What can you say about an artist who combines reggae, hip-hop and traditional hasidic religous values? Oy vey!
Brooklyn, NY native Matisyahu exploded onto the reggae/hip hop scene in 2005 with his "Live at Stubbs" disc, and this year we get a taste of his studio work with
Youth.
Youth is an amalgam of styles, with the sonic influences of Marley and Tosh, but with the freshness and verve of hip-hop that helps bring reggae into the 21st century. Like Marley, Matisyahu's music is politically charged message music, with a distinct religous bent. This disk will make you want to twist a blunt, sway back and forth, and check the flight schedules to Jamaica. Highlights of the disk include "Youth," a reggae anthem about making the right choices, and "Fire of Heaven/Altar of Earth," a lush reggae celebration of god's gifts and a call for appreciation. Keep your eyes out for the "Best Buy" version of the disk as it includes a neat remix of "King Without a Crown" by Mike. D. of the Beastie Boys.
Is Matisyahu the future of reggae? Could be. If so, it will require a change in hats.
Favorite Songs:
What I'm Fighting For
Jerusalem