Matisyahu is known for mixing the beatboxing sounds found in hip-hop with rock, reggae, and spiritual themes. His 2005 single “King without a Crown,” made it into the United States’ Top 40. Since 2004, the busy artist has released 16 projects in different formats and acted in several films.
The all-round performer says he is strongly influenced by his Jewish background and upbringing, and Yiddish and Hebrew words are often mixed into his English lyrics. Kelefa Sanneh of the New York Times once wrote that Matisyahu’s sound:
“. . . owes a lot to early dancehall reggae stars like Barrington Levy and Eek-a-Mouse.”
Another reviewer, Kevin Pang of the Chicago Tribune, noted that his powerful reggae style:
“. . . captures both the jam band vibe of Phish and the ska-punk of Sublime.”
Matisyahu was born in Pennsylvania and brought up in White Plains, New York. He dropped out of school, and became a so-called “Phish-head,” following the band as it toured. In 2005 at Bonnaroo, he shared the stage with his idols, when Trey Anastasio invited him to sit in with the band. He has released seven studio albums, dropping his latest self-titled LP in 2022.
Matisyahu will appear at the Music Box on India Street on June 5. When performances like this are scheduled, organizers can use poster printing to create advertising for the event.