Poet and emcee Melissa Czarnik defies category with her genre blending approach to hip hop. Her soulful and sexy flow captivates listeners with intricate lyricism and heartfelt storytelling. Czarnik performs exclusively with live musicians and crafts her signature sound in the studio with classically trained composer, Eric Joseph Meyer. She performs with some of the finest musicians in New York City including Ari Folman-Cohen (bass), Eric Joseph Meyer (keys), Sam Neufeld (trumpet), Ryan Ramirez (drums) and Ali Carter (backing vocals). She has toured the U.S. and Europe fusing elements of soul, classical and emceeing that satisfies both hip hop and jazz lovers alike. Her latest album, Non Merci has earned her recognition from The Deli Magazine as one of New York City’s Best Emerging Artists, while NPR’s All Songs Considered hails her as a “Soulful, fluid rapper that has produced a surprising, potent and thoughtful mix of funk, jazz, soul and hip-hop.” Press Quotes: “It’s as surprising a pairing as it is effective…Hard-hitting and smooth at once.” – Mike Levine, Deli Magazine NYC “A class slice of socially-conscious hip hop that bodes well for the LP [Non Merci].” – Amy Bell, The Girls Are “Czarnik is a soulful, fluid rapper, backed by the five-piece Eric Mire Band. Together, they’ve produced a surprising, potent and thoughtful mix of funk, jazz, soul and hip-hop.” – Robin Hilton, NPR, All Songs Considered “This incredible young rapper from Milwaukee had me under her spell from the first to last moments of her album… This girl is going all the way.” – Chloe Veltman, VoiceBox, KALW 91.7FM “With slammin’ poetry, precise beats, and DIY authenticity, Czarnik is an inspiration to young MC’s everywhere.” – Claire Ashton, B**ch Magazine