Matisyahu (Wikipedia)
Matisyahu, the Jewish musician who became famous for being a Hasidic (ultra-orthodox) rapper is being discriminated against by venues because he is Jewish. Even though Matisyahu no longer wears the black hat, suit, and sidelocks of a Hasidic Jew when performing, he is still being persecuted because of Israel’s ongoing war against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza.
Both the Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona and the Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico, canceled Matisyau shows. The musician claimed that his shows were canceled due to his unabashed support for Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.
“They do this [the venues] because they are either anti-Semitic or have confused their empathy for the Palestinian people with hatred for someone like me who holds empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians,” he said.
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“The Matis tribe is unstoppable,” tweeted Matisyahu on Monday. “I am so proud and in love with the fans right now. They canceled us at The Rialto Theatre and my man Joe from the legendary venue The Rock was happy to have us. No security issues. No one afraid. We will not be silenced or stopped. If a venue has a staff who’s afraid to stand up to these fools I will find a venue who supports me and my beautiful fans. Las Vegas tonight at Brooklyn Bowl. We will keep playing and singing and dancing.”
But the theaters countered that they only canc;ed the Matisyahu shows due to security concerns.
The Rialto Theater’s executive director Cathy Rivers told the Tucson Fox TV affiliate, “The decision to not have Matisyahu play tonight was not made about politics or religion. This decision was made based on safety. The temperature of the day changed, and the tone was not set by us. This escalated to a concern of safety for our patrons, our staff, and our community.”
Matisyahu, whose real name is Matthew Paul Miller, is an American reggae singer, rapper, beatboxer, and alternative rock musician. He is known for blending spiritual themes with reggae, rock, and hip hop beatboxing sounds. His 2005 single “King Without a Crown” was a Top 40 hit in the United States.
Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and raised in White Plains, New York in a Reconstructionist Jewish community, Matisyahu became an Orthodox Jew in his early 20s and began incorporating his faith into his music. He adopted the traditional dress of the Lubavitcher Hasidic sect, including a black fedora and beard. His music often explores themes of spirituality, faith, and identity.
But later in life, Matisyahu rejected Jewish orthodoxy. However, he continues to make music that is inspired by his faith.
Matisyahu has released seven studio albums, and his music has been featured in a number of films and television shows. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including John Mayer, The Roots, and Collie Buddz.
