On one recent Wednesday evening, music lovers gathered at Maxwell’s for the monthly showcase Uptown Underground.

White linen tablecloths and votives help create a sophisticated feel. Tonight the audience will see a few local artists including singer/songwriter Samm and vocalist Moe Soul. KeKe Wyatt is headlining.

It’s rare these days to find a hip-hop group that provides sustenance for mind, body and soul. Usually, it’s one or the other - there are plenty of rap acts who make dance floor bangers, which unfortunately, requires you to check your brain at the door. And there are probably an equal number of rappers who spit intelligent rhymes over underwhelming beats.

But not only do Oakland duo Zion-I engage listeners on a physical and mental level, they maintain an urbanized spirituality, which is indeed uncommon throughout the entire rap genre. Producer Amplive balances bassy, boom-bip beats, electro-inflected rhythms and more esoteric, ambient sounds. Meanwhile, emcee Zumbi toes a lyrical line that allows for basic call-and-response exhortations as well as touching on social, cultural and meditative themes.

It's Music Monday! Oakland Local got the chance recently to sit down with Erk tha Jerk and pick his brain about music, life and what he loves about Oakland…