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Matisyahu

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Matisyahu Miller

Matthew Miller (born June 30, 1979), more commonly known as Matisyahu, was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a Hassidic Jewish reggae artist.

He is a member of the Lubavitch Hassidic Community in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York; a community made famous by its leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Matisyahu was not brought up as an Orthodox Jew, however he turned to Orthodox Judaism around 2001 and began playing with the Jewish band Pey Dalid. He counts among his musical inspirations Bob Marley, Phish, and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. His fans are of different walks of life, religions, and ethnicities. He sometimes performs with Kenny Muhammad, a Muslim beatboxer.

His reggae vocal style is along the lines of traditional Rasta Roots stylings mixed with dub sound. The easiest comparison would be similar to the conscious and cultural sides of Buju Banton, Sizzla, Capleton, or Junior Kelly, but with the upbeat message of Luciano, Bushman and Everton Blender, and vocal dexterity of Barrington Levy. The production of the tracks draws from King Tubby, Augustus Pablo, Mikey Dread, and Linval Thompson. Similarities to the Foundation Sound of the late 1970s and 1980s would be accurate, and comparisons to Morgan Heritage likewise, would not be wrong. However, he mixes in contemporary stylings of rap and beatboxing, similar to Eminem, as well as the traditional Hazzan style of Jewish cantors and Hasidic nigunim.

Most songs are completely in English with a few words of Hebrew and Yiddish sprinkled in. His lyrics are deeply spiritual at times, while lighter on other tracks.


Origin of the name 'Matisyahu'

Matisyahu refers to the Hasmonean leader, Matathias (in Greek), who began the revolt against the Seleucid army during the second century BC. Matisyahu was succeeded by his three sons Yehuda, Yonasan and Shimon, who are referred to as the Maccabees.This is the name he was given at his Jewish naming ceremony at eight days old. He was called by his English name Matthew until he reverted back to his given Hebrew name.

Matthew is translated from the Hebrew name, Matityahu, which means "gift of God". His English name, Matthew, therefore does not translate directly to his Hebrew name, Matisyahu. Many Jews often have both a name from their national culture and a Hebrew name, which can match via translation (ex: Elliot to Eli), transliteration to closest Hebrew name available (ex: Natalie to Natanya), or just two names which traditionally go together but aren't related (ex: Vladimir to Zvi).

Albums

  1. Shake Off the Dust... Arise (2004)
  2. Live at Stubbs: Austin TX 2/19/05 (2005)
  3. Currently working on next album. Release date unknown.
2005 Matisyahu Promo Pic

Download a Sample of "King Without A Crown"

Appearances

  1. Jimmy Kimmel Live (August 24, 2004)
  2. Last Call with Carson Daly (2004)
  3. The Steve Harvey Show (2004)
  4. The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (2005)
  5. Late Night With Conan O'Brian (2005)
  6. G-Unit Featuring Snoop Dog (2004)
  7. THE LATE LATE SHOW with CRAIG FERGUSON (November 15, 2005 1:40AM EST)

Band members


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