Jewish Rapper Draws a Crowd

Anchorage, AK — The longest day of the year led into a long night for a solstice party in Anchorage — a “revival” of sorts, with a reggae twist.

Thousands of people gathered in midtown last night to celebrate Summer Solstice. A parking lot outside the Moose’s Tooth restaurant became a dance floor for a concert under the midnight sun. And the crowd was nearly as eclectic as the artist they came to see.

His name is Matisyahu — also known as the “Rappin’ Rabbi.” His eclectic mix of rap and reggae has earned him a cult following.

But there’s more to Matisyahu than the music. Though not a rabbi, Matisyahu is the first Hasidic Jew to have a presence in mainstream media.

“I’ve always thought of music as something that’s something deeper than just having a good time,” said Matisyahu. “To me music is almost like a religious or a sacred thing. So, I guess my intention is to try to create the most, to try and honor the music as much as possible and creating the most authentic spiritual experience for the listeners.”

Those that can keep up with the quick-tongued wordsmith find themselves singing along with lyrics that leave no doubt about the man’s beliefs.

“He takes a lot of esoteric Judaism, of mysticism, which is called Kabbalah, Hasidic philosophy and Kabbalah philosophy, a lot from bible scriptures, commentary, Talmud. It’s really an amazing job he’s doing,” said Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, Lubavitch Jewish Center.

Matisyahu and his band, Root Tonic, stayed for a two-day tour stop on their way back from Hawaii. He’s got four albums under his prayer belt, but chances are you won’t find any in town because of his popularity.

“For me, it’s phenomenal music with a good message message and a great vibe to dance to,” said Andrew Beegle from Wasilla.

“As a rabbi I’m amazed to see how he sings all those Hebrew songs and Hebrew words and how those young people, young American teenagers are so tuned into it and know the words, sing it with him,” said Rabbi Greenberg.

During the last three years the group has been on the road and on planes traveling around the world — on a mission of music.

“I really like this, playing in places that don’t necessarily get a ton of music coming through all the time,” said Matisyahu. “Who wouldn’t want to go to Alaska at some point? Everyone wants to go to Alaska. So, let’s go there and do some shows.”

And Matisyahu is playing tonight in Fairbanks.

By the way, you’ll have to look hard for his C.D. A Channel 2 crew went to four different record stores in Anchorage looking for one and they were all sold out.

Matisyahu and his band, Root Tonic, stayed for a two-day tour stop on their way back from Hawaii

I really like this, playing in places that don’t necessarily get a ton of music coming through all the time,“ said Matisyahu.

”It’s really an amazing job he’s doing,“ said Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, Lubavitch Jewish Center.

”For me, it’s phenomenal music with a good message message and a great vibe to dance to,” said Andrew Beegle from Wasilla.