Black Violin

Classically trained violinist Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester and violist Wil "Wil B." Baptiste first met up at their Fort Lauderdale high school before reuniting post-college to form Black Violin, which celebrates the synergy between classical and hip-hop music. Taking their name from the great swing-era African-American violinist Stuff Smith's influential album, this inspiring duo has been named one of South by Southwest's hottest bands, clinched a Showtime at the Apollo Legend title, and conspired with the likes of Alicia Keys, Wu-Tang Clan, and Aerosmith. Backed live by their band featuring turntable ace DJ TK (Dwayne Dayal), they've given rise to a distinct musical voice that is at once "delicate, different and, dare it be said, funky" (OZY Media).