I’ve recently gotten into Matisyahu, the Hasidic Reggae Superstar .
Don’t laugh. He’s really a Hasid (a very religious, traditional Jew). And really sings Reggae music in the spirit of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and other great stars.
It seems like it’d be shlocky, almost a gimmick, but it isn’t. Reggae has always been steeped in spiritually, blurring the lines between Rastafarianism and sprituality.
Matisyahu (the hebrew name for Matthew Miller), does the same thing with Judaism. He uses traiditonal Jewish themes and channels them into his music.
Yes, I admit, it’s weird to see a six foot (pretty big for Jews) in a black hat, black robe and tzittzit come out on a stage let alone singing Reggae music. When I sawy him a few months ago, I definitely was awed by the "freakish-ness" of the experience.But after seeing him and now listening religiously (no-pun intended) to his Live at Stubb’s I’ve become hooked. His grooves are awesome, his singing beautiful, and, generally just ROCKS. Take a listen, you won’t be disappointed.