Sound: Gangsta rap, party jams, inspirational hip hop and R&B united by one theme – Miri Ben-Ari’s innovative and impressive violin/string arrangements, which she wrote, performed and produced throughout the album
Note: This is her third solo LP, but her previous two were primarily instrumental jazz
Also note: Last year she rose to prominence playing violin on hit singles like Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” and “The New Workout Plan” and Twista’s “Overnight Celebrity“, plus she’s performed on tracks by Wyclef Jean, Brandy, John Legend, Janet Jackson and Trick Daddy since 2002
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Jump & Spread Out” (featuring Fatman Scoop & Vicious) (dancehall reggae, crowd-hyping hip hop and Middle Eastern violin collide to make one hell of a unique club track); “Sunshine to the Rain” (featuring Scarface & Anthony Hamilton); “4 Flat Tires” (featuring Baby, Lil’ Wayne & 6 Shot)
Medium Rotation tracks: “We Gonna Win” (featuring Styles P); “Hold Your Head Up High” (featuring Lil’ Mo); “New World Symphony” (featuring Pharoahe Monch)
Recommended: This could have easily felt like a novelty mixtape, but the solid guest MC and vocal performances, quality production and wide-ranging variety of hits make this one of the most exciting mainstream hip hop/r&b albums of the year.
Grade: B+