classickal

Miri Ben-Ari
"The Hip-Hop Violinist"
(Universal)

Miri Ben-Ari's previous work included being a session violinist until Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Wyclef Jean shouted her out, therefore, she's taken it upon herself (as well as the good folks at Universal's urban department) to give us a full album of hip-hop violinin'.

Fortunately for us, this is a really good album. A very well constructed compilation record that features really enjoyable songs like "Sunshine To The Rain" (with Scarface, no less), "Fly Away," and "I've Been Waiting On You." Unfortunately for Ben-Ari, her violin skills take a back seat to a stellar cast of featured guest artists and strong club anthems ("Jump & Spread Out" is going to be the biggest club hit of the year, just wait and see).

Don't get me wrong. The violin is very prominent throughout the album, but at times you forget who the primary artist on the album is because you're just too busy grooving to a new Pharoahe Monch jam ("New World Symphony").

Still, "The Hip-Hop Violinist" is a worthwhile buy for a strong stable of supporting artists and songs and though it won't get you into Classical music anytime soon, it'll at least spice up your steady diet of Slim Thug and Common.