New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Wilner "Wil B" Baptiste (viola) and
Kevin "Kev" Marcus Sylvester (violin) are
Black Violin, a duo who radically fuse hip-hop and pop with classical music to create a kaleidoscope of sounds uniquely their own. Classically trained musicians, they have opened for such diverse top names in music as Kanye West, 50 Cent,
Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and also creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Linkin Park,
Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys, the latter for the Billboard
Music Awards. Set for release on
September 18 on Universal
Music Classics, their major label debut was produced by Eli Wolf (The
Roots & Elvis Costello, Norah Jones).
Composed of mostly original works, Stereotypes effortlessly shifts from classic hip-hop ("
Invisible" featuring legendary MC Pharoahe Monch) to pulsing R&B and fiery instrumentals. "Stay Clear," features rising star Kandace Springs alongside keyboard mastermind Robert Glasper. "
Runnin" finds Wil and Kev flexing their virtuosic muscles - a flurry of notes both dexterous and emotive. "Shaker" unwinds into a brooding beat interweaved with classical influences.
Black Violin is joined by the aforementioned guests, plus
Black Thought (of The Roots), drummer Daru Jones (Jack White), guitarist Eric Krasno (Soulive) and string arranger Rob Moose (Bon Iver).
Wil and Kev first started playing together in high school orchestra in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at the Dillard High School of the Performing Arts. The evolution of
Black Violin followed with multiple wins at the popular Showtime at the Apollo, scoring an episode of CSI: New York, and a performance for President Obama at his second inauguration in 2013. The band tours non-stop (playing as many as 200 shows a year) and have released two independent, self-financed albums.
While on tour,
Black Violin often visit schools to perform and speak about the importance of music education. Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, they have performed for over 100,000 students over the last year.
They will tour extensively this summer and fall, and live are joined onstage by a drummer and turntablist.
Track List:
1. "Stereotypes"
2. "
Invisible" featuring Pharoahe Monch
3. "
Another Chance"
4. "
Addiction"
5. "Shaker"
6. "Send Me A Sign" featuring
Melanie Fiona and
Black Thought of The Roots
7. "
Walk On By"
8. "Day 2"
9. "
Magic"
10. "Stay Clear" featuring Kandace Springs and Robert Glasper
11. "
Losing Control"
12. "
Runnin'"
Tour Dates (more to be announced):
7/10 - Hartford, CT -
Infinity Hall Hartford
7/11 - Bethlehem, PA - Levitt Pavilion
7/24 - Toronto, ON (Canada) - CIBC Am Park
7/25 - Toronto, ON (Canada) - Nathan Philips Square
8/1 - Reno, NV- Wingfield Park Amphitheater
8/14 - Cleveland Heights, OH - Evans Amphitheater of Cain Park
8/17 - New York, NY - Rockwood
9/10 - Beacon, NY - The Towne Crier Cafe
9/24 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
