Zion I visits Salinas for surprising reggae-fusion show.

Zumbi of veteran Oakland act Zion I is the closest thing the West Coast has to Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.

It has nothing to do with the styles, although both favor a nasal tone that is instantly recognizable. It’s not in the fact that both have mastered the art of ghetto poetics delivered with impeccable timing, while flexing lyrically on joints that demand to be replayed two, three, four times or more.

It’s all in the soul.

Each artist possesses an aura of righteous passion, intelligent sex appeal and true school flava that translates in any era of black music.

Zion I brings its rich East Bay soul and authentic hip-hop skill on Friday to Hacienda Mexican Grill in Salinas.

“I feel like music is something that was a tool for me and allows me to express my views around the world,” says Zumbi, talking about what motivates him to continue making music after more than 15 years in the rap game. “Reflecting in an emotional stage the condition of being a human being.”

Since 1999’s “Mind Over Matter,” which Zumbi recorded with former music partner Amp Live, Zion I has tested the boundaries of hip-hop.

On that freshman effort, the group gained attention by experimenting with jungle and drum ‘n’ bass music like those late-’90s rave subgenres that made household names out of DJs like Goldie and Tricky.

The track “Elevation” was true to both DnB and hip-hop, seamlessly blending Zumbi’s nimble lyricism with dreamy soundscapes and stuttery, four-on-the-floor dance music drum patterns.

Zion I continued its foray into electronic dance music by collaborating with producer Bassnectar, one of the biggest names in that game.

Now, it’s aligned with Rebelution, the current kings of the Cali Roots scene. They’ve toured and recorded together for several years now.

Tracks like “So High” and “Many Stylez” are exhibits A and B that Zumbi has enough soul to rock the gulliest underground jam and light up the kinkiest funky reggae party.

“That’s helped us a lot, being able to branch out to other genres,” Zumbi says. “Our music is like an eclectic interpretation of what hip-hop is.”

It also comes rooted deeply in the soul, so you know it’s lit.

ZION I with KROOKED TREEZ and DJ SUGAR BEAR 9pm Friday, Nov. 13 at Hacienda Mexican Grill, 1449 Davis Road, Salinas. $17/presale; $20/cover. 424-6400.