Matisyahu

Matisyahu, born Matthew Paul Miller on June 30, 1979, in Pennsylvania, is an American reggae singer, rapper, and alternative rock musician known for blending Hasidic Jewish themes with reggae and hip hop. Raised in a Reconstructionist Jewish household in New York, he rebelled as a teenager, experimenting with drugs and following the rock band Phish. After completing high school at a wilderness program in Oregon, he embraced reggae and hip hop, performing as MC Truth, and later deepened his Jewish practice through Chabad-Lubavitch in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, fully integrating his faith with his musical identity. Matisyahu’s music career took off with his debut album, Shake Off the Dust… Arise (2004), followed by Youth (2006), which included the hit “King Without a Crown,” reaching the Modern Rock Top 10. He has released several albums since, including Light (2009), Akeda (2014), Undercurrent (2017), and his self-titled album Matisyahu (2022). Known for energetic live performances, he has toured internationally, collaborating with groups like Dub Trio and opening for major acts such as Dave Matthews Band and Trey Anastasio of Phish, blending reggae, hip hop, and rock with spiritual themes. Matisyahu has also been involved in controversies due to his pro-Israel stance, including the temporary cancellation of his 2015 Rototom Sunsplash appearance and 2024 U.S. concerts. Despite these challenges, he continues to perform worldwide, advocating for unity and empathy through his music. His songs often focus on faith, personal growth, social justice, and spirituality, making him a unique figure who bridges contemporary music with Jewish culture and identity.