The Jewish reggae rap star Matisyahu has cut off his beard and announced he is no longer a non-chassidic rap artist. The 32 year old emcee revealed the big change to fans via Twitter yesterday, tweeting a photo of himself without his beard. He later posted a message on his website explaining his life change:

This morning I posted a photo of myself on Twitter.

No more Chassidic 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.

– Matisyahu

Along with Matisyahu’s statement of explanation he sent out some tweets of Biblical quotes and ensured fans that he is attending prayer services regularly. Matisyahu is known for his three albums, the 2004 debut Shake Off the Dust … Arise, 2006’s Youth, and 2009’s Light.

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