Hasidic artist proves to be indestructible

Matisyahu, a Hasidic Jewish reggae rapper, is easily the most intriguing artist to hit mainstream airwaves in years. Often described as Bob Marley reggae meets Sublime, dub-ska-punk meets hip-hop meets Phish inspired jam; Matisyahu's sound is a fusion of genres which is finding welcome ears in pop audiences across the country.\nA bona fide teenage hippie by 14, Matisyahu (aka Matthew Miller) was more interested in music than the classroom, eventually dropping out of high school to follow Phish on a national tour. However, a trip to Jerusalem rekindled his faith in Judaism and after stints in religious schools in Oregon and finally New York, Matisyahu began practicing Orthodox Judaism while also pursuing his interest in music. \nHis 2004 release Shake Off the Dust...Arise turned some heads, but it was 2005's Live at Stubb's that introduced Matisyahu to mainstream audiences nationwide. Youth, Matisyahu's debut major label release, has already reached No. 4 on the Billboard Charts and suggests that the future may be even brighter for this rising artist. \nOn the producing end of Youth is Bill Laswell, a guy well versed in fusing various musical genres. Laswell, an accomplished Dub producer, has remixed Bob Marley and Miles Davis and produced for such artists as the Last Poets and Herbie Hancock; even playing bass on Hancock's 1978 single "Rockit." \nYouth kicks off with "Fire of Heaven / Altar of Earth," a song which sets the reggae tone for the rest of the album; not just musically but also with mentions of lions and the city of Zion, the song definitely sends out the Rasta vibe.\nLaswell's producing touches can best be seen in "Indestructible" and "Jerusalem," with the presence of drum machines and synthesizers and sadly enough the use of a Cher style digital voice reverb on "Jerusalem." \nYouth's version of the hit-single "King Without A Crown" definitely lacks the energy it has on Live at Stubb's, but is still a solid cut. The album is also absent of the Hasidic chants and beat-boxing which Matisyahu's live performances are known for. The production overall makes the album a bit sterile and may make it less appealing to the jam band fans who enjoy the often extended playing and free-styling the band's live performances include. \nOverall, Youth does well at condensing Matisyahu's sound and style into a pop friendly album. And with Youth, the talk of Matisyahu's Jewish appearance as a novelty to sell records can end. This is an artist who is genuine about his faith, is not afraid to sing his beliefs with pride and is enjoying mainstream success while doing it.