Circle V: 30 Pieces of Silver OR Who is Safe?

V Note: As you read this keep in mind as an agnostic 4-life, I would happily sell out for a shockingly small sum. I’m not “that guy” who thinks everyone with a contract not written on rolling paper is a poser.


Every morning I am inspired by MTV and VH1. That’s right, if I wanted to do it, I could post thoughts somehow inspired by or related to a music video. This morning, I saw the Matisyahu video for about the hundredth time. My intention was to post about religion because I think educated America has this “I’m okay, you’re okay” complex where you have to love and accept everyone, damnit. In my opinion, that’s some bunk as there are all kinds of things I don’t like about pretty much every religion.

However, as I was researching various things that piss me off to bring the kavanah to this Hasidic Jew-licious rapper, I found an even more interesting little nugget. To summarize: Matisyahu is a HUGE sell out. Or, to put it another way: Not even the Hasidic Jews are safe from the siren song of the music industry.

There is a sad account of the whole story. But basically, Matisyahu had a term of three years remaining on his contract with JDub Records, but he dropped the non-profit independent label that was said to have been a huge part of his image, talent, and propelled him to stardom for the cha-ching of the Hollywood agent who “found” Nirvana.

I mean Jesus H. Christ, the man chose as an adult to be a Hasidic Jew and devote his life to strict interpretations of the Torrah. The Torrah. Have you read it, that’s like Scalia strict Constructionist crazy kinda shit! For starters, Matisyahu can’t touch women. He wouldn’t go onstage with Eve because he was so worried about them even shaking hands. He's all Kosher all the time and only sings about G-d and stuff. That’s rock solid dedication for you. But, he still sold out all his buddies that made him a star faster then you can say: 50 Cent and Smartwater.

Or, as his loyal and now bitter old pal said best: “His breach of contract is a clear violation of halakha, but it would be no surprise to me if he had been given a heter from his rav for the sake of spreading Chabad chassidus.” Um, yeah, so suck it.