Matisyahu quits Hasidic lifestyle
Matisyahu is moving away from his Hasidic lifestyle - he has shaved off his trademark beard in a bid to "reclaim" himself.
The Jewish reggae star , 32, has become known for his long locks, bushy facial hair and his rhymes about his faith, but, after spending years following a "higher level of religiosity", he's decided to start a new phase in his life.
TheKing Without a Crown rapper uploaded a picture showing off his new hair-less look on his Twitter page on Tuesday and has explained his actions in a more detailed post on his blog.
Matisyahu writes: "This morning I posted a photo of myself on Twitter. No more Chassidic (sic) reggae superstar.
"Sorry folks, all you get is me…no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality - not through books but through real life.
"At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity… to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules - lots of them - or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission.
"Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth. And for those concerned with my naked face, don’t worry…you haven’t seen the last of my facial hair."
Tagged in Music News