Matisyahu w/ Pigeon John 10/19/2005

Most prophets don’t rely on call-and-response to spread their message. Yet, throughout history, the missives that make the most impact have been spread by messengers who were able to speak to the people in the language of the people. Bob Marley is perhaps the most prolific modern example of this phenomenon. His message of Rastafarianism, wrapped up in perfectly simple ska and reggae, is single-handedly responsible for putting Hallie Selassie’s prophecies in millions of households. It has even been estimated by many music historians that Bob Marley is now the most well known musician in the entire world. Given the basic similarities between Rastafarianism and Hasidic Judaism, it’s not shocking to see the emergence of a new voice proclaiming percussion punctuated praises from a Hasidic perspective. So what if most divine forecasters don’t use call and response? Matisyahu is anything but a typical prophet. Through his reggae-infused rhymes, this relative newcomer has forged a trail through uncharted territory by combining religion with rhythm in a way that appeals both to people of all faiths. On a typically cold November evening, a diverse crowd formed outside the legendary Cleveland Odeon and eagerly stepped inside the spiritual cipher for a sermon. By boldly beatboxing off the beaten path, Matisyahu has emerged as a new voice of his generation.

Although he’s recently experienced a huge rise in popularity, Matisyahu hasn’t just appeared out of nowhere. The path he’s followed has included some major life-changing moments and several iterations of himself and his beliefs. Matisyahu was born Matthew Miller on June 30, 1979 in PA. When he was a child he moved to Berkley CA and then the family settled on the other side of the country in White Plains NY. It was when he was a teenager and lived in NY that he learned to beat-box. Like most teenagers Matthew felt a void in his life. It was during this time he began to search for himself and he realized that there was a part of his life which he had not yet fully explored. He took a pilgrimage to Israel where he discovered his Jewish roots and when he came back to the states he further perfected his artistic talents. He then met a Lubavitch Rabbi who inspired him to complete the transformation from Matthew to Matisyahu. Matisyahu has fully taken on the Lubavitch Hasidic lifestyle and has written a catalog of songs praising God from his perspective. His path recently has included a major label record deal, newborn son, and a busy touring itinerary that criss-crosses and zigzags all over the country.

This journey has lead Matisyahu to Cleveland twice this year. His earlier gig at the Grog Shop in January was simply sensational and has become one of the most downloaded shows on music trading sites. While speaking at the Hillel House at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland earlier in the day, Matisyahu commented about how Cleveland was one of his favorite places due to the overwhelming respect for his religion and music. Cleveland responded with a near sell-out and an early-arriving crowd ready to dance and party. The stage was set by a great warm-up performance by Pigeon John, who blazed through some of the material off his CD Pigeon John is Dating Your Sister. Not taking himself too seriously, this true jokester took time to teach the “pigeon dance” and have an argument with God about being a “washed up 45 year old rapper”. The crowd was involved and eager for Matisyahu to again take Cleveland over the top.

Guitarist Aaron Dugan and bassist Josh Werner took the stage and started the groove. Matisyahu quickly emerged and started a mellow and heartfelt rendition of Bob Marley’s “Rastaman Chant.” “Close My Eyes” followed and got the crowd moving. “Sea to Sea” completed an opening tri-fecta of terrific selections but stood out as the early highlight of the show when Matisyahu took the time to say a prayer in the middle of the song. The prayer was based on a moment of silence, so it wasn’t something particularly denominational, but it was heartfelt and touching. “Chop 'em Down” got things lively again and flowed into a wicked “Warrior.” Matisyahu had worked up a sweat and removed his coat while chanting such lyrics as “You're a priest and a prince and you can't be moved." “Lord, Raise Me Up” featured some impressive drum work by Jonah David who proceeded to scintillate with a simply superb solo. The band as a whole was flawless all night, and Matisyahu’s lyrics prophesized about King David, Babylon, and the Lion of Judea. “Mist Rising” completed the beginning half of the set with its smooth flow and tight interplay between Matisyahu, the band, and the crowd.

After a quick drink of water, Matisyahu performed his earliest talent – beatboxing. He tore the place up with amazing bass rolls and freestyle with guest rhyme maker Yoni, an extremely talented “Jewish Rapper from Minnesota.” “Zion (Shape of a Lion)” was special due to the presence of a guest violinist from Case Western Reserve University who wasn’t introduced but made her presence felt. Guest lyricist Yoni reemerged and had a special request for the crowd. “Do one good thing for someone and perpetuate goodness” he pleaded then proceeded to school the audience with his flow. “Exaltation” followed in the set list and had a great solo by bassist Josh Werner, who has perfected the rolling, dancehall style of the low end. Audience favorite “King without a Crown” closed out the set. Just that week, the song had been performed on both Craig Ferguson's and Carson Daly’s talk shows, but hadn’t been played with such energy as this night. The crowd chanted along with Matisyahu as he declared “Thunder! Let the blessings come down.” All through the set, his songs spread his message of the Bible and the Hasidic faith with passion. A short break was followed with a good version of “Heights” and a final show of appreciation by the audience.

Matisyahu is a prophet spreading his message in a way that has drawn interest from many diverse directions. By using a modern method to proclaim his praises and leaving everything on stage (he lost his voice and had to cancel the Columbus show the next night), Matisyahu is assuring himself a successful musical career supported by loyal fans. But for this 26 year old Hasidic Hip-Hop Reggae superstar, it’s about much more than just making music. He needs to get the word out. Well, Matisyahu is going to reach more new people in 2006, as he will be on an upcoming POD record and will continue TV and radio appearances (plus a high-profile MTV special). There’s no doubt he will continue the call, most likely to an increasing response.

Photos by Robert Massie