Who is Black Violin?

I was a big fan of classical violinist turned jazz artist, Noel Pointer. He made his solo debut at age 13.  Unfortunately his life was cut short when he suffered a massive stroke and died at the age of 39.

One of my most favorites songs was entitled "Night Song" from his solo album Phantazia.

I haven't followed any violinists since he passed away. Lately, I've been introduced to several new artists who play with a real contemporary twist.

One is such group is Black Violin.

Black Violin is an American hip hop duo from Florida comprising two classically trained string instrumentalists. Kev Marcus plays the violin and Wil B. plays the viola.

Both members attended Dillard High School of Performing Arts. After high school Kev Marcus attended Florida International University and Wil B enrolled at Florida State University. At FIU, Kev met their manager Sam G and the three of them co-founded the production company DKNEX which stands for Di-Versatile Music. 

The group name "Black Violin" is derived from the influence of a famous jazz violinist, Stuff Smith; six months before Smith's death, he recorded a solo album entitled Black Violin. The duo decided to name their group after the music of the most inspiring violinist they had ever heard.