Mista Sinista

New York-based turntablist Mista Sinista first encountered DJing through his father, who played breaks in the family basement during Sinista’s early childhood. At age 6 he began using his father’s turntables, and by 14 he had acquired his own set, launching his performances at local parties. Throughout the ’90s he sharpened his technique alongside fellow DJs Dr. Butcher and Rob Swift. In 1997 he entered the acclaimed crew the X-Men, soon renamed the X-Ecutioners. He contributed to the group’s singles and their debut album X-Pressions while also working with Common, the Beatnuts, Al Tariq, and Princess Superstar. The year 2000 proved especially active, bringing both a solo single and the X-Ecutioners’ major-label release, plus fresh partnerships with Cella Dwellas, Dead Prez, and Common. By 2002 he had departed the X-Ecutioners, just ahead of the LP Built From Scratch, to focus on independent work.