Amazon.com: The thumbnail description of Matisyahu: File under Hasidic Beatbox Reggae. Despite having markings of novelty, it's really nothing of the sort. Fronted by a man named Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller), they are truly a band. Two independently released CDs brought them a rapid and well-deserved ascent, making their signing with a major label a logical step. Youth benefits from a more expansive sound and production by the fantastic Bill Laswell (Golden Palominos, Laurie Anderson, the Last Poets). Matisyahu's singing and the substance of his songs (spiritual living, self-awareness, the value of knowledge and learning, kindness to others) are presented with a loving sincerity, and buoyed by tremendous musicianship. In particular, drummer Jonah David and guitarist Aaron Dugan bring a wider set of influences and interests to their playing than the reggae tag the band often gets. Free of any proselytizing, this melding of Talmudic teachings and Jamaican rhythms flows so naturally that it underscores the shared roots of the two cultures. --David Greenberger
Idiotic Reviewers What I found amazing reading the reviews for this album, which I listened to along with Stubbs/Arise and T'Shama a long time ago is the narrow mindedness. People complain that either he is too raggae or not enough raggae, or make idiotic comments about his entering of Jewish prayer singing into the song. He is Jewish yes, he did grow up on raggae yes, and bands like Phish thats why its unique, and its why people like it. If he was just a traditional raggae artist he would not have reached the audience he has and his music wouldn't have a unique style. Its for this unique combination that most people love his music. So I reccomend rather than categorizing him, just call him a music artist. His being a Jew or so forth has nothing to do with that. Finally, for those who feel a white person can't be a raggae artist you are assuming the message of raggae is racist and black only. Bob Marley put forth the concept of all races and peoples coming together in unity, peace, and harmony. Originally that was the point of this music, so in fact you have disgraced Marley's legacy by discrediting him or other artists because they are Jewish, white, asian, or whatever.
i don't even like reggae... ...but I really like this cd. It's reggae, but it definitely has rock and hip hop influences. King Without a Crown is just a great song. It's also nice to listen to music every so often with positive and uplifting lyrics! (As opposed to most of the other stuff I listen to where I just tolerate the lyrics because the music is good.)
Not This Yahoo There are a few things we have to get out of the way. First, white people can most certainly perform in 'black' music. A white rapper - Eminem - is the best-selling and most popular in the genre. White people took over rock with huge bands from every country. Jimi Hendrix' drummer was white, as was funk legend Betty Davis' drummer. So it's not about the guy's color. If you have passion and talent you can play any kind of music.
The Jewish thing is a gimmick. I don't doubt it's his actual religion, but it's used as a marketing tool. The Beastie Boys are Jewish and they rarely mention it. So again it's not about his religion, his color, or anything like that. It's about ability. And it's ability that Matisyahu is lacking.
The problem is that the guy can't sing. He can beatbox a little, but that skill is more than a bit overrated. There's a reason nobody beatboxes anymore. He really can't rap, he can't carry a tune in a bucket, and when he's trying to sing reggae he just sounds like a kid in a high school or college reggae band playing a frat party. Jah mon! I-and-I took my parent's private jet to the island! Bumbaclot! Et cetera. It reminds me of those videos of Jim Belushi pretending like he's singing blues. Step away from the microphone.
Matisyahu's backing band is competent, if unspectacular, but this guy's singing is just ... lame. That's the problem. It's lame. I'm no reggae snob but I know bad reggae when I hear it. This is bad reggae. Definitely all hype and no substance, but a real lesson in marketing.
Not to shabby Great concept... a Jewish guy rappin' Well for this Arab... it is totally awesome. Not a big fan of traditional American rap (into Mexican Rap and this stuff)... The religious overtones and really meaning to the music is heads above what P.Diddy ever put out.
JP Saleeby, MD
Really good music This was an aweseom album. It's now one of my favorites. The music has a positive message and really gets the party going
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
