Matisyahu - Youth Review
Posted by Matt Shoemaker on 04.12.2006
The first Hasidic Jewish reggae/hip hop artist brings forth a spectacular effort that mixes the upbeat and the peaceful for an amazing new sound and an excellent message.
In late 2004, Matisyahu released his debut album, "Shake Off The Dust… Arise", and many people saw him as nothing more than a gimmick. And who could blame them. Had anyone seem a Hasidic Jewish rapper/reggae artist anywhere before? Here was a man who performed on stage in what most would call "Sunday's best", a button down shirt, slacks, and a blazer. He sported a beard, and wore a wide brimmed hat over a yarmulke. People really didn't have much reason to take him seriously. And then, when he opened his mouth, Matthew Miller proved that looks can be deceiving. The man has an amazing talent for laying down some of the most extraordinary lyrics over reggae-esque beats, rapping about Judaism rather than the typical hip hop topics of drugs, cars and women.
It's actually very ironic that Matisyahu raps about what he does, because he was not always as serious about Judaism as he is now. He grew up in White Plains, New York (Note: The next town over from mine), and was a Deadhead as a teen. At around age 20, after traveling the country, he found a synagogue where his musical interests were encouraged, and he renamed himself from Matthew Miller to Matisyahu.
Matisyahu himself is by far one of the most skilled rappers I have heard in a long time, and proves that the Judaism aspect of his life is a lot more than a gimmick. He keeps his lyrics "kosher", for lack of a better term. He does not use God's name directly, and is incredibly strict with the Hasidic sect of Judaism. He also agreed to provide lyrics for one of the tracks for POD's new album, but first had to review the lyrics to make sure there was nothing offensive about them towards God.
Religion aside, Matisyahu's skill is near unparalleled. The tracks on "Youth" span from slow and easy going to up beat and catchy, and Matisyahu does an amazing job keeping pace with all the different varieties of beats. The band that plays behind him is incredible as well, which only adds to the lyrics. Aaron Dugan (guitar), Josh Werner (bass), and Jonah David (drums) provide the perfect combination of music to counter the scorching vocals shown on tracks like "King Without A Crown", "Fire Of Heaven, Altar Of Earth", and "WP", a song written about his hometown of White Plains.
However, there a good portion of songs on this album that make you want to sit back and relax, and not worry about anything. "What I'm Fighting For", which is an acoustic track, which may seem out of place, but really fits very well with the vocals used on it, "Indestructible", and "Time Of Your Song" are all very calm, peaceful songs with the same message as everything else.
The 411: This is just a stunning album. There really isn't any other way to put it. Matisyahu delivers a message that religion can play a huge part in music, and shows doubters everywhere that it's alot more than a gimmick or a publicity stunt. If you listen to any kind of ska, hip hop, or reggae, go pick this album up. I promise you won't be disappointed.
