years-old.
Family & Siblings
He is now survived by his mother, his brother, and three sons.
Zion I hip-hop Star
MC Zumbi was part of the hip-hop collective called Zion I that focused heavily on social issues and spiritual hip hop while bringing East African mysticism to the spotlight. Artists K-Genius and Amp Live were other members of the project. MC Zumbi along with his group rose to fame with albums like “Mind Over Matter”, “Atomic Clock” and “The Takeover”, among others. Speaking of premature deaths in hip-hop, fans are still mourning the recent deaths of artists and contributors like DMX, Chi Modu, Biz Markie, and Gonzoe, among others.
Cause of Death
Zumbi, the Prolific Bay Area Master of Ceremonies, whose real name was Steve Gaines, died on Friday, August 13. The news was shared by his grieving family. He was 49 years old. Gaines also called himself Baba Zumbi and contributed greatly to shaping a generation of Golden State emcees.
According to HipHopDX, the late rapper’s family released an official statement, saying, “It is with utter disbelief and great sadness that the Gaines family shares the news of Steve“ Zumbi ”Gaines’s passing on Friday, August 13, 2021. Gaines, 49-year-old and MC of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group Zion I, passed away at Alta Bates Hospital early this morning of unknown causes. The family requests privacy at this very challenging time while they await more details. “The statement continued:” Steve is survived by three children, his mother, and brother. He was working on a Zion I reunion tour with producer and collaborator Amp Live. , to honor the legacy of his musical endeavors for his fans. ”
We are sad to announce that the head MC of Zion I, Zumbi has passed away. The Oakland native was a tremendously gifted Emcee & was well respected amongst his peers in the Bay Area rap scene. We send our condolences to his family & loved ones. #RIPZumbi pic.twitter.com/51ocJJwba6
— Thizzler On The Roof (@TheThizzler) August 14, 2021
Although family members shed no light on the cause of death, it was later revealed that MC Zumbi apparently died from Covid-19 symptoms. According to the same post, sources revealed that the talented rapper had tested positive for Covid-19 and was in and out of the hospital in recent weeks. DJ True Justice, who traveled regularly with Zumbi, told HipHopDX via text message that the emcee suffered a catastrophic asthma attack while in the hospital and that he was never able to recover.
“Zumbi from the legendary Oakland Crew, Zion-I passed away this morning. He was recovering from COVID and had a severe asthma attack and his heart stopped. He died in the hospital. They couldn’t revive it. ”
A renowned Bay Area cultural publication called Thizzler On The Roof also shared the news on Twitter saying, “We are saddened to announce that Zion I’s lead MC Zumbi has passed away. The Oakland native was a tremendously talented emcee and was highly respected among his peers in the Bay Area rap scene. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones. #RIPZumbi ”. The late rapper began releasing music under the name Zion I in 2000 alongside DJ and producer Amp Live. Later, the group released seven full-length albums with various mixtapes and collaborations.
Tributes
Social media users along with friends and colleagues of MC Zumbi poured their tributes on Twitter. One user stated: “RIP to the Oakland Berkeley Legend Baba Zumbi. Killed tonight from COVID19. He was not vaccinated. Get vaccinated ”. One posted, “Man, RIP Zumbi of Zion I … Heartbreak.” Another user shared: “Heartbroken. Zion I have always been a band very close to my heart. RIP Zumbi “.
RIP to the Oakland Berkeley Legend Baba Zumbi. Dead tonight from COVID19. He was unvaccinated. Get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/ogC5KxcHjI
— Get rid of the filibuster (@daneshjoon) August 14, 2021
The following tweeted: “At Berkeley High in 2002 I signed up for this after-school music program at La Peña. I came to Zion and taught us how to work in music and then we did a show with them. It’s probably my first DJ gig in a club. Thankful to Zumbi and Amplive for the memories. #ripzumbi “.
Meanwhile, another said: “Zion I’s RIP Zumbi. If you’ve lived in the bay in the last 20 years, you can’t overstate his presence.” One user concluded: “So talented, so humble, so sweet… you and Amp Live were/are always Kings in my eyes. From one side to the other we want you Zumbi. #RipZumbi ”.
