Matisyahu Shaved His Beard, Says: "No More Chassidic Reggae Superstar"

Hasidic Jewish reggae performer Matisyahu shaved his beard, and announced this morning: "No more Chassidic reggae superstar." The New York-raised artist, who grew up a Reconstructionist Jew, is best known for mixing traditional Jewish themes with reggae, and sometimes rock and hip hop. But with his new look (which he posted photos of this morning along with his announcement), comes a new sound (though he's still going to Shul). His announcement read:

Sorry folks, all you get is me… no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality—not through books but through real life. At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity…to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules—lots of them—or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission. Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth. And for those concerned with my naked face, don’t worry… you haven’t seen the last of my facial hair

Does this mean Matisyahu is going to start rocking Fabulous Fanny frames and come out with a chillwave album?

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on December 13, 2011 5:00 PM

Comments [rss]

Dennis sinneD

He's got some sad eyes.

Rayski_LaRue

anybody can tell you that 'Sids just love sex clubs. And they are brutal in an S&M club. Not nice people. Part of their religion is that they believe they are BETTER than non 'Sids. Before you bleeding hearts attack me, look it up.

Polite New Yorker

He's a good singer and beat-boxer, but he rose to fame in large part based on the novelty of being a Hasidic Jew singing popular music. Now that his career is established, the religious lifestyle no longer serves his needs and he stands to lose more than gain by sticking with it.

yetathirduselessaccount

Maybe he's just tired of stinking up subway cars wearing wool suits in July?

Joshua

. . . or being misogynistic.

"Tim Osman"

Maybe he wants some bacon

Shenk

it looks like this ex-drug addict turned born again chasid just got some really good pussy

Guest

You are an idiot.

Militant Conformist

I guess that means there is a new job opening about to be posted

http://youtu.be/1nUtKOOeH48

Josselin Philippe

"explore Jewish spirituality—not through books but through real life"
Maybe he should have picked up a science book before going exploring. Artists that publicize their self-identification dilemmas can be so tiring.