While there are many public faces of inspiration for Jewish Young Adults in the music industry, from producers to record executives and even to performers, there is one specific Jewess who has been quietly making strides and gaining fame: the self proclaimed “Hip-Hop Violinist” Miri Ben-Ari.
This Tel Aviv native and former Itzhak Perlman protégé has been a professional violinist for nearly a decade, but only in the past few years has become a known figure after being featured extensively on Kanye West’s College Dropout album in 2004. Since then she has been picked up by many members of the hip-hop elite and has played alongside John Legend, Jay Z, and Erykah Badu, earning props from the likes of Patti LaBelle, Wynton Marsalis, and Pharell. She has even started her own batch of followers as well.
The reasons why JYAs have a special place in their heart for Miri Ben Ari are obvious. Women dig that she has made a place for herself based on talent and innovation, and has gained the respect and admiration of the highly male-dominated world of urban music. Men are quick to note that the Stradivarius wielding virtuoso happens to be quite a looker as well, as evidenced by her photos and videos.
Ultimately, Ms. Ben-Ari connects with JYAs because she reminds all of us who played cello/clarinet/flute in middle school that hard work, dedication, determination, discipline, and a rockin’ body can only lead to good things.
