Music Jesus would dance to

Well, I think I just picked up a CD that would make Jesus' playlist if he were here in physical body right now. Matisyahu Miller (who performs under the name Matisyahu) is a Hassidic Jew who is also a raggae-hip hop artist. No...he is not a circus side show -- I promise you he is the real deal! This guy is amazing. He is first and foremost a Hassidic Jew (a very disciplined Jewish religious sect commmitted to the study of Scripture, strict moral lifestyle in accordance with the Jewish religious tradition, including strict sabbath observance, wearing traditional black garb and long beard, not coming into contact with the opposite sex besides one's spouse, etc.). Secondly, he is a performer and artist who shares his Jewish belief and faith in Hashem (Hebrew for "the Name" which is what many Jews call Yahweh, out of respect for his name) in clubs and concerts around the country. Live at Stubbs is a live concert performed at a club in Austin, Texas. And let me tell you -- if a Hassidic Jewish Raggae artist can win over a bunch of Gentile Texans, it must be good. And if you haven't heard of Matisyahu (which is the Hebrew pronounciation of Matthew) yet, I bet you will.

What I love about this album is that it is full of such joy. It is filled with songs of praise and celebration of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Songs like "Exaltation" lift up direct quotes from the Psalms, and he is constantly lifting up the God we worship. I could just see Jesus blasting this at a beach party with all these fish he just miraculously caught. This is music about his people -- and therefore my people as well.

As a Christian listening to Matisyahu, I am filled with such praise, knowing the Messiah for which Matis is singing about and longing for. It is totally clean as well, and my kids are already starting to like dancing to it. To hear someone that passionate about his faith, willing to put it first (Matis doesn't perform on Fridays and Saturdays, which would be tough I would think if you were a musician), I love it.

If you were to download one song to listen to, get King Without a Crown -- this is his comeout hit.

Tell me what you think!

jeff