afropsychedelia vol. 3
expanding the framework, expanding our minds
what is afropsychedelia? it’s the forward-thinking, mind-bending, likely possibly substance-induced, oft-hypnagogic, sometimes hallucinogenic sound of it all. it’s rock, funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and everything in between—it’s a perpetual groove that transcends genres and generations. this is my primary frequency of choice; if you get it, you get it.
the first two installments of afropsychedelia relied heavily on music videos to explain the concept. nearly two years to the day after the inaugural release, it’s time to expand on the philosophy and aesthetic.
afropsychedelia exists at the sweet spot between Afrofuturism and Afrosurrealism. it may dip its toes into absurdism, as there’s always room to balance the scales with levity and comedic timing—it’s where the laughter emerges before the punchline. it’s also where myth-making and storytelling become more than fantasy. instead, they are tactics for understanding oneself and the world(s) around us in languages we encode and develop. memories and dreams can evoke the same visceral feelings, like a distant ancestor’s story feeling too close to home. furthermore, afropsychedelia is in relationship with Afrophoria, a philosophical framework developed by my collaborator Shareece 🎬✒️ .
though the use of hallucinogenics and psychotropic substances may be explored through this cosmic work, afropsychedelia encompasses a variety of psychedelic experiences like childbirth and the bliss of a warm sunny day where everything goes one’s way. these don’t have to be solitary awakenings. think of the spiritual trance of singing along with a crowd during a sold-out show or the clarity, telepathy, and transcendence that follow group meditation.
unlike Afrofuturism, afropsychedelia is not bound to hopes of a perceived future—it’s past, present, and future as converging timelines. it encompasses cerebral experiences that aren’t solely reliant on linear time (or the lack thereof). ego death is a possibility, and shadows ought not be bypassed when accessing other realms and dimensions. you might encounter beings that defy categorization if you travel far enough (whether that’s to the Akashic Records, the backrooms, or the Mall World (IYKYK)). embracing realities beyond ourselves is crucial to understanding afropsychedelia. so is the recognition that everything carries a vibration, whether living or presumably inanimate.
afropsychedelia is multidimensional, multisensory, metaphysical, mystical, and magical. the music exists within our bones before we know the arrangement. our feet know the dance before we hear the rhythm. as i expand the framework, here are a few themes and identifiers of afropsychedelia to recognize in life, media, and beyond.
visually: light flares, light leaks, rainbows, kaleidoscopes, swirls, panoramas, long exposures, double exposures, glitches, collages
it often lends towards bright, heavily saturated colorways, but that’s not required.
sonically: panning, reverb, echoes, stacked vocals, surround sound
spiritually: aura readings, plant medicine ceremonies, sound baths, energetic healing, astral projection
what follows are more texts that i would include in the canon (in no particular order).
Attia Taylor — Space Ghost
borrowing its name from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Attia Taylor’s 2022 debut album juxtaposes its heavy subject matter with a colorful and playful psychedelic palette, both visually and sonically. as described by the record label Lame-O, “the album calls upon the wonder and trauma of childhood to animate songs of discovery and healing.”
listening to Space Ghost always reminds me of flying high on a swing set and playing on a seesaw. within afropsychedelia, the sensory-seeking inner child is rarely left behind—they are the perpetual co-creator prompting us to imagine, experiment, learn, and heal.
Moor Mother — Black Encyclopedia of the Air
Camae Ayewa (professionally known as Moor Mother) is an important person to study among interdisciplinary artists and thinkers. for one, she and Rasheedah Phillips are the theorists behind Black Quantum Futurism. for two, this bio from her Bandcamp account says it all.
Low fi/dark rap/chill step/ blk girl blues/witch rap/coffee shop riot gurl songs/southern girl dittys/black ghost songs/
i was reintroduced to Ayewa’s 2021 album Black Encyclopedia of the Air when Kamila Shakur spoke about the work during the Mako Study Hall teach-in, which followed a six-week self-guided learning incubator we both participated in. Black Encyclopedia of the Air is electrifying spoken word imbued with symbolism and ancestral talismans, delivered in Ayewa’s signature guttural tonality. i’d also recommend listening to the free jazz ensemble Irreversible Entanglements, of which Ayewa is a founding member.
André 3000 — New Blue Sun
“That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control ... Sh¥t Was Wild”—a mouthful of a song title—speaks for itself, considering it’s inspired by André 3000’s experience with ayahuasca.
the accompanying film for New Blue Sun (directed by Terence Nance) is intimate, thought-provoking, and self-referential as we watch the artist engage with his own work.
Earth, Wind, & Fire — I Am
released in June 1979, I Am is a collection of esoteric bangers, and i humbly thank EW&F for their service. i have this record in my collection, and i’ve scanned in part of the vibrant gatefold imagery below.
Random Acts of Flyness
the whole show is surreal AF, especially season 2
i’d also enter Terence Nance’s music as Terence Etc. into the afropsychedelic canon, so it’s safe to say he’s another important figure to study comprehensively.
Leven Kali’s discography
i’ve featured Leven Kali’s music in multiple installments of a filmless score, and the material continues to speak for itself—from the bold, groovy cover art to the kaleidoscopic perspectives of his videos to the trippy subject matter.
Kokoroko — Tuff Times Never Last
following a winter weather-induced postponement, i was blessed to see Kokoroko perform live in Atlanta earlier this month. for starters, summertime is the perfect season to experience their music in person, so the reschedule was a divine occurrence. second, their discography is transcendent. i’m including this album mainly because i left the show riding a high that i’ll never forget.
Dianna Lopez’ guitar frequencies
i often meditate on these offerings from Dianna Lopez when i need a reset or to sit with medicine that my soul is asking me to receive.
Tschabalala Self’s artwork
the heart of afropsychedelia is a synthesis of various art styles (be it multiple music genres or a combination of artistic mediums), and that’s something that Harlem-born artist Tschabalala Self excels at. her work stops viewers in their tracks and prompts intensive study to catch all the nuances and references within it.
Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes’ discography
if the band name doesn’t clue folks in, album titles like Astral Traveling and Visions of a New World should. this is music that takes one on a journey, no mind-altering substances required.
Dreamer Isioma — Quantum Entanglement
Dreamer Isioma’s latest psychedelic R&B album is very fresh, and i hope to spend more time with it throughout the year. their music explores the depths of life, love, and higher realms—often resolving to the understanding that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Flying Lotus — BIG MAMA
much of Flying Lotus’ work and that of his record label Brainfeeder are necessary to this conversation. i’ve chosen the Los Angeles native’s latest EP for its ability to tell a compelling instrumental story in under 14 minutes. the captivating stop-motion film that accompanies the music is not too far removed from what a “trip” can feel like.
STEMLINES — U R HERE
the rich, kaleidoscopic album cover draws you in, but the complex composition with many reference points invites you to stay.
Janelle Monáe — The Age of Pleasure
it’s well-established that Janelle Monáe’s entire discography is Afrofuturism personified. The Age of Pleasure—their fourth studio album—is hedonistic in a way that aligns with some tenets of afropsychedelia, which is why it’s featured here. Monáe is also a purported time traveler. nuff said.
V.C.R — The Chronicles of a Caterpillar: The Egg
cinematic soul can fit within the afropsychedelic canon, and that’s the exact kind of music V.C.R makes. her debut album, The Chronicles of a Caterpillar: The Egg, is ethereal, multilayered, and self-aware.
The Internet’s discography
i’ve previously mentioned band members Matt Martians and Steve Lacy’s work in earlier installments, so it’s only right to include The Internet as a collective. their discography as a group is sparse, but impactful, including the following LPs:
Purple Naked Ladies (2011)
Feel Good (2013)
Ego Death (2015)
Hive Mind (2018)
what texts would you enter into this canon? what/who would you expect to study if afropsychedelia were explored in an academic setting? feel free to let me know in the comments, and be sure to revisit volumes 1 & 2 for more context.
such amazing recommendations here!! reminded me of scouring obscure music blogs as a teenager and finding new songs to obsess over. can't wait to dive into these~
Really enjoyed this! I need to check out the other volumes.
My addition if I had to pick one would be ‘Indigoism’ by The Underachievers. Classic NY mixtape full of esoteric messaging