Lyceum artists Black Violin redefining music world

FAMU’s Lyceum Series Committee is proud to present the music group Black Violin, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.

Black Violin, consisting of Wil B. and Kev Marcus, and their DJ, is redefining the music world — one string at a time, combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound. The two classically trained violinists have been influenced by Dmitri Shostakovich and Johann Sebastian Bach to rappers Nas and Jay-Z. Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare, a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel.

When the members of Black Violin first learned to play their signature instruments — Wil B., the viola 14 years old and Kev Marcus, the violin at 9 years old, neither could have foreseen that it would become their livelihood, though it was already becoming their passion. The two Florida natives first met while attending the Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

After graduating from high school, both Wil and Kev were granted full music scholarships to college, Florida State University and Florida International University, respectively. In 2004, the group joined superstar Alicia Keys on stage at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2005, the group was awarded the coveted title of Apollo Legend by the esteemed Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Mike Shinoda, lead singer of rock act Linkin Park, was impressed by Black Violin’s imaginative composition and finely tuned musicianship, and invited them along on a world tour with his hip-hop side project, Fort Minor. In addition to Shinoda, Black Violin has worked with musicians as diverse as P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles.

The group recently released its eponymous debut album, “Unleased.” The group continues to tour, opening for hip-hop mainstays like Fat Joe, Akon, and the Wu-Tang Clan in Prague, Dubai and South Africa. The group’s rising fame has also made it a highly desired act for celebrity events. Black Violin provided the music at Minister Louis Farrakhan’s 75th birthday and at NFL star Santana Moss’ wedding.