Miri Ben-Ari

Known as the "the hip-hop violinist," Miri Ben-Ari has been (literally) throwing bows with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Kanye West over several years. Collaborating with Grammy award winning artists such as Jay Z, Wyclef John, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Patti Labelle, Brandy, Janet Jackson and John Legend, this classically trained musician has helped selling millions of records all over the world, being recognized as a pioneer. Previously appearing on Twista's hit "Overnight Celebrity" and on Kanye West's The College Dropout disc, Ben-Ari has moved on to add numerous accolades and honors to her repertoire. Actually, the petite, string virtuoso, who once studied under the late classical master Isaac Stern, is also well respected in jazz circles, with two critically acclaimed albums under her belt. Growing up in Israel, after serving a two-year stint in the Israeli Army, Ben-Ari decided to come to New York to study jazz. However after 2 semesters and later under the late Betty Carter, she decided she wanted to broaden her musical horizons. Appearances on NBC's "Showtime At The Apollo" and BET's "106 & Park" prompted an unprecedented amount of correspondence from viewers who praised her captivating performances, demanding to know more about the Hip Hop Violinist. Miri became an "Apollo Legend", "I don't believe in limiting myself musically," she explains, "I wanted to play music my way". In 2001, Miri's fiery determination and violin artistry caught the ear of Wyclef Jean, who has since dubbed her the "world's greatest living violinist." After their pairing, Miri's produced strings for Alicia Keys' "Fallin" among others and Jay-Z invited Miri to be featured in his historic 2001 Summer Jam set and on his "live Showtime" concert in 2003. Rapper Kanye West sought out Ben-Ari's musical expertise to co-write, co-produce, arrange, and perform all of the strings on "The College Dropout" , his much-anticipated debut album. In 2005 Miri Ben-Ari won her first Grammy [she co-wrote, Jesus Walks, with Kanye West]. Universal Records debuted Miri's hip-hop CD, self-titled: "Miri Ben-Ari/The Hip Hop Violinist" , featuring artists such as Kanye West, John Legend, Akon, Scareface, Lil' Wayne and Anthony Hamilton among others. Hot off her Grammy win, Reebok recognized Ben-Ari's strong individuality and unique talent and signed her for their "I Am What I Am" global print and TV advertising campaign.