Jewish Reggae singer Matisyahu has been accused of having a “black scent” (black accent) that only emerges during his performances. The American singer explains to Vlad TV, “I can’t even talk like that—I’ve never even tried. For me, it’s completely a musical thing for me,” addressing the shift in his voice when performing.
In response to his critics, Matisyahu offers a bold retort saying: “I would say they have a ‘Jew scent’ because they took that from my Torah,” referring to reggae themes and biblical references.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Matisyahu recounted an experience during a reggae show, “It’s happened to me before. I was in Amherst; it was all Jamaicans at a reggae show, and I was just starting out. No one knew who I was before Kimmel or anything. Full Hasidic audience was watching the show. I asked if I could sit in, and I tore it down! Everyone loved it.” However, not everyone was receptive to his performance. “This one b*tch walked over” he said reffering to a woman who approached him and challenged his authenticity, asking, “What do you know about Selassie I?” To this, an “OG Rasta with the cane” defended Matisyahu, stating, “He knows from King David.”
The King Without A Crown singer who was Billboard’s top reggae artist of 2006 singer further elaborates on the cultural connections between reggae and jews that inform his music, asserting, “It’s fucking facts; it’s the way things are. That’s where they got their beliefs from—they got it from the Jews, just like every other religion.” He emphasizes the impact of cultural exchange, noting how a young kid in White Plains, New York, can see artists like him and suddenly understand his own identity. “That’s how things work,” he explains. “Some people are too narrow-minded to see beyond their own perspective, and that’s why I’ve always had mad confidence.”
Throughout his career, Matisyahu has drawn inspiration from reggae legends like Sizzla and Super Cat. He has collaborated with numerous artists within the genre, describing most of them as “always cool.” However, he singles out one individual for criticism: “Eek-A-Mouse. Yeah, he’s a fucking nutbag.” Matisyahu mimicked the style of the “Wah Do Dem” artist during his early rise, but recounts Eek-A-Mouse’s controversial takes on Bob Marley’s whiteness, suggesting that Marley’s success stemmed from his father’s race. “So, you know, he’s obviously nuts,” Matisyahu quips.
