Artist Spotlight: Matisyahu
September 19th 2006 10:37
Who would’ve ever thought that an Orthodox-Hassidic Jew could become a reggae superstar?
Matisyahu has come a long way. It’s a shame that his hard work has taken this long to get noticed, but better late than never right?
His current album, ‘Youth’ (2006) has ripped up the airwaves. The album’s two singles ‘King Without a Crown’ and title track, ‘Youth’ are well known among the general public.
What most people don’t know is that it is NOT his debut album. His debut LP was ‘Shake off the Dust’ (2004), an album that, I feel, deserves more credit than ‘Youth’.
Matisyahu – who’s real name is Matthew Miller – was born on June 30th 1979. As a kid he was sent to Hebrew School but was expelled for failing to turn up to class time and time again. This isn’t the Orthodox Matisyahu we’ve come to know and love.
He affirmed his identity as a young hippie during his teenage years. He even grew dreadlocks, though felt something was missing from his life as he grew older.
After 11th grade, he set out on an expedition to Colorado. During his trip he came to the realisation that there is a g-d. His curiosity led him on a trip to Israel where he fortified his connection to The Lord.
His return home proved difficult as he didn’t know how to keep his connection to g-d strong. His parents enrolled him in a wilderness school to help him ‘clean up his act’. This was where he developed his reggae/hip hop sound. He took part in open mic nights and continued to improve as a rapper and beatboxer.
These days, the man who was once a juvenile who detested authority, now craves the order and structure that Hassidic Judaism gives him.
Balancing his music career and his spiritual beliefs can be hard at times; for instance, he cannot perform on the Sabbath. Though, Matisyahu strives his hardest in both areas of his life.
Whether you’re a Jew or a gentile, his spiritual message and eclectic sounds do nothing but uplift any audience he performs to. His live acts are some of the best the Earth has to offer.
Take care and peace out…
The Orthodox, Hassidic Jewish, Hippie, Rapper, Beatboxer, and Reggae singer.
His current album, ‘Youth’ (2006) has ripped up the airwaves. The album’s two singles ‘King Without a Crown’ and title track, ‘Youth’ are well known among the general public.
What most people don’t know is that it is NOT his debut album. His debut LP was ‘Shake off the Dust’ (2004), an album that, I feel, deserves more credit than ‘Youth’.
Matisyahu – who’s real name is Matthew Miller – was born on June 30th 1979. As a kid he was sent to Hebrew School but was expelled for failing to turn up to class time and time again. This isn’t the Orthodox Matisyahu we’ve come to know and love.
He affirmed his identity as a young hippie during his teenage years. He even grew dreadlocks, though felt something was missing from his life as he grew older.
After 11th grade, he set out on an expedition to Colorado. During his trip he came to the realisation that there is a g-d. His curiosity led him on a trip to Israel where he fortified his connection to The Lord.
These days, the man who was once a juvenile who detested authority, now craves the order and structure that Hassidic Judaism gives him.
Balancing his music career and his spiritual beliefs can be hard at times; for instance, he cannot perform on the Sabbath. Though, Matisyahu strives his hardest in both areas of his life.
Whether you’re a Jew or a gentile, his spiritual message and eclectic sounds do nothing but uplift any audience he performs to. His live acts are some of the best the Earth has to offer.
Take care and peace out…
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