Matisyahu - 'Youth' (Epic) Released 08/05/06

“I take you to the candy shop, I'll let you lick the lollypop”. If ever proof were needed that Hip Hop is in a mess this line from 50 Cent pretty much sums it up. Obsessed with attainment, guns, bitches and jewellery it just doesn’t say anything to anybody. Gun culture is rife, just last month D12’s Proof was gunned down, and the likes of 50 Cent are only too happy to profit from this by telling elaborated tales and creating an atmosphere where getting shot at is cool. That’s not to say that Hip Hop glamourises guns and crime, this isn’t Newsnight, but listen to any mainstream Hip Hop and you will be left with a feeling of utter disbelief at the lazy lyricism. Even Eminem has been off the boil for at least two albums.

Luckily though there is a light at the end of the tunnel and this light goes by the name of Matisyahu (real name Matthew Miller).Lets cut to the chase here, Matisyahu is a Hasidic Jewish MC. The idea of hanging out with Fiddy and his G Unit no doubt appalls him. He is happily married with a child and due to his religion cannot play on a Friday night or on a bill that has women on. Whilst ‘Youth’ has a spiritual feel to it you never feel like you are having religion shoved down your throat, this is not the Jewish equivalent of Christian rap. Some may see the religion as a gimmick but that’s not the case, Matisyahu is a talented MC with good flow, rhymes and lyrics. Combining the sounds of Bob Marley and Shlomo Carlebach, yet remaining wholly original, Matisyahu's performance is an uplifting, powerful experience.

Youth, is a compelling mix of ancient and modern sounds and ideas. The title track, with its rallying cry "Youth is the engine of the world," draws upon Matisyahu's studies of the Torah as well as his own tumultuous past. Other album highlights come from live favourite ‘King Without A Crown’ and the exquisitely titled ‘Unique Is My Dove’. On a negative note occasionally Matisyahu loses his way and begins to meander; ‘Late Night In Zion’ and ‘What I’m Fighting For’ fall on the wrong side of the eccentric tightrope ‘Youth’ walks so well.

If like many you are disillusioned with modern Hip Hop and you can put the religion to one side then give Matisyahu a try. He isn’t a saviour but he is original, innovative, inspirational and exciting. Just the injection Hip Hop needs