"The Hip-Hop Violinist [Clean]" (09/20/2005) Jazz Instrument Ben-Ari, Miri, Universal DistributionPersonnel: Miri Ben-Ari (violin); Miri Ben-Ari; John Legend (vocals, background vocals); Akon, Musiq (Soulchild), Anthony Hamilton (vocals); Consequence, Doug E. Fresh, Fabolous, Fatman Scoop, 6 Shot, J-Ivy, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Lil' Mo, Pharoahe Monch, Scarface, Styles P, Vicious, Zion, Baby, Algebra , Lennox & Pitbull (rap vocals); Quartet Sebastian (strings); Andrej Jakus (trumpet); Hrvoje Pintaric (French horn); Vanja Lisjak (trombone); Nick Fury (keyboards, drum programming). Audio Mixers: Miri Ben-Ari; Jason Goldstein; Ohad "Big O" Ben Ari; Kevin Crouse; Axel Niehaus; Leslie Brathwaite. Recording information: Cash Money Studios, LA; Chung King Studios, NY; Mirimode Studios, NJ; Morris Studio, Zagreb, Croatia; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY; Touch Of Jazz Studios, Philadelphia, PA; TransContinental Studios, FL; Tree Sound Studios, GA. Photographer: Adam Weiss. Arrangers: Miri Ben-Ari; Doug E. Fresh. Besides the fact that she's just so gosh darn beautiful, the hip-hop community took to Miri Ben-Ari because of her spirited playing that perfectly fit songs like Twista's "Overnight Celebrity," and in many ways it made them. Right from the title, The Hip-Hop Violinist relies too much on the gimmick of such a thing, and in the end comes off less satisfying than her jazz releases, which had more inspired tiles like Sahara and Temple of Beautiful instead of Female Israeli Jazz Violinist. Half of her guests can't help but dwell on her name, her beauty, and her quirky role in hip-hop, repeatedly giving props to her instead of offering anything substantial. Good news is Lil' Mo will have none of it, instead delivering the uplifting "Hold Your Head Up High" with a passion to which Miri's winding violin responds with spirit. "Chillin' in the Key of E" is intriguing Vivaldi meets Wes Montgomery meets hanging out downtown, and the Southern party anthem "4 Flat Tires" with Baby, Lil Wayne, and Six Shot makes up for a lot of filler. Hearing Doug E. Fresh's human beatbox accompany Ben-Ari's interpretive take on "Star Spangled Banner" is exciting and neither John Legend nor Kanye West damage their lofty status, but insights into Ben-Ari the artist are just too rare. Consider it a mixtape with Ben-Ari appearances and it's more hit than miss, but as thrilling and as fun as the album can be, you can't help but wish the unique voice on her earlier recordings was more center stage. ~ David Jeffries On this 2005 album, Israeli jazz violinist Miri Ben-Ari reinvents herself as a funky, rap-loving performer. While such a career move might initially seem perplexing, it makes perfect sense when considering hip-hop's love of dramatic, string-heavy backing music. Those expecting an all-out rap album should take note--although THE HIP-HOP VIOLINIST features an army of guest stars (including Kanye West, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, and Akon), Ben-Ari's expressive, Middle-Eastern-inflected violin runs remain the focus of the record. Besides the fact that she's just so gosh darn beautiful, the hip-hop community took to Miri Ben-Ari because of her spirited playing that perfectly fit songs like Twista's "Overnight Celebrity," and in many ways it made them. Right from the title, The Hip-Hop Violinist relies too much on the gimmick of such a thing, and in the end comes off less satisfying than her jazz releases, which had more inspired tiles like Sahara and Temple of Beautiful instead of Female Israeli Jazz Violinist. Half of her guests can't help but dwell on her name, her beauty, and her quirky role in hip-hop, repeatedly giving props to her instead of offering anything substantial. Good news is Lil' Mo will have none of it, instead delivering the uplifting "Hold Your Head Up High" with a passion to which Miri's winding violin responds with spirit. "Chillin' in the Key of E" is intriguing Vivaldi meets Wes Montgomery meets hanging out downtown, and the Southern party anthem "4 Flat Tires" with Baby, Lil Wayne, and Six Shot makes up for a lot of filler. Hearing Doug E. Fresh's human beatbox accompany Ben-Ari's interpretive take on "Star Spangled Ba
