Reggae: Matisyahu's Live at Stubb's

If Reggae to some extent represents Rastafarianism, an odd mixture of Christianity and other beliefs, then what does a Hasidic Jew doing Reggae represent? It’s a question that has been pondered since Matisyahu released his debut album in 2004. Now with the release of Live at Stubb’s, it’s a good time to look at the question again.

First, though, before looking at the theological implications, musically you can’t ask for more. This live recording captures an electrifying performance. Matisyahu’s on top of the rhymes, raps, and empassioned vocals. The band lays down a groove with an organic integrity, updating your idea of Reggae if the genre still makes you think of cheap Casio keyboards. Tapping into the crossover riddim of Hip Hop, there’s scratching and programming too. While the description of a Hasidic Jew doing Reggae may sound like a novelty act, there’s nothing but authentic jamming.

Theologically, it’s no surprise that songs take much from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), which is actually the source of many Rastafarian images as well. Songs call on people to rise up as God’s children, praying for a restoration of the land of Israel and the Temple. The themes of redemption and freedom are certainly other parallels between the cries of Jews and blacks.

If I could pull it off, I’d be using Matisyahu’s music in Bible studies and worship for our congregation. “Chop ‘Em Down,” while being a infectious jam, teaches the story of how God’s people came to Egypt and how Moses led them out to the Promised Land. Matisyahu says, “Split this wilderness listen up this ain’t where it’s at,” summing up God’s message to the people as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they wouldn’t listen to Him.

“Exaltation,” like many of the praise psalms, declares how the whole Earth sings praise to the Lord. With double-speed lyric at times, this worship songs moves quickly down the groove track. I can see the pews swaying to the beat. “Refuge” which borrows the words and story of King David is a dose of warm jam for the soul searching for protection from enemies.

A song that would be difficult to use in a Christian context, and perhaps many Jewish contexts, is. “Warrior.” The song echoes the biblical theme of being reunited with the Lord our King. However, in this live version, Matisyahu stops to explain more of the theology behind the song and Hasidic interpretation of the Scriptures. The song says, “Taken from a world above, and brought down to a world below.” Matisyahu’s words explains this how apparently Hasidic Jews teach reincarnation. Our souls were once with God, but are now separated from Him, sent to this world to transform the dark into light. It is not a teaching found in Hebrew Scriptures, but rather, the rabbis have taught this in later writings.

Live at Stubb’s excels as a live recording in putting you among the close crowd, the dim lights, the energy of a people centered on knowing where the music leads. While he doesn’t share my conviction about Jesus being the Messiah, Matisyahu’s dedication to using Reggae to declare God’s praises helps me to realize the dynamic power of God’s Word.

Thanks to Matisyahu, Or Music, and JDub Records for the review copy.