GRAMMY-nominated duo Black Violin has released their new single "Smoke" alongside its official music video, offering a fresh taste of their upcoming album Full Circle, set to drop later this spring. Produced by Phil Beaudreau (Dr. Dre, Justin Bieber, The Game, Lalah Hathaway), "Smoke" continues Black Violin’s bold fusion of classical instrumentation and hip-hop rhythms.
"Nothing has ever been recorded like this song," says Black Violin's Kev Marcus, who describes the track as a milestone in musical innovation. The song features a distinctive viola solo that, according to Marcus, has never been heard before. "It's what the viola has always wanted, since the days of Bach, to be able to shine in a melodic, super-soulful way, and no one else in the world could make that song but us."
Black Violin’s Musical Journey and Unique Sound Black Violin is made up of classically trained musicians Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, who met on the first day of orchestra class at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1996. Baptiste, initially wanting to play the saxophone, was persuaded by his orchestra teacher to join the class after a playful bet with the band instructor. From then on, their passion for classical music and hip-hop collided, forming the foundation of their unique sound.
After moving in together post-college, Baptiste and Marcus began experimenting with covers of popular hip-hop songs played on their violins. This sparked their rise to fame, especially after their winning appearance on Showtime at the Apollo. Black Violin’s growing success led them to collaborate with renowned artists like Alicia Keys, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, Wu-Tang Clan, Alessia Cara, Lil Wayne, and many others.
Albums, Tours, and Recognition
Black Violin has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Stereotypes (2016) and Take the Stairs (2019), the latter of which was nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 2020 GRAMMYs. Their boundary-pushing musical style, blending classical violin with elements of hip-hop and R&B, has gained them a devoted following and widespread recognition.
Notably, Black Violin performed two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra, marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, and appeared on major national platforms such as CBS Mornings, PBS NewsHour, and The Today Show.
Empowering Communities and Youth Education Beyond their musical success, Black Violin has remained committed to empowering youth through music education. They engage with over 100,000 students annually, providing free performances and mentorship in schools, particularly in low-income and Title 1 areas. The duo founded the Black Violin Foundation in 2019, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to quality music programs, fostering creativity, and encouraging innovation among young people.
Black Violin Full Circle Tour - 2025 In celebration of their upcoming album Full Circle, Black Violin will be hitting the road for a nationwide tour this spring. The tour will feature live performances across the United States, giving fans the chance to experience their genre-defying fusion of classical and hip-hop live.
Tour dates include:
- 03.29: Salina, KS - The Stiefel Theatre
- 03.30: Des Moines, IA - Hoyt Sherman Place
- 04.01: Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
- 04.02: St. Louis, MO - The Sheldon
- 04.04: Davenport, IA - Capitol Theatre
- 04.05: Menomonie, WI - Mabel Tainter Theater
- 04.08: Morristown, NJ - Mayo Performing Arts Center
- 04.09: Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium
- 04.10: Tarrytown, NY - Tarrytown Music Hall
- 04.11: Washington DC - Warner Theatre
- 04.12: New London, CT - Garde Arts Center
- 04.13: Lexington, MA - Cary Hall
- And more!
Support from Abraham Alexander on select dates.
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