MATISYAHU

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Matisyahu no longer orthodox?

Matisyahu, born Matthew Paul Miller, was once renowned for blending Orthodox Jewish themes with reggae and rock music, performing in traditional Hasidic attire. Over time, however, Matisyahu publicly distanced himself from the strict Orthodox lifestyle. In 2011, he made headlines by shaving his beard and posting about embracing a more personal and genuine spiritual journey. He explained that his departure from Orthodoxy was not a rejection of Judaism, but rather a step toward self-discovery and authenticity. Matisyahu sought to explore his spirituality without the confines of strict religious rules, aiming for a more universal connection to his faith and his music. His evolving beliefs allowed for greater creative freedom and personal growth, which he felt strengthened his artistry and connection with fans. While no longer strictly Orthodox, Matisyahu continues to incorporate elements of Jewish spirituality and philosophy into his music, reflecting his ongoing, yet more individualized, spiritual path.

What kind of music does Matisyahu play?

Matisyahu is known for his unique fusion of music genres, primarily rooted in alternative rock with strong influences from reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music. His sound is distinguished by its blend of upbeat reggae rhythms, rock guitar riffs, and rap-style vocal delivery, often infused with spiritually conscious lyrics inspired by his Jewish heritage and personal experiences. Over the years, Matisyahu has expanded his musical palette, incorporating elements of pop, electronic beats, and even acoustic ballads. Signature tracks like "King Without a Crown"

Why was Matisyahu cancelled?

Matisyahu faced a significant controversy in 2015 when organizers of Spain's Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival initially canceled his performance. The reason stemmed from pressure by pro-Palestinian groups demanding Matisyahu, who is Jewish and associated with Israel, to publicly state his position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Matisyahu refused to make a political statement, emphasizing his identity as an artist, not a spokesperson. The festival's decision to cancel him was met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the organizers of religious discrimination and antisemitism. International outcry from fans, human rights groups, and the Spanish government led to the festival reversing its decision and re-inviting Matisyahu to perform. The incident sparked global discussion about artistic freedom, religious identity, and the intersection of politics and music. While Matisyahu was briefly "cancelled,"

What is Matisyahu's biggest hit?

Matisyahu's biggest hit is "King Without a Crown,"

What is Matisyahu's story?

Matisyahu, born Matthew Paul Miller in Pennsylvania, grew up exploring a range of musical genres from hip-hop to rock. In his late teens, a spiritual quest led him to embrace Orthodox Judaism, a transformation that profoundly influenced his music and public image. He gained prominence in the mid-2000s with his innovative blend of reggae, rock, and Hebrew-inspired lyrics, often performing in traditional Hasidic attire. His breakout album, "Live at Stubb's,"