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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.
CONDITION: Used Like New! Promotional imprint on vinyl.
TRACK LISTING
1
Intro
0:37
2
We Gonna Win (Featuring Styles P.)
Miri Ben-Ari & Styles P
4:28
3
Jump & Spread Out (Featuring Fatman Scoop & Vicious)
Fatman Scoop, Miri Ben-Ari & Vicious
4:04
4
Fly Away (Featuring Fabolous, Kanye West & Musiq)
Fabolous, Kanye West, Miri Ben-Ari & Musiq Soulchild
3:54
5
Hold Your Head Up High (Featuring Lil' Mo)
Miri Ben-Ari & Lil' Mo
5:02
6
Sunshine to the Rain (Featuring Scarface & Anthony Hamilton)
Anthony Hamilton, Miri Ben-Ari & Scarface
4:31
7
Lord of the Strings (Featuring J. Ivy)
Miri Ben-Ari & J. Ivy
1:36
8
Outside the Box
3:04
9
Miss Melody
Miri Ben-Ari & Akon
5:44
10
The Ninth Symphony (From the New World) [Featuring Pharoahe Monch]
Miri Ben-Ari & Pharoahe Monch
4:25
11
4 Flat Tires
6 Shot, Baby, Lil Wayne & Miri Ben-Ari
4:58
12
She Was Just a Friend (Featuring Anthony Hamilton & Algebra)
Algebra Blessett, Anthony Hamilton & Miri Ben-Ari
4:44
13
I've Been Waiting On You (Featuring Consequence & John Legend)
Consequence, John Legend & Miri Ben-Ari
4:16
14
Star Spangled Banner (Featuring Doug E Fresh)
Miri Ben-Ari & Doug E. Fresh
2:52
15
Jump & Spread Out (Precise, Monse & Cheeky Star Version)
Fatman Scoop, Lennox, Miri Ben-Ari, Pitbull & Zion
4:15
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