By Charles K. Harris
“Going viral” has become an indelible part of 21st century culture. Still, when Briana Robinson discovered that a video of her subway violin street performance covering Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” was racking up views, she was caught off guard.
“It’s crazy. I was waiting for the train, and someone came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you’re the girl with the pink braids that was playing the Lizzo song,’ and I was in complete shock,” said Robinson, who has assumed the sobriquet Bri Blvck (pronounced black). “Moments later, on the train, I saw someone watching the video from the seat behind them.”
According to Blvck, the video found its way onto The Shade Room, where artist Lizzo saw it for herself and uploaded it to her official Instagram page, opening an incredible door of opportunity.
She’s been pinching herself ever since.
“I never set out to achieve as much as I have,” Blvck said. “I was just in love with my instrument, but that passion inspired so many people, and I could have never predicted this.”
Blvck, who now lives in New Jersey, traces her love of music back to her childhood, where she said she grew up “on every side of Charlotte” thanks to frequent family moves. “I became interested in music at a young age, watching my mom sing and play the piano in church,” reports Blvck, who joined the choir at age 6.
Blvck’s mother, a nurse, was the minister of music at their church, where her father, a banking professional, also served as youth pastor. “Growing up and performing in church influenced my sound a lot,” she said.
At 12, Blvck, who attended Rama Road Elementary, McClintock Middle and both East and West Mecklenburg High Schools, started with the violin. “I became obsessed with mastering the violin,” she said. “It was almost like a video game…I wanted to get to the highest level.”
As a teen, Blvck’s obsession blossomed into a safe haven.
“I had social anxiety, and this helped me to feel occupied and not caught up in the social stigmas of teenage-hood,” reveals Blvck, who admits to even skipping classes at times to play. She said, “Music has always felt like home.”
After graduating from Northwest School of the Arts, Blvck studied music education at Elizabeth City State University and then sociology and urban youth and communities at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Blvck had intentions of becoming a music teacher, but pursuing her passion was an irresistible urge.
“I’m a firm believer in following your heart and your dreams,” she said, adding that her late mother admonished her to do the same. “She told me [to follow my dreams] because she never followed her passion of becoming a singer and always asked, ‘What if.’”
Thanks in large part to the “Truth Hurts” video, that is a question Blvck will never have to ask.
In recent years, Blvck, who describes herself as an “Afro-Futuristic Hip-Hop Violinist/Vocalist,” has played both private venues and done professional collaborations.
Past clients include Tina Knowles, Lil’ Kim, Def Jam, Essence Fest, Cartoon Network, Apple, Prudential, the WNBA, among others. Blvck was also featured in Halle Berry’s 2021 directorial film debut “Bruised,” which premiered on Netflix.
In 2023 and 2024, Blvck toured with El Debarge, which she calls her “favorite experience” thus far. “Being in rehearsals with him and seeing his musical genius blew me away,” Blvck said. The audience’s reactions also left an impact. “I would find myself in shock playing his classics and watching the crowds sing his songs from their heart.”
Blvck has built an ever-increasing popularity with her signature sound and flair for fashion.
Blvck, who said she likes to “dress how I feel,” acknowledges that a boldly attired Black woman playing the violin cuts an unconventional image for some. A fact she embraces.
“Being a Black woman playing the violin inspires so many people. I have always believed that is why I was put on earth,” she said.
Blvck also takes pride in establishing her own musical niche.
“A lot has been stolen from people of color throughout history,” Blvck said. “So, I believe I have a job to make people look inward and question the narratives we are told about ourselves.”
Blvck said that making her own way gives her the power to bypass professional limits set by societal or even industry stereotypes. “I make my own space and find those that vibe with me. No challenges,” said Blvck.
Stringed music is not the only sweet sound in Blvck’s life these days. In 2025, she gave birth to twins Makayla and Makai. “It’s very new for me,” she said. “[But] I love being a mom. My son dances every time I start to play the violin, and my daughter is already trying to sing.”
Much like her own mother, Blvck said she has every intention of encouraging her little ones to embrace creativity unabashedly. Her advice is the same to all children who have big dreams that may seem unattainable here and now. “I would say, ‘Follow your deepest passions. If it feels good to you, then keep exploring it.’”