Rubbin Off The Pain

Stereotypes marks the third LP but major-label debut for hip-hop/classical crossover duo Black Violin, who also incorporate jazz, R&B, roots, rap, and pop into their unconstrained sound.

Violinist Marcus and violist Wil B invited numerous collaborators to the recording, including but not limited to Grammy-winning singer Melanie Fiona, rapper Pharoahe Monch, keyboardist Ray Angry (Dianne Reeves, Elvis Costello), drummer Daru Jones (Jack White, Talib Kweli), string arranger/performer Rob Moose (yMusic, Alabama Shakes, Bon Iver), and producer Eli Wolf (Norah Jones, Digable Planets).

Much more likely to appeal to open-minded hip-hop devotees and those with eclectic tastes than to strict classical fans, the impressive collection offers 11 original tunes, including the atmospheric and wistful “Addiction” and virtuosic instrumental “Runnin’,” as well as a funky, mostly instrumental cover of the Bacharach-David classic “Walk on By.”