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{{short description|American musician}}
{{For|the 2nd-century BCE Jewish high priest of the Maccabees|Mattathias}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Matisyahu
| image = MatisyahuPressShotOfficial.jpg
| image_upright =
| caption =
|
|
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|06|30}}
| birth_place = [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| origin = [[White Plains, New York]], U.S.
|
* [[Reggae]]
* [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]
* [[alternative hip hop]]
* [[alternative rock]]<ref>{{cite news|first= David |last= Brinn |title= Holy hip-hop! |newspaper= [[The Jerusalem Post]] |url= https://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Music/Holy-hip-hop |date= 20 June 2011 |access-date= 22 April 2015}}</ref>
}}
| occupation = {{flat list|
* Singer
* rapper
}}
| instrument = {{flat list|
* Vocals
* [[beatboxing]]
}}
| years_active = 2000–current
| label = {{hlist|[[Thirty Tigers]]|[[The Orchard (company)|The Orchard]]|[[Epic Records|Epic]]|Fallen Sparks|Greensleeves Records|[[JDub Records|JDub]]|[[Sony BMG]]}}
| website = {{URL|matisyahuworld.com}}
| module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes
| signature = Matisyahu signature, Billboard Open Letter 2016.png
}}
}}
'''Matthew Paul Miller''' (born June 30, 1979),<ref name="Billboard Biography"/><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GVQ0DQAAQBAJ&dq=matisyahu+june+30&pg=PA186 | title=Symbolic Interactionist Takes on Music | isbn=978-1-78635-047-3 | last1=Schneider | first1=Christopher J. | last2=Kotarba | first2=Joseph A. | date=October 6, 2016 | publisher=Emerald Group }}</ref> known by his stage name '''Matisyahu''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|ɑː|t|ɪ|s|ˈ|j|ɑː|h|uː|audio=en-us-Matisyahu.ogg}}; {{Script/Hebrew|מתתיהו}}), is an American singer, [[Rapping|rapper]], [[beatboxer]], and musician.
Known for blending spiritual themes with reggae, rock and hip hop beatboxing sounds, Matisyahu's 2005 single "[[King Without a Crown (Matisyahu song)|King Without a Crown]]" was a Top 40 hit in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | title=Matisyahu | publisher=Billboard.com | url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=matisyahu|chart=all}} | access-date = 2010-02-15}}</ref> Since 2004, he has released seven studio albums as well as five live albums, two [[remix]] CDs and two DVDs featuring live concerts. Throughout his career, Matisyahu has worked with [[Bill Laswell]] and reggae producers [[Sly & Robbie]] and [[Kool Kojak]]. He has also appeared as an actor in films.
==Early life==
Matthew Paul Miller was born on June 30, 1979, in [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]]. His family eventually settled in [[White Plains, New York]].<ref name="Billboard Biography">{{cite magazine|title=Matisyahu|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/309981/matisyahu/biography| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard.com]]|access-date=23 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Blum>{{cite web| last1= Blum| first1= Brian|title=Matisya-Who?| url= http://www.ou.org/index.php/shabbat_shalom/article/4204/|website=Shabbat Shalom|publisher=Orthodox Union|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618171217/http://www.ou.org/index.php/shabbat_shalom/article/4204/ |archive-date= 18 June 2006|date=June 15, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Alexa|last=Moses|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/music/did-you-hear-the-one-about-the-jewish-reggae-star-/2006/07/23/1153593211058.html|title=Did you hear the one about the Jewish reggae star|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=July 24, 2006|access-date=May 4, 2018}}</ref> He was brought up a [[Reconstructionist Judaism|Reconstructionist Jew]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/matisyahu-very-old-school-6103070.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/matisyahu-very-old-school-6103070.html |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Matisyahu: Very old school|work=The Independent|date=April 22, 2006|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jonathan|last=Peltz|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/matisyahinterview/|title=The Trials and Tribulations of Matisyahu|work=[[Vice Media]]|date=December 3, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> and attended [[Hebrew school]] at Bet Am Shalom, a synagogue in White Plains.<ref>{{cite news|first=Gaby|last=Wood|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/may/21/popandrock1|title=Hasieeed!|newspaper=The Guardian|date=May 21, 2006|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Noel|last=Murray|url=https://www.avclub.com/matisyahu-1798209126|title=Matisyahu|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=March 14, 2006|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> He spent much of his childhood learning the tenets of Judaism,<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Merica|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/26/q-and-a-with-matisyahu-hasidic-reggae-superstar-sans-the-hasidim/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231051853/http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/26/q-and-a-with-matisyahu-hasidic-reggae-superstar-sans-the-hasidim/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2012|title=Q and A with Matisyahu: 'Hasidic reggae superstar' sans the Hasidim|work=CNN|date=December 26, 2012|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> but by the time he was a teenager, Miller began to rebel against his upbringing.<ref name=AskM>{{cite web |url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/celeb_profiles_entertainment/32_matisyahu_.html |title=Matisyahu Video, Pictures, Biography |website=[[AskMen]].com |date=1979-06-30 |access-date=2012-01-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523212458/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/celeb_profiles_entertainment/32_matisyahu_.html |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At one [[Phish]] concert, Matisyahu [[Acid (drug)|dropped acid]] for the first time, an experience he recounted in 2016 "changed my life."<ref name="2016TOI" />
In autumn 1995, Miller attended a two-month program at the [[Alexander Muss High School]] in [[Hod Hasharon]], [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Hap|last=Mansfield|url=http://smmercury.com/2013/01/26/qa-matisyahu-on-the-power-of-music-to-feel-understood/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501225341/http://smmercury.com/2013/01/26/qa-matisyahu-on-the-power-of-music-to-feel-understood/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 1, 2018|title=Q&A: Matisyahu on music's power to make you feel understood|work=The San Marcos Mercury|date=January 26, 2013|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nick|last=McGregor|url=http://www.staugustine.com/surf-drift/2011-08-22/matisyahu-mixes-hip-hop-hebrew-influences-blend-modern-music|title=Matisyahu mixes hip-hop, Hebrew influences into blend of modern music|work=[[The St. Augustine Record]]|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> During the program's first month, he was restricted to staying on campus for disciplinary reasons. He became more interested in Judaism and started to identify more as a Jew. After he finished Muss, he returned to New York. He started taking drugs and dropped out of [[White Plains Senior High School]] on the first day of his senior year, becoming a self-professed "Phish-head", taking [[hallucinogens]] and following the rock band [[Phish]] on tour. A stint in a [[Drug rehabilitation|rehabilitation center]] in upstate New York followed.<ref name= Horn />
Miller then attended a wilderness expedition school for teenagers in [[Bend, Oregon]], where he completed high school. "It was not necessarily for drug rehabilitation, but that was part of the reason I was out there," he explained to ''[[The Forward]]'' in 2008.<ref name= Horn>{{cite news|last=Horn|first=Jordana|title=Evolution of an Icon: Matisyahu's Musical and Spiritual Journey| url= http://forward.com/articles/14743/evolution-of-an-icon-matisyahu-s-musical-and-sp/|access-date=16 April 2013| newspaper= [[The Jewish Daily Forward]] |date=Dec 18, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last= Anderman| first= Joan| url= http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2004/06/20/jewish_mc_rocks_the_mike_and_keeps_it_kosher/?page=2 |title= Jewish MC rocks the mike and keeps it kosher| work= [[Boston Globe]]| date= June 20, 2004| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> In Oregon, he identified himself as "Matt, the Jewish rapper kid from New York." Miller has contrasted this time in Oregon to his life in New York City. "I was suddenly the token Jew. This was now my search for my own identity, and part of Judaism feeling more important and relevant to me."<ref name= Horn /> After being exposed to reggae and hip hop at the school, he began playing open mic sets.<ref name="2016TOI" /><ref name=AskM />
He returned to New York, began taking classes on Jewish spirituality at [[The New School]], and started developing his reggae style, spending hours in his room, writing and practicing to the accompaniment of hip-hop tapes.<ref name= Horn /> At the same time, he started going to [[Carlebach minyan|The Carlebach Shul]], an Orthodox Jewish synagogue on the [[Upper West Side]] of Manhattan and bought a [[siddur|prayer book]] and [[tallit|prayer shawl]]. He began attending religious services every [[Shabbat|Sabbath]] at the synagogue and started to wear a [[Kippah|yarmulke]] (head covering) and [[tzitzit]] (a fringed undergarment).<ref name="2016TOI" /><ref name= Horn /> One morning after getting drunk the night before, Matisyahu encountered Rabbi Dave Korn of the [[Chabad house|Chabad House]] at [[NYU]], later moving into Korn's house to study [[Torah]] all day.<ref name="2016TOI" />
By November 2001, Miller identified as a member of the [[Chabad Lubavitch Movement|Chabad-Lubavitch movement]] and moved to [[Crown Heights, Brooklyn|Crown Heights]] in early 2002. He delved into [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidus]] and removed himself from popular culture.<ref name= Horn />
==Career==
Miller performed for over a year as '''MC Truth''' in Bend, Oregon. In 2004, after having signed with [[JDub Records]], he released his first album, ''[[Shake Off the Dust... Arise]]'', under [[#Origin of his name|the name]] Matisyahu. At [[2005 Bonnaroo Music Festival|Bonnaroo 2005]], [[Trey Anastasio]] of the band Phish invited Matisyahu for a guest spot on his set.<ref>Serpick, Evan. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060303102119/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/9363668/matisyahu_hasidic_hot_stepper "Matisyahu: Hasidic Hot Stepper"], ''Rolling Stone'', February 24, 2006.</ref> Matisyahu also opened for a few [[Dave Matthews Band]] shows during their mid-2006 tour, including guesting on the song "Everyday" at the June 14, 2006, Darien Lake show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dmbalmanac.com/TourShowSet.aspx?id=453056275 |title=DMBAlmanac.com² |publisher=Dmbalmanac.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-12}}</ref> Matisyahu's second release, ''[[Live at Stubb's (Matisyahu album)|Live at Stubb's]]'', was recorded in [[Austin, Texas]], and produced for Or Music by Angelo Montrone. It was distributed to Or Music by Sony/RED, and later upstreamed{{clarify|date=November 2021}} to Sony/Epic.
In 2005 and 2006, Matisyahu toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He made a number of stops in [[Israel]], including a performance as the supporting act for [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] in June 2006. The live version of the song "[[King Without a Crown (Matisyahu song)|King Without a Crown]]" broke into the Modern Rock Top 10 in 2006. The song was also included on Matisyahu's second album, ''Youth'', which was produced by [[Bill Laswell]] and released on March 7, 2006; it features minor contributions by pop producers [[Jimmy Douglass]] and the Ill Factor. On March 16, ''Youth'' was ''Billboard'' magazine's number-one digital album. In 2006, Matisyahu once again appeared at Bonnaroo, this time performing a solo set.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bonnaroo |website=Buzznet.com |url=http://www.buzznet.com/tags/bonnaroo/video/25802/matisyahu-sings-king-without-crown/ |access-date=2010-02-15 |df=mdy-all }}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In late 2006, he released ''[[No Place to Be]]'', a remix album featuring {{Nowrap|re-recordings}} and remixes of songs from his three earlier albums, as well as a cover of "[[Message in a Bottle (The Police song)|Message in a Bottle]]" by [[the Police]] (written by Sting).
[[File:Matisyahu.jpg|thumb|Matisyahu performing in 2006]]
On March 1, 2006, right before the release of ''Youth'', he informed JDub that he no longer needed its management services. He has since been represented by former Capitol Records president Gary Gersh. JDub claimed the artist had three years remaining on a four-year management contract. JDub managed his act, but was not his record label.<ref>Sisario, Ben. [http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/arts/music/14mati.html "Hasidic Reggae Singer Surprises His Managers"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206060019/http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/arts/music/14mati.html |date=February 6, 2007 }}, ''The New York Times'', March 14, 2006.</ref>
Since his debut, Matisyahu has received positive reviews from both rock and reggae outlets. In 2006, he was named as Top Reggae Artist by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''<ref>{{cite news| last= Martens| first= Todd| url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-reggae-idUSN2732002420061227 |title= Sean Paul, Matisyahu reggae's top acts in '06| website= Reuters.com| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> as well as being named a spokesperson for [[Kenneth Cole Productions|Kenneth Cole]].<ref>{{cite news| last= Slutsky| first= Carolyn| url= http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c41_a13239/News/Short_Takes.html |url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081222164313/http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c41_a13239/News/Short_Takes.html| archive-date= December 22, 2008| date= August 20, 2008 |title= Matisyahu: Clothes Horse, Diversity Poster Boy| work= [[Jewish Week]]| place= New York| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> In 2006, ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' magazine awarded Matisyahu the "Most Lovable Oddball" award in their "Esky" Music Awards, calling him "the most intriguing reggae artist in the world."<ref name=esquire>{{cite news|title=The Most Lovable Oddball|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/esky/ESQ0406-ESQ04006ESKY_118|access-date=19 November 2013|newspaper=Esquire|date=February 8, 2007}}</ref>
At the [[2007 Slamdance Film Festival]], the film ''[[Unsettled]]'', in which Matisyahu appears, won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature. While attending the festival, he performed in an impromptu concert at the Park City Film Music Festival in [[Park City, Utah]]. In the summer of 2007 he joined [[311 (band)|311]] on their Summer Unity Tour. He also performed in the 2008 documentary ''[[Call + Response]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=http://www.callandresponse.com |title=Call + Response |website=CallandResponse.com |access-date=2010-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223190730/http://www.callandresponse.com/ |archive-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His third studio album, ''[[Light (Matisyahu album)|Light]]'', was released on August 25, 2009, along with the live EP ''[[Live at Twist & Shout]]''. Around 2008–2009, he also began his longstanding collaboration with members of the Dub Trio.<ref>Greenhaus, Mike https://jambands.com/features/2011/01/27/matisyahu-man-in-motion/ Jambands.com</ref> From July 10–30, 2010, Matisyahu (along with [[The Dirty Heads]]) supported [[Sublime with Rome]] (the new version of the [[Sublime (band)|band]]) on their Sublime with Rome Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sublimewithrome.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=3 |title=Sublime with Rome Tour |publisher=Sublimewithrome.com |access-date=2010-10-19}}</ref>
In November 2009, NBC used Matisyahu's song "One Day" as background music for their advertisement of the Olympic games. This stirred up speculation that "One Day" might become the theme song for the 2010 Olympics. However, it remained only NBC's top pick, and was not announced to be the theme song.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/editorsdesk/2009/11/12/matisyahus-one-day-official-2010-olympics-song-or-just-nbcs-top-pick |title=Matisyahu's "One Day" Official 2010 Olympics Song, or Just NBC's Top Pick? |work=The Vancouver Observer |date=2009-11-12 |access-date=2010-10-19}}</ref> On August 2, 2010, Matisyahu revealed to ''OC Weekly'' that he has been writing new songs for his next album, which was expected to be recorded within weeks of his statement.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bose |first=Lilledeshan |url=http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/interview/matisyahu-talks-about-touring/ |title=Matisyahu Talks About Touring with Sublime With Rome and His New Album |work=OC Weekly |date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=2010-10-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707052454/http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/interview/matisyahu-talks-about-touring/ |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On November 3, 2010, he performed his music accompanied by a single acoustic guitarist, recited poetry and answered questions at the [[University of Central Florida]].<ref>{{cite news| url= http://knightnews.com/2010/11/matisyahu-acoustic-set-venue-ucf/ | title= Matisyahu Rocks Acoustic Set at UCF's Venue| website= KnightNews.com| first= Melissa| last= Colon| date= November 3, 2010| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> On November 26, 2010, Matisyahu released "Two", a special edition ''Record Store Day Black Friday'' 7" vinyl record, for independent record stores. He recorded a [[Sephardic]] music-influenced hip hop song "Two Child One Drop" for ''Sephardic Music Festival, Vol. 1'', a compilation album released by Shemspeed, alongside artists such as formerly-Hasidic rapper [[Y-Love]], Israeli hip-hop group [[Hadag Nahash]], and psychedelic rock/Sephardic fusion group [[Pharaoh's Daughter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sephardicmusicfestival.com/cd/|title=Sephardic Music Festival Compilation Vol.1|publisher=Sephardicmusicfestival.com|access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref>
[[File:Matisyahu crowd surfing.jpg|thumb|left|Matisyahu at Republik Music Festival 4, [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], June 9, 2014]]
On August 18, 2010, Matisyahu returned to Stubb's in Austin, Texas, for another live recording for ''[[Live at Stubb's, Vol. 2]]''. He released the album on February 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/03/matisyahu-announces-live-at-stubbs-vol-ii/|title=Matisyahu announces Live at Stubb's Vol. II|work=Consequence of Sound|access-date=December 29, 2014|date=2010-12-03|archive-date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913131956/http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/03/matisyahu-announces-live-at-stubbs-vol-ii/|url-status=dead}}</ref> That year, he embarked on a concert tour throughout the United States in support of the album with his backing band, Dub Trio.<ref name="Relix">{{cite news | last=Martino| first=Ashley| title =Matisyahu at the Regency Ballroom| work=Relix| date =August 11, 2011 | url =https://relix.com/reviews/detail/matisyahu-at-the-regency-ballroom/| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref> In March 2011, Matisyahu was featured on the [[DeScribe]] song, "Pure Soul".<ref>{{cite news | last=| first=| title =New Single from DeScribe and Matisyahu Lacks "Soul"| work=TC Jewfolk| date =April 26, 2011 | url =https://tcjewfolk.com/describe-matisyahu-lacks-soul-h/| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref> On July 17, 2012, Matisyahu released his fourth studio album, ''[[Spark Seeker]]'', which was produced by Kool Kojak and featured two collaborations with rapper [[Shyne]]. The album also featured the single "Sunshine".<ref name="TimeUnion">{{cite news | last=Kennedy| first=Mark| title =The evolution of Matisyahu takes another turn| newspaper=Times-Union| date =July 18, 2012 | url =https://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/The-evolution-of-Matisyahu-takes-another-turn-3716922.php| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref>
On June 3, 2014, Matisyahu released ''Akeda'', which is slightly different from his previous work. Matisyahu himself described it as a "stripped back sound" and in a style as he describes as "less is more".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/matisyahu-is-on-a-musical-and-spiritual-journey/article_3f09b28f-6e0e-5a0c-aba2-1910b99e7ac5.html/|title=Matisyahu is on a musical and spiritual journey|first= David |last= Kerns|work=Napa Valley Register|date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=December 29, 2014}}</ref> ''Akeda'' was in the iTunes Top 10 a week later, ranking at No. 6 which was the same week he began his new tour. The tour started at Kakaako Waterfront Park in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], as part of the Republik Music Festival 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.honolulupulse.com/2014/06/matisyahu-2014/|title=Matisyahu tackles new life path|work=Honolulu Pulse|access-date=December 29, 2014|date=2014-06-06|archive-date=August 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808103052/http://www.honolulupulse.com/2014/06/matisyahu-2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On August 17, 2015, the [[Rototom Sunsplash]] festival in Spain canceled Matisyahu's scheduled appearance, at the request of the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions|BDS Movement]], due to his refusing to sign a letter stating he supports a Palestinian state, and would not bring up Israeli politics on stage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/1.671389|title=Reggae Singer Matisyahu Disinvited From Music Fest for Not Endorsing Palestinian State|work=Haaretz.com|date=2015-08-16}}</ref> This led to many organizations around the world criticizing the organization of discriminating against Jews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theolympian.com/entertainment/celebrities/article31497305.html|title=Spanish festival backtracks, re-invites Jewish singer|work=theolympian}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Two days later the Spanish government condemned the decision to cancel his appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Spain-condemns-cancellation-of-Jewish-musician-Matisyahu-at-reggae-festival-412542|title=Spain condemns cancellation of Jewish musician Matisyahu at reggae festival|work=The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com}}</ref> On August 19, the festival apologized to Matisyahu and re-invited him to perform as originally scheduled, following outrage around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Spanish-festival-reinvites-Matisyahu-after-worldwide-criticsm-412598|title=Spanish reggae festival re-invites Matisyahu after worldwide criticism|work=The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com|date=August 19, 2015 }}</ref> The organizers released a statement saying they "made a mistake, due to the boycott and the campaign of pressure, coercion and threats employed by the BDS."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rototomsunsplash.com/en/news-release/a-rototom-sunsplash-public-institutional-declaration-regarding-the-cancellation-of-matisyahu/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820235650/http://www.rototomsunsplash.com/en/news-release/a-rototom-sunsplash-public-institutional-declaration-regarding-the-cancellation-of-matisyahu/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 20, 2015|title=A Rototom Sunsplash public institutional declaration regarding Matisyahu|date=August 20, 2015}}</ref> Matisyahu's performance was peaceful with some Palestinian flags waved by the audience,<ref>{{cite news|title=With Palestinian flags in background, Matisyahu vows: 'Jerusalem, if I forget you'|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Pro-Palestinian-supporters-heckle-Matisyahu-during-performance-at-Spain-festival-412971| work= Jerusalem Post|date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> however Matisyahu later said the racism he experienced was worse than anything else before.<ref>{{cite news| url= https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Matisyahu-Anti-Semitism-at-Spanish-reggae-festival-was-something-I-never-experienced-before-413733| title= Matisyahu: Anti-Semitism at Spanish festival was something I never experienced before| work= Jerusalem Post| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref>
On October 10, 2015, Matisyahu performed in [[Israel]] at the Sultan's Pool in [[Jerusalem]] against the backdrop of escalating stabbing attacks in the city. Matisyahu stated that it is important for "American Jews like [him]self to come to Israel no matter what's happening here".<ref>{{cite web|title=In Tense Times, Thousands of Matisyahu Fans Find Some Light in Jerusalem| url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anav-silverman/in-tense-times-thousands_b_8281690.html|work= [[Huffington Post]]| date= October 12, 2015| first= Anav| last= Silverman| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> Jerusalem's mayor, [[Nir Barkat]], thanked Matisyahu and said before the performance that "Everyone who came here today and is maintaining their regular routine is a partner in fighting terror."<ref name="Concert Review: Matisyahu">{{cite web| title= Concert Review: Matisyahu| url= https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Concert-Review-Matisyahu-422626|website=Jerusalem Post| first= Laura| last= Kelly| date= October 11, 2015| access-date= December 13, 2016}}</ref> Before singing "[[Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light)]]" (his ode to the city), Matisyahu said, "Jerusalem, I'm home."<ref name="Concert Review: Matisyahu"/>
In 2016, Matisyahu went on a tour of 12 US college campuses as a response to being disinvited from the Rototom Sunsplash festival in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/2016/03/21/arts-entertainment/matisyahu-embarks-on-hillels-sponsored-college-tour-with-arab-american-artist|title=Matisyahu embarks on Hillels-sponsored college tour with Arab-American artist |date= 2016-03-21|website= JTA.org| publisher= [[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]]|access-date=2016-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jewishexponent.com/culture/2016/03/matisyahu-spreading-empathy-and-understanding-through-his-music| title=Matisyahu Spreading Empathy and Understanding Through His Music|website=Jewish Exponent|access-date=2016-07-25| date=2016-03-30}}</ref> The tour was co-sponsored by various [[Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life|Hillel]] chapters.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.hillel.org/about/news-views/news-views---blog/news-and-views/2016/04/18/matisyahu-and-nadim-azzam-wrap-up-college-campus-tour|title=Matisyahu and Nadim Azzam wrap up college campus tour|website= Hillel.org|access-date=2016-07-25}}</ref> On November 18, 2016, Matisyahu released ''Release the Bound'', a five-song digital EP featuring brand new music. The EP includes collaborative efforts with relative mainstay [[Stu Brooks]]<ref name="TGWBound">{{cite news | title =MATISYAHU'S "RELEASE THE BOUND" OUT NOW| work=The Grateful Web| date =November 18, 2016 | url =https://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/matisyahus-release-bound-out-now| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref> as well as The Polish Ambassador<ref name="SLTrib">{{cite news | last=Walden| first=Eric| title =Matisyahu's 'walk back down the mountain' brings him to Park City| newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune| date =March 20, 2017 | url =https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5058551&itype=CMSID| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref> and [[Salt Cathedral]].<ref name="Observer">{{cite news | last=Volpe| first=Allie| title =Balancing Faith and Music Isn't Easy—That's Why It's a Career Game Changer| work=Observer| date =May 3, 2017 | url =https://observer.com/2017/05/balancing-religion-faith-music-matisyahu-interview/| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref>
Matisyahu released his sixth studio album, [[Undercurrent (Matisyahu Album)|''Undercurrent'']], on May 19, 2017, via Fallen Spark and [[Thirty Tigers]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/matisyahu-releases-new-album-undercurrent|title=Matisyahu Releases New Album "Undercurrent"|date=2017-05-19|work=Grateful Web|access-date=2017-09-28}}</ref><ref name="Trends">{{cite news | last=Mettler| first=Mike| title ='Undercurrent' isn't a Matisyahu album, it's a soundtrack for life| work=Digital Trends| date =June 16, 2017 | url =https://www.digitaltrends.com/features/matisyahu-reinvents-his-beatbox-reggae-style/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> In the fall of 2017, he went on a European tour in support of the album.<ref name="JC">{{cite news | last=Kaminer| first=Michael| title =Matisyahu: reinvented again| work=The Jewish Chronicle| date =June 12, 2017 | url =https://www.thejc.com/culture/music/matisyahu-undercurrent-1.439822| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> Matisyahu's "One Day" was featured in the MacGillivray Freeman Film, ''Dream Big'' playing in IMAX theaters beginning in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dreambigfilm.com/about/|title=About – Dream Big: Engineering Our World|website=www.dreambigfilm.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-23}}</ref>
In October 2021, Matisyahu released the single, "Chameleon".<ref name="JamCham">{{cite news | title =Matisyahu Shares Lead Single Off Of Upcoming Self-Titled Album| work=Jambands.com| date =October 27, 2021 | url =https://jambands.com/news/2021/10/27/matisyahu-shares-lead-single-off-of-upcoming-self-titled-album/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> He followed that in January 2022 with the single "Keep Coming Back For More".<ref name="JamKeep">{{cite news | title =Matisyahu Explores Fatherhood on Latest Release off Upcoming Self-Tilted LP| work=Jambands.com| date =January 26, 2022 | url =https://jambands.com/news/2022/01/26/matisyahu-opens-up-about-single-off-upcoming-self-tilted-lp/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> The two songs served as the first singles off of his self-titled album which was released on March 25, 2022, through Thirty Tigers and distributed by [[The Orchard (company)|The Orchard]].<ref name="JJ2022">{{cite news | last=Paltrowitz| first=Darren| title =Matisyahu On His New Self-Titled Album, Future Plans, Phish, Fatherhood & More| work=Jewish Journal| date =March 16, 2022 | url =https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/blogs/346112/matisyahu-on-his-new-self-titled-album-future-plans-phish-fatherhood-more/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> Produced by Colombian band and production duo Salt Cathedral, it was Matisyahu's seventh studio album and his first since 2017's ''Undercurrent''.<ref name="RIFF2022">{{cite news | last=Strazzabosco| first=Domenic| title =REVIEW: Matisyahu gets introspective on his self-titled return| work=RIFF| date =February 28, 2022 | url =https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/matisyahu-matisyahu-review/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref>
In February 2024, two concerts in the Southwest US, in Tucson, Arizona, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, were cancelled due to "safety concerns related to the reggae singer's staunchly pro-Israel stance," and in March 2024 another concert was cancelled in Chicago.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Charles |date=2024-03-19 |title=Opinion {{!}} A pro-Israel musician faces challenges to artistic freedom — in the U.S. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/19/pro-israel-performer-matisyahu-concerts-canceled/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> [[Palestinian nationalism|Pro-Palestinian]] activists credited themselves for the cancelations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Catlin |first=Nick |date=Feb 16, 2024 |title=Concert canceled at Meow Wolf due to protest concerns |url=https://www.koat.com/article/meow-wolf-concert-canceled-protest-concerns/46793600}}</ref> Matisyahu responded to the cancellations by saying, "they do this because they are either anti-Semitic or have confused their empathy for the Palestinian people with hatred for someone like me who holds empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2024-04-17 |title=For Jewish Singer Matisyahu, Protests and Concert Cancelations Only Deepen His Resolve |url=https://lamag.com/music/matisyahu-concert-cancelations-protests-brooklyn-bowl |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=LAmag -Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles |language=en}}</ref> Matisyahu sent a message to his fans expressing sadness over the cancellations, ending with the message that "we will not respond to hate with hate."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Masley |first=Ed |date=February 15, 2024 |title=Reggae singer claims Arizona concert was canceled to 'silence' his pro-Israel stance |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/02/15/matisyahu-concert-canceled-tucson-rialto-theatre/72620626007/ |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=[[AZ Central]]}}</ref> Following the security threats and canceled shows, Matisyahu traveled to Israel to perform two live shows in Jerusalem and [[Tel Aviv]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jessica |date=1 April 2024 |title=Back in Israel for two shows, rapper Matisyahu says it's nice 'to feel the love' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/back-in-israel-for-two-shows-rapper-matisyahu-says-its-nice-to-feel-the-love/}}</ref> Santa Fe Mayor [[Alan Webber]] issued a statement, saying "there is a significant difference between protesting the policies of the Netanyahu government in Gaza and shutting down the performance of a Jewish-American artist in Santa Fe."<ref>{{cite news |title=Jewish singer Matisyahu blames venue staffers after 2 shows are canceled amid Israel-Hamas war fervor |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jewish-singer-matisyahu-blames-venue-staffers-2-shows-cancelled-israel-rcna139171 |work=NBC News |date=February 16, 2024}}</ref>
==Collaborations==
[[File:Matisyahu 2007.JPG|thumb|Matisyahu, July 2007, Mansfield, Massachusetts; on tour with [[311 (band)|311]]]]
Matisyahu has performed with Kenny Muhammad, a Muslim beatboxer. He also recorded the song "One Day" along with [[Akon]], who is also Muslim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2010/01/15/matisyahu-one-day-remix-feat-akon-new-song/|title=Matisyahu, 'One Day' (Remix) Feat. Akon – New Song|author=Ashley Iasimone|publisher=Spinner.com|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403002206/http://www.spinner.com/2010/01/15/matisyahu-one-day-remix-feat-akon-new-song/|archive-date=April 3, 2012 | date=January 15, 2010}}</ref> Matisyahu is featured on [[Trevor Hall (singer)|Trevor Hall's]] single "Unity" from his self-titled album. Matisyahu is also featured on "Roots in Stereo" and "Strength of My Life" from [[P.O.D]].'s album [[Testify (P.O.D. album)|''Testify'']]. Matisyahu collaborated with [[Shyne]] on the song "Buffalo Soldier" from his 2012 release, ''[[Spark Seeker]]''.
Matisyahu collaborated with [[J. Ralph]] on the song "Crossroads feat. J. Ralph" from his 2012 release, ''[[Spark Seeker]]''. Matisyahu collaborated with [[Infected Mushroom]] on the song "[[One Day (Matisyahu song)|One Day]]", as well as during various live sets. Matisyahu collaborated with [[Moon Taxi]] on the song "Square Circles" off the band's 2012 release ''Cabaret''. He has also collaborated with [[The Crystal Method]] in their single "Drown in the Now". He is featured on [[Dirty Heads]]'s album ''[[Cabin by the Sea]]'' on the single "Dance All Night". Matisyahu also collaborated with Boston-based rapper [[Nosson Zand]] on his 2013 release, "Believers". Matisyahu is featured on the 19-track compilation album, ''[[Songs for a Healthier America]]'', a collaborative project by the Partnership for a Healthier America, whose honorary chair First Lady Michelle Obama, and Hip Hop Public Health. His song "U R What You Eat" also features Travis Barker, Ariana Grande, and Salad Bar. In 2014, Matisyahu was featured on [[Cisco Adler]]'s song "Hypnotize", which was included on his ''[[Coastin]]'' album. In 2015, Matisyahu collaborated with [[Avicii]] in his album "Stories", where he sang alongside [[Wyclef Jean]] in "Can't Catch Me". Matisyahu is featured on the [[Common Kings]] 2018 EP ''One Day'' for the song "Broken Crowns". In 2022, he was featured on the song "Blacklist" by Hirie on her album "Mood Swings". In 2023, he was featured on Coyote Island's "Casio Magic".
==Artistry==
[[File:Matisyahu at a concert.jpg|thumb|Matisyahu performance in 2005]]
Matisyahu fuses the African-influenced styles of reggae, rap, [[beatboxing]], and hip-hop with vocal disciplines of jazz's [[scat singing]] and Judaism's [[hazzan]] style of songful prayer. The ''[[New York Times]]''{{'}} [[Kelefa Sanneh]] wrote that "His sound owes a lot to early dancehall reggae stars like [[Barrington Levy]] and [[Eek-a-Mouse]]."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/08/arts/music/08mati.html | work=The New York Times | title=Dancehall With a Different Accent | first=Kelefa | last=Sanneh | date=March 8, 2006 | access-date=May 12, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025203848/http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/08/arts/music/08mati.html | archive-date=October 25, 2009 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'''s Kevin Pang described a Matisyahu performance as "soul-shaking brand of [[dancehall reggae]], a show that captures both the [[jam band]] vibe of [[Phish]] and the [[ska punk|ska-punk]] of [[Sublime (band)|Sublime]]."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/03/06/matisyahu-rocks-jammed-riviera-with-steady-beats/| work= [[Chicago Tribune]] | title=Matisyahu rocks jammed Riviera with steady beats| first=Kevin | last=Pang | date=March 6, 2006 | access-date=March 14, 2013}}</ref>
In 2006, Matisyahu stated that "All of my songs are influenced and inspired by the teachings that inspire me. I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think. [[Hasidic philosophy|Chassidus]] teaches that music is 'the quill of the soul.' Music taps into a very deep place and speaks to us in a way that regular words can't."<ref>{{cite interview| author= Matisyahu|url=http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=376771 |access-date=April 11, 2006 |url-status=dead |title= Matisyahu's Passover| year= 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070110040311/http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=376771 |archive-date= January 10, 2007 }}</ref>
In 2009, he said about his recently released album ''[[Light (Matisyahu album)|Light]]'', "I think the vast majority of people that respect what I do are willing to move with me. I think it's not so much about genres or styles of music as it is about expressing the emotion or the idea. ... Whatever allows you to do that, whatever style, as long as it's authentic." However, he has been criticized for cultural appropriation of Rastafarian, Jamaican and African American musical styles and imagery.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liebovitz |first1=Liel |title=Matisyahu and race: Is it okay for a white Jew to sing reggae? |url=http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1606534/posts |website=Free Republic |publisher=Chicago Jewish News |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
=== Family ===
Matisyahu met [[NYU]] film student Tahlia (née Silverman) when she interviewed him for a documentary about men and women [[Shomer negiah|not touching each other]]. They were set up by Rabbi Dov Yonah Korn, NYU's Chabad rabbi,<ref>They were set up by Rabbi Korn ('You have to set up a date through the rabbi') and went through a dating process that Matisyahu admits would make a great premise for a sitcom. 'After the date she called the rabbi and told him what happened, and I called the rabbi and told him what happened. Then we decided if we wanted to go another date. By the third date, I knew this was the person I wanted to marry.'</ref> and they married in August 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/matisyahu.html |title=Matisyahu |publisher=Jewish Virtual Library |access-date=2012-01-03}}</ref> Together they have sons Laivy (2005), Shalom,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ustream.tv/matisyahu |title=Matisyahu Live Chat – Monday 3/8 @ 4:30PM EST, Ustream.TV: Join Matisyahu on Monday 3/8 at 4:30pm EST for a live chat! |publisher=Ustream.tv |access-date=2010-10-19 |archive-date=March 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308093145/http://www.ustream.tv/matisyahu |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Menachem Mendel (2011),<ref>December 11, 2011 episode of 'Chef Roble & Co' where he catered a Kosher Vegan Event for Matisyahu</ref> likely in homage of Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneerson]]. In 2014, Matisyahu confirmed that he had divorced his wife approximately two years before, but they remain on good terms and were sharing parenting responsibilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/matisyahu-on-akeda-his-religious-evolution-divorce-and-dealing-with-a-lot-of-rejection-6465978|title=Matisyahu on Akeda, His Religious Evolution, Divorce, and "Dealing With a Lot of Rejection"|author=David Rolland|work=Miami New Times|date=2014-04-22}}</ref>
Matisyahu has also fathered his first daughter in 2014 with longtime friend Toma Danley. Sasha was born in Portland, OR, while he was on tour with [[Adel Tawil]] in Germany. The newborn was diagnosed with a rare heart defect, underwent three open-heart surgeries at 1, 3, and 9 years old and has reportedly fully recovered. Sasha has lived with her mother since birth. Matisyahu and Danley met in 1997 while he was attending the wilderness program in Bend, OR. Matisyahu and Toma have shared parenting responsibilities for Sasha. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/matisyahus-baby-gets-heart-surgery/|title=Matisyahu's baby gets heart surgery|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>
Matisyahu met Talia Dressler when she was 18 years old, the two became engaged on April 20, 2019.<ref>{{cite news | last=Deane| first=Yvette J.| title =Jewish reggae sensation Matisyahu celebrates his wedding in New York| newspaper=The Jerusalem Post| date =May 22, 2019 | url =https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/jewish-reggae-sensation-matisyahu-marries-again-590178| accessdate =March 26, 2022}}</ref> The two were married at a private wedding ceremony, held in Matisyahu's backyard, on May 19, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263404|title=Watch: Daniel Zamir plays at Matisyahu's wedding|date=May 20, 2019 }}</ref> They have one daughter born in 2020 and a son born in 2022.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
His firstborn son [[Laivy Miller]] started his own music career in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Lisa |date=2022-07-28 |title=Matisyahu's 16-year-old son Laivy Miller readies for his musical debut |url=https://www.jta.org/2022/07/28/ny/matisyahus-16-year-old-son-laivy-miller-readies-for-his-musical-debut |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> The same year, Miller joined his father's summer tour across the US. Miller released various singles in 2023 and his first EP on November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zeitlin |first=Alan |date=2022-08-02 |title=Matisyahu's 16-Year-Old Son, Laivy Miller, Is Releasing His First Single |url=https://www.kveller.com/matisyahus-16-year-old-son-laivy-miller-is-releasing-his-first-single/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Kveller |language=en}}</ref>
=== Religion ===
From 2001 through July 2007, Matisyahu was affiliated with the [[Chabad|Chabad-Lubavitch]] [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] community in [[Crown Heights, Brooklyn|Crown Heights]], [[Brooklyn]], New York, whose rabbi officiated at his wedding in 2004. Soon after his adoption of Hasidism, Matisyahu began [[Torah study|studying Torah]] at [[Hadar Hatorah]], a [[yeshiva]] for returnees to Judaism where he wrote and recorded his first album. He counts [[Bob Marley]], [[Phish]],<ref>Rolling Stone. '[https://web.archive.org/web/20070106070541/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/9437864/new_cds_matisyahu_juvenile ''New CDs: Matisyahu, Juvenile''], by Peter Relic. March 6, 2006</ref> [[God Street Wine]] and Rabbi [[Shlomo Carlebach]] among his musical inspirations and gives credit to Rabbi [[Simon Jacobson]]'s book ''Toward a Meaningful Life'' for the lyrical inspiration to ''Youth'''s title track. As part of his faith, he strictly observed the Jewish [[Shabbat|Sabbath]], which begins at sundown on Friday; thus he did not perform in concert on Friday nights. An exception to this rule occurred at a 2007 concert in [[Fairbanks, Alaska]]; since the sun did not set until 2:00 a.m., performing in the late hours was not a violation of Jewish observance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs |first=Cheryl |url=http://www.oychicago.com/article.aspx?blogmonth=6&blogday=17&blogyear=2008&blogid=132 |title=Articles |publisher=Oy!Chicago |date=2008-06-17 |access-date=2012-07-25}}</ref>
However, as of July 17, 2007, he told the ''[[Miami New Times]]'' in an interview that he no longer "necessarily" identifies with the Lubavitch movement. In the interview he stated, "The more I'm learning about other types of Jews, I don't want to exclude myself. I felt boxed in."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/crossfade/2007/07/matisyahu_preview.php|title=Matisyahu Tonight at Sound Advice Amphitheatre|author=Jonathan Cunningham|date=July 17, 2007|work=Crossfade|access-date=December 29, 2014}}</ref> Additionally, in the fall of 2007, while on a family vacation spent primarily in [[Jerusalem]]'s [[Nachlaot]] neighborhood, he expressed interest in another Hasidic group, that of [[Karlin-Stolin (Hasidic dynasty)|Karlin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/910759.html|title=The Bob and the Baba|date=October 9, 2007|work=Haaretz.com|access-date=December 29, 2014}}</ref> As of November 2007 he had confirmed a preference to pray at the Karliner synagogue in [[Borough Park, Brooklyn]], where the custom is to ecstatically scream prayers; however, he continued to reside in Crown Heights because of his wife's affinity for the community.<ref>Nussbaum Cohen, Debra. [http://www.thejewishweek.com/features/matisyahu's_new_spiritual_groove "Matisyahu's New Spiritual Groove"]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. ''The Jewish Week'', November 28, 2007.</ref>
On December 13, 2011, after a session with his therapist, Matisyahu walked into a [[Supercuts]] on the [[Upper West Side]] in Manhattan and shaved his beard.<ref name="2016TOI">{{cite news |last1=Friedman |first1=Gabe |title=Matisyahu in his own words, on music, Judaism, shaving |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/matisyahu-in-his-own-words-on-music-judaism-shaving/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=[[Times of Israel]] |agency=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]] |date=2016-11-14}}</ref> Matisyahu posted a beardless picture of himself on [[Twitter]], explaining on his website:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://matisyahuworld.com/news/detail/note_from_matisyahu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201804/http://matisyahuworld.com/news/detail/note_from_matisyahu |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-01-07 |title=News – Note from Matisyahu |publisher=Matisyahuworld.com |access-date=2012-02-20 }}</ref>
{{blockquote|When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey: to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality—not through books but through real life. At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity...to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules—lots of them—or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission.}}
Despite shaving his beard, Matisyahu remained a religious Jew and began to attend a Hasidic synagogue associated with the Karlin dynasty in [[Williamsburg, Brooklyn|Williamsburg]], Brooklyn.<ref name="2016TOI" />
=== Politics ===
In 2012, he told the ''Cornell Sun'' in an interview, "As far as I understand, there was never a country called Palestine."<ref>{{cite news |title=Questions for Matisyahu |url=https://cornellsun.com/2012/10/30/questions-for-matisyahu/ |work=The Cornell Daily Sun |date=October 30, 2012}}</ref> Matisyahu performed for the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] and for [[AIPAC]] and supported Israelis in the [[Israeli-occupied territories]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Should Matisyahu play at a peace festival? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/8/23/should-matisyahu-play-at-a-peace-festival |work=Al Jazeera |date=23 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Omar Barghouti on Matisyahu: 'Perfectly reasonable to oppose performance by any bigot' |url=https://mondoweiss.net/2015/08/barghouti-reasonable-performance/ |work=[[Mondoweiss]] |date=August 21, 2015}}</ref> He voiced support for [[Israel]] in the [[Gaza war]]. In January 2024, he told ''Newsweek'': "I would like to see any terrorist, [[Hamas]], or person who believes Israel has no right to exist or the Jews have no right to it, I would like Israel destroy those people. Then I would like to see some type of new world that comes about in Gaza where Jews can go back to the Middle East."<ref>{{cite news |title=Rapper Matisyahu on 'Destroying' Hamas So 'Jews Can Go Back to Middle East' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/rapper-matisyahu-hamas-jews-israel-middle-east-1861377 |work=Newsweek |date=January 17, 2024}}</ref>
=== Origin of his name ===
''Matisyahu'' is an [[Ashkenazic Hebrew]] pronunciation of the [[Biblical Hebrew]] name מתתיהו ''Mattithyahu'' ([[Modern Hebrew]] pronunciation: ''Matityahu''), meaning 'gift of God'. It is the name of the 2nd-century [[Before Common Era|BCE]] Jewish leader of the [[Maccabees]]' revolt, often referred to by the Greek form of the name, [[Mattathias]]; and is the etymological source of the English name [[Matthew (given name)|Matthew]].
Matisyahu explained the origin of his use of the name as follows: while he, like most Jewish boys, received a Hebrew name at his [[brit milah]] (circumcision ceremony), when he was eight days old, Miller's family lost track of the names given. In Hebrew school, it was assumed to be Matisyahu because of the connection between Matthew and Matisyahu. The original certificate of bris was later located and Miller discovered that the actual name given at the bris was the Yiddish name "Feivish Hershel". He was advised by his rabbis to continue using the Hebrew name that he had grown up with.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kosherspirit.com/Article.asp?Issue=7&Article=88 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110052057/http://www.kosherspirit.com/Article.asp?Issue=7&Article=88 |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |title=Fall 2005 - Kosher Spirit }}</ref>
==Touring members==
;Current
* Matisyahu – vocals
* [[Aaron Dugan]] – guitar
*Jason Fraticelli – bass
*Jason Lindner – keyboards
*Matt Scarano – drums
;[[Dub Trio]]
* [[Stu Brooks]] – bass guitar (2009–present)
* Joe Tomino – drums (2009–present)
* D.P. Holmes – guitar (2009–present)
;Other current collaborators
*[[Salt Cathedral]] (Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada)<ref name="SLTrib"/> – production (2016–present)
*Rob Marscher<ref name="JamLights">{{cite news |last=May |first=Jake| title =Matisyahu: Shining in the Darkness| work=Jambands.com| date =December 10, 2020 | url =https://jambands.com/features/2020/12/10/matisyahu-shining-in-the-darkness/| accessdate =March 25, 2022}}</ref> – keyboards (2008–present)
*Tim Keiper<ref name="TGWBound"/><ref name="JamLights"/> – drums
;Former
* Joe Tomino – drums (2015)
*[[Stu Brooks]] – bass (2015)
* Big Yuki – keyboards (2016)
*Borahm Lee – keyboards (2006–2007)
* Skoota Warner – drums (2007–2008)
*[[Ezra Miller]] – drums, vocals (August 2023 - September 2023)
;[[Roots Tonic]]
* [[Aaron Dugan]] – guitar (2004–2010)
* [[Jonah David]] – drums (2004–2007)
* [[Josh Werner]] – bass (2004–2007)
==Discography==
{{Main|Matisyahu discography}}
[[File:Matisyahu Promo Photo from Katz Cadenza.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Matisyahu performing in 2019]]
;Studio albums
* ''[[Shake Off the Dust... Arise]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Youth (Matisyahu album)|Youth]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Light (Matisyahu album)|Light]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Spark Seeker]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Akeda (album)|Akeda]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Undercurrent (Matisyahu album)|Undercurrent]]'' (2017)
* ''Matisyahu'' (2022)
;Live albums
* ''[[Live at Stubb's (Matisyahu album)|Live at Stubb's]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Live at Twist & Shout]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Live at Stubb's, Vol. 2]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Five7Seven2 Live]]'' (2013)
* ''Live at Stubb's Vol. III'' (2015)
;Remix albums
*''[[Youth Dub]]'' (2006)
*''[[No Place to Be]]'' (2006)
;EPs
* ''[[Shattered EP]]'' (2008)
* ''Youth EP'' (2009)
* ''Miracle'' (2011)
* ''[[Spark Seeker#Spark Seeker: Acoustic Sessions|Spark Seeker: Acoustic Sessions]]'' (2013)
* ''Release the Bound'' (2016)
;Compilation Albums
*''Playlist: The Very Best of Matisyahu'' (2012)
==Filmography==
* ''A Buddy Story'' (2010) as Chassid
* ''[[The Possession]]'' (2012) as Tzadok
==See also==
* ''[[Awake Zion]]'' – a documentary that compares [[Rastafari movement|Rastafarians]] and Jews
* [[Shulem Lemmer]] – American [[Belz (Hasidic dynasty)|Belz]] [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] singer from [[Borough Park, Brooklyn]], in New York Ci
* [[Hatikva 6]] (התקווה 6) [literally "Hope 6"] – An [[Israelis|Israeli]] reggae group that is often compared to Matisyahu, due to the universality of their sound.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.matisyahuworld.com/}}
* [https://archive.org/details/Matisyahu/ Shows hosted at the Internet Archive]
{{Matisyahu}}
{{Authority control}}
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