It’s been a little over a year since Steve Gains aka Baba Zumbi of Zion-I was abruptly taken from us. He was not only a world renowned MC, loved by his fans, he was known to be an amazing father to three beautiful boys, a caring son who was very close with his mother, and a community leader who practiced what he preached in his music and left behind a legacy of positivity for us to reflect on and connect to. He was also a friend and mentor to me and many others who he looked out for and helped guide as we made our way through Hip-Hop culture, higher realms of consciousness and life in general. He had the type of personality that could de-escalate any conflict, was vastly knowledgeable and wise, yet never arrogant and always down to earth.

I am eternally grateful that I was able to experience Zumbi’s friendship in this lifetime, and honored to have acquired as many stories as I have crossing paths and interacting with him. The footage I used as a visual for this piece shows Zumbi and I performing at his last show. For those of you that don’t know, he’s the one with the bright smile cheering me on. It’s a blessing to have this footage because it really shows our connection, his light, his joy and his support and encouraging spirit. I hope that reading this and viewing this footage gives everyone a glimpse at what a positive force that Zumbi was. I hope that hearing this song sheds light on what really went down regarding his death for those who are still unclear, because it is truly a tragedy that in my opinion hasn’t garnered enough attention or a strong enough response yet. I also hope that this song can help be a catalyst for more songs, art, gatherings, protests, policy changes and organizing regarding justice for Baba Zumbi and the countless other victims of brutality inflicted by those we are supposed to trust to protect us. If we all continue to be passive things are only going to get worse. STAND UP. SPEAK UP. DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY AND JUSTICE FOR HUMANITIES SAKE. WE ARE ALL BABA ZUMBI.

Unity Lewis- I Ain't Tryna Hear It (Produced By Slapp Turner)

Cosmic Vibration

Galactic Dub Encounter

PUG-TRK 07

PUG-TRK 10

PUG-TRK 09

PUG-TRK 13

PUG-TRK 15

Free The Funk is a 12 song maxi-single now available for sale digitally exclusively at www.unitylewis.com. 

This release includes the original version of Free The Funk to be featured on the forthcoming LP entitled 7th Dynasty, along with all instro’s, remixes (Trackademicks Remix and Big Tunes of TownTroniks Remix), accapellas, street and clean versions.

Listen to Free The Funk, the original version produced by Egon Brainparts here and download the full maxi-single to get this version and the other 2 remixes today!!!


George Clinton’s Free The Funk movement and Flashlight 2013 Campaign aim to shed the light on legal malpractices in the music industry and act as advocates to raise public awareness around protecting the rights and copyrights of artists and musicians.

California based MC/ activist, Unity Lewis, has joined forces with George Clinton, along with Sly Stone, Bebe and Amuka to bring you the anthem for this movement, entitled “FREE THE FUNK.” The purpose behind the release of this song, music video and movement is to help Dr. George Clinton attain the Legacy he seeks, while at the same time assisting hundreds of others to seek the justice they deserve.


“I (George Clinton) want to be known as the man who brought to the attention of America the copyright issues. That’s what I would like my legacy to be, to have turned people on too the fact that they need to fight for their rights to their music. You have to fight a lot of people for your music. You have to fight the copyright companies, like BMI. You have to fight these record companies because they really want to take it all.  Right now, it’s time for people to start getting their music back. From about 1978 to 2013, the first thirty-five years, is the timeframe from which you’re allowed to get your music back. In 2013, this will be the first time a lot of people are going to get their music back and I’m going to help them!  WE WILL WIN!”
                                                                                                                -George Clinton

 

“Putting together the song ‘Free The Funk’ was an amazing experience in itself. Not only was I able to get back in the studio with George Clinton, but Sonny Cool also put me in contact with Sly Stone’s manager Bebe, who in turn connected me with Sly Stone. Sly was enthusiastic about being featured on ‘Free The Funk’ with his long time friend George Clinton. The subject matter struck a chord with Sly, as he was in a legal battle for his rights and the music that had been stolen from him. After James Brown, Sly Stone holds the title of having the second most sampled song of all time, ‘Sing A Simple Song.’ He is the 4th most sampled artist of all time, after James Brown, Kool and the Gang and Parliament. Yet at that time he was barely receiving a penny of the royalties and income that was truly being generated from his music being played on radio, television and by various forms of media internationally everyday. Sly advocates for the rights of his good friend George Clinton, who continues to fight for his due royalties and just deserves. The purpose behind the release of this song and the Free The Funk Movement is to help Dr. George Clinton attain the Legacy he seeks, while at the same time assisting hundreds of others to seek the justice they deserve.”
                                                                                                                     -Unity Lewis

Free The Funk (feat. Amuka Sly Stone Bebe And George Clinton)

Creating a new reality with my listeners through sound. Setting the captives free!!!
Go to my website and add yourself to the mailing list, then follow me on YouTube, Spotify and Instagram to support my music!!!

UnityakaYP

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