Hip-hop star in Zion I robbed of $90,000 camera during West Oakland music video shoot

Amplive, left, and Zumbi of Zion I. Note: Zumbi is currently the only member of the group. Amplive, left, and Zumbi of Zion I. Note: Zumbi is currently the only member of the group. Photo: Brant Ward Photo: Brant Ward Image 1 of / 43 Caption Close Hip-hop star in Zion I robbed of $90,000 camera during West Oakland music video shoot 1 / 43 Back to Gallery

Hip-hop artist Zumbi of rap group Zion I and a film crew were robbed at gunpoint while shooting a music video in West Oakland on Monday, July 10. No one was injured, but the thieves made off with a $90,000 camera, according to a statement on the musician's Facebook page.

The shoot was underway in the Prescott neighborhood near Willow and 11th streets, reports the East Bay Express, when men suddenly emerged from a car, put a gun to the cameraman's head and took off with his Red Camera, along with all of the footage taken that day.

Zumbi, an Oakland native, told Complex that he had noticed the thieves driving past an hour before the robbery took place, but "was just so into how dope the footage was looking and the good vibe on set that I chose to ignore my intuition," he said.

According to a statement by the musician on a GoFundMe page, the music video chronicles "the lack of opportunity" in the community and "the stress and drama that comes with that."

"My reason for filming in the heart of West Oakland and the storyline of the video...make it all the more ironic that we ended up being victimized," the musician wrote. He then asked for community support to help cover the camera's insurance deductible and to fund security for a future re-shoot.

Just last week a film crew was robbed at gunpoint while shooting "This is Summer," a reality tv show that follows 17-year-olds growing up in the Bay Area. When filming in the East Bay, local tv news crews often employ a security guard.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.