Album Review: Matisyahu – Shake of the Dust: Arise

Posted by admin on Mar 8, 2006 in Volume 14 Issue 1 | 0 comments

Traditionally, reggae music has been associated with Rastafarianism, a religious group which claims to be one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its founder, Ethiopian ruler Ras Tafari, is believed to be a descendent of King David. Reggae music consequently stems from a hybrid of African and Jewish history. Perhaps this is why I was astounded to hear the Hasidic stylings of Matisyahu, a Jewish emcee, beat-boxer, and reggae singer. Performing in Orthodox Jewish garb, this smooth-singing Hebrew looks like he stepped straight out of the temple with his hat, beard, and suit. His lyrics are no less reflective of his faith. “Tzama L’cha Nafshi” is simply Psalm 63: 2-3: “My soul thirsts for you / My flesh longs for you / In a land parched and weary with no water.” Backed by drums, guitar, and bass, Matisyahu’s sound reflects the simple riffs and lulling rhythms of reggae, complimented by his extraordinary beat-boxing and rapping skills. The Old Testament has never been fresher. Songs like “King Without a Crown,” “Refuge,” and “Warrior” narrate the world’s oldest stories passed down through Jewish oral tradition. Matisyahu seamlessly connects the ancient meta-narrative of exile and homeland to the modern day with his mixture of soulful music and thoughtful words. “Like an ancient memory / Remember how it used to be / Close your eyes and breathe in / That’s the scent of freedom / Ringing across the sea / Land of milk and honey.”