Matisyahu Hasidic Jewish Reggae Rapper Blends Roots, Faith, Music
Matisyahu tweaks the reggae style to express his Orthodox Jewish faith. Matisyahu has taken traditional Jewish roots music to a new, exciting level. He hasn't lost any of the pathos or passion of roots music, nor has Matisyahu copped out or modernized. Matisyahu is no mash-up or parody. He's just translated Jewish teaching and values into current thinking and transfigured the delivery of the music to express deeply held belief.
Listening to Matisyahu is gentle yet provocative. He makes me think and feel. He exhorts and encourages the good in people. King Without a Crown and Jerusalem are two of better known Matisyahu pieces. I have a strong preference for his newer One Day as well. One Day (click here for Matisyahu VEVO Channel) speaks of peace and joy, turning the negativity around and freedom from fear. It reminds us that we are 'here for a reason'. Perhaps simple lyrics like this seem trite or hackneyed in our crass, jaded world. Maybe words like this sound childish, idealistic, unrealistic. Maybe it's time to grow up and join the defeatists. As I look back, upon my own diminishing youth, I remember those days when it seemed we could heal the world with music. It's nice to have that renewed optimism and intensity of youth that I hear in Matisyahu.
If you'd like to find a little spot of musical sunshine in the gloom, visit me at Mar's Music Revue. We do happy real good! Pull up a patch of earth and relax.
Published by Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben
Happy wife. Mom of 4. 10+ year homeschool vet. Certified K-8/special ed. Yahoo! News Beat Writer: Parenting, Michigan, Detroit. Published on Helium, SEED, AT&T, Diabetes Active, Mapquest, Best Contractors, H... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI'm out of touch with modern music.
A Reconstructionist who became Hassidic? That's a new one even for me! But reggae? Sorry, despite my very Reconstructionist roots, I think I'll pass.
I will have to check him out! I'm 'bout it 'bout it when it comes to rap. (= I love most music, especially people who push the boundaries. I don't see it as piggy backing as much as having inspirations that speak to them regardless of race. (= Thanks!
interesting profile...
Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
God reporting. I can probablty stand rap even less than you, so I'm not sure I could handle his music, but I do like some reggae.