Afro-Mystik

The musical approach of Afro-Mystik reflects the varied origins of its ensemble members. Based in the Bay Area, the group fuses hip-hop, jungle, jazz, and samba rhythms into a relaxed, calming mix of beats and vocals. Chris Smith, performing as DJ Fluid, oversees production and keyboards, while Liana Young and Ismail Azim supply vocals and rhymes. Trevor Dunn of Mr. Bungle handles bass, Simone White, linked to Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Omar Sosa, covers drums, and Carlos Araiza manages percussion. Afro-Mystik issued their debut release Future Tropic in 1999 on Om Records, a label known for championing Bay Area producers and DJs such as Mark Farina and Soulstice. Their next album, Morphology, appeared in April 2003.