It is not easy for fans of the rapper Matisyahu to keep up with their idol, who in the past year has presented a flip-flopping image. But it seems that the singer, who became a symbol of Judaism in a sea of Westernization, has shaved off his beard for good.
Sources close to the rapper have confirmed that it is so: "It looks like he's thrown off his kippa and tzitzit," musician Daniel Zamir said. "Matis hasn't involved anyone in his decision. He is independent when considering what is good and bad, and doesn't take anything from anyone."
Matisyahu's "Sunshine" clip
The style change doesn't mean Matisyahu has changed careers. His fourth album, "Spark Seeker," is coming out, mostly recorded in Israel in collaboration with a number of Israeli artists.
According to the rapper himself, the song "Sunshine" discusses the return to the inner essence. "Don't give up on yourself even after making changes… allow room for what you've given up. When I was recording the song, I was in the process of going back to something I'd lost."