Black Violin is lead by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) and joined onstage by DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes. The band uses their unique blend of classical and hip-hop music to overcome stereotypes while encouraging people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together to break down cultural barriers. In the past 12 months, the band has performed for over 100,000 students in the US and Europe and has partnered with Yamaha EDU and NAMM (National Association of Music Manufacturers) to continue supporting music education.

Black Violin, alongside artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Elton John, recently joined with Turnaround Arts to bring arts education to struggling schools in underserved communities. Turnaround Arts is a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the President’s Committee. In addition, Black Violin has composed for a major FOX Television original and has been featured by ESPN as the official artist of the 2017 US Open (tennis) and 2016 & 2017 Heisman Trophy Award ceremonies. They have been featured on The Tonight Show, Ellen, The Wendy William’s Show, NPR, and more.

The group has collaborated professionally or performed with multiple well-known artists including Kanye West, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. Their most recent album release, Stereotypes, hit #1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Chart.