GRAMMY-nominated classical-meets-hip-hop duo Black Violin (@blackviolin) recently released “Beautiful Day” featuring R&B legend Lalah Hathaway (@lalahhathaway). The song, produced by Phil Beaudreau (Dr. Dre, Justin Bieber, The Game), is the final single from their upcoming album “Full Circle.”
Black Violin – “Beautiful Day” featuring Lalah Hathaway
In a world often filled with noise and chaos, finding moments of beauty can be challenging. “Beautiful Day” simplifies things by suggesting that joy exists in the present moment. The song serves as a reminder that the essence of life lies in the simple pleasures that surround us daily.
In his own words, Will Baptiste (of Black Violin) eloquently explains, “‘Beautiful Day’ is a reminder that no matter the chaos that surrounds us, there is always beauty in the present moment. The song is about choosing to see the light, embracing the small joys, and grounding ourselves in the life that’s happening right now.”
Overall, the collaboration between Black Violin and Lalah Hathaway creates a soundscape that resonates with listeners, allowing them to escape the chaos of everyday life. The uplifting melody invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty found in shared experiences, nature, and simple interactions with loved ones.
Black Violin – “Beautiful Day” featuring Lalah Hathaway
Black Violin members Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus met on the first day of orchestra class in 1996 at Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Baptiste originally wanted to play saxophone in the band, but the orchestra teacher got him assigned to his class after winning a golf bet with the band instructor.) Classically trained by day, they faithfully put on their headphones and listened to the hottest rap records each night. They went to different colleges—Marcus attended Florida International University and Baptiste went to Florida State—but then reconvened, moved into an apartment together, and started trying to produce other musicians.
Eventually, Black Violin developed an act covering hip-hop songs on their violins, which became popular in local clubs. Two years after sending in a tape to Showtime at the Apollo, they were invited to appear on the show—which they won and kept winning. They were approached by the manager of Alicia Keys, who asked them to perform with the singer at the Billboard Awards.
Other offers followed— Black Violin toured with Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, opened for the Wu-Tang Clan, and worked with the likes of Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, and Lil Wayne. All the while, Black Violin continued touring non-stop (playing as many as 200 shows a year) and released two independent, self-financed albums before putting out the acclaimed “Stereotypes” in 2016, followed by 2019’s “Take the Stairs,” which was nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 2020 GRAMMYs.
Black Violin
Black Violin has always been about taking things further, exceeding expectations, and challenging conventions. The duo has steadily built a devoted following and a diverse touring base— culminating in such triumphs as two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra commemorating the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, and appearances on the Today Show, CBS Mornings, and PBS Newshour—while occupying a musical lane that’s entirely their own. Purchase tickets from StubHub.com to see Black Violin perform live.
Black Violin’s work extends far beyond the stage, reaching deep into communities nationwide with numerous free performances for students and hands-on engagement with youth symphonies and community centers. Through collaborations with local and national education programs such as Turnaround Arts, Black Violin connects with more than 100,000 students throughout the year, including low-income and Title 1 schools, and adopted Bethune Elementary, in Florida’s Broward County (near where they grew up) to initiate an ongoing mentorship program. In 2019, the duo launched the Black Violin Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth by working with them in their communities to provide access to quality music programs that encourage creativity and innovation.
Listen to Black Violin’s “Full Circle” Album
“Full Circle” finds Black Violin 20 years into their career, arriving back where they began—only now with the clarity that comes from experience. This new chapter is both a reckoning and a renewal, as they confront their past selves while evolving beyond them. The songs feel like natural extensions of their early work—refined, redefined, and charged with the paradox of returning and progressing all at once.
We recommend adding Black Violin’s “Beautiful Day” song to your favorite classical crossover playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on BongMinesEntertainment.com, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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