Bassist Jaribu Shahid grew up in Detroit, playing with Kenn Cox, Wendell Harrison, Jimmy Wilkins, J.C. Heard, Martha and the Vandellas, and others, eventually joining Griot Galaxy. He moved to Philadelphia and lived with the core of the Sun Ra Arkestra with whom he played intermittently until Sonny’s passing. He began to work in various groups directed by Roscoe Mitchell and to work with some of the major players in jazz, including Milt Jackson, James Carter, David Murray, Geri Allen, Craig Taborn, and Hugh Ragin. After Malachi Favors passed, he was invited to join the Art Ensemble of Chicago.