Mystic Shocked By Grammy Nomination

NEW YORK (AP) - Mystic's debut album, Cuts For Luck, Scars For Freedom released in July 2001, was one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop records of year. The album's song "W," a duet with Planet Asia, has been nominated for the best rap/sung collaboration Grammy.

The recognition caught Mystic off guard. "It's a weird song to get nominated, but it's definitely a very nice validation on top of what I've been getting," Mystic told LAUNCH. "For this to be my first album, and for it to be pretty much an independent album, and to not have it to be a huge-selling album, and to get recognized is beautiful."

Mystic added that she is pleased overall with the rap nominations, which include potential honors for OutKast, Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Ludacris, DMX, Missy Elliott, and others.

In November 2001, Mystic, India.Arie, and Jazzy Joyce traveled the nation for MTV2 and Vibe's Sisters For Hip-Hop And Soul tour. Mystic's latest single is "Girlfriend Sistergirl," a remix duet with Bilal, which is the follow-up to "The Life."