What do you see when you look at this picture? An Orthodox Jew? A Rabbi? I’d probably agree, and in fact - I did, when I first saw this guy in a magazine. The last thing you might associate with the image, is reggae or dancehall or hip-hop…isn’t it? Turns out this guy is all of those things - Matisyahu (the hebrew pronunciation of Matthew) - was bought up as an Orthodox Jew, and currently is a member of a Hasidic community in New York, but he also is one of the hottest acts in the music industry. Currently the artist of the month on the xbox live community. I picked up a copy of his album - ‘Youth’ - after seeing a spellbinding performance on the mighty Jools Holland show on BBC2, only two songs - but enough to see his huge (well over 6 feet) frame bouncing around the stage to a slightly rocked-out but still dubby enough pair of tracks from the album. The hebrew influences were clear - some really nice vocal melody, entwined with the fattest basslines, and slowed down drum lines - all lined up with some Marley influenced lyrics.

Young man control in your hand
Slam your fist on the table and make your demand
Take a stand, Fan a fire for the flame of the youth
Got the freedom to choose
You better make the right move
Young man, the power’s in your hand
Slam your fist on the table and make your demand

The sound is terrific, really grown up reggae - not dubbed so much it becomes inaccessible, and light enough to be catchy and listenable in the car.  Highlights are the title track ‘Youth’ and ‘Despatch the Troops’, which is an awesome tune.  There are three more albums…including a dubbed version of Youth, and a live album. I’m going to be getting those to check out - and I’ll let you know whats up with them. This guy is the real deal, proper 21st century music.  

 Matisyahu on Amazon UK