Afro-Mystik

by Diana Potts Afro-Mystik's sound is as eclectic as its group members. Hailing from the Bay Area, this collection of musicians blends hip-hop, jungle, jazz, and samba rhythms to produce a down-tempo, soothing blend of mixed beats and lyrics. Chris Smith, aka DJ Fluid, takes the helm on production and keyboards, with Liana Young and Ismail Azim lending vocals and rhymes. Mr. Bungle's Trevor Dunn is on bass, while Simone White (Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Omar Sosa) are on drums and Carlos Araiza takes care of percussion. In 1999, Afro-Mystik released their first CD, Future Tropic, on Om Records. The label is notorious for its support of Bay Area producers and DJs such as Mark Farina and Soulstice. The second Afro-Mystik album, Morphology, was released in April 2003.