Matisyahu's Evolving Reggae Introduces A New Electronic Sound

Known for his seamless blend of rap, rock-tinted reggae and his devout Jewish faith, Matisyahu's music is decidedly unique. With his first two studio albums -- 2004's Shake Off the Dust... Arise and his breakthrough 2006 record, Youth -- the self-proclaimed "Hasidic reggae superstar" has found popular success and earned countless fans of both classic reggae and the spiritual community. 

But in 2011 he started a series of reinventions: He surprised the world by shaving his trademark beard, and later moved from his Hasidic neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York to Los Angeles. And he began to fold a pop-focused electronic sound into his newer music. 

And While Matisyahu has distanced himself from the Hasidic faith he became known for, it's still a part of his music: Matisyahu's latest record, Akeda, (out June 3), is named for the Old Testament story of Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac, for God. The album introduces new sides to Matisyahu's sound, from the moodier elements of "Broken Car" to "Vow of Silence (Shalom)" that edges closer to traditional hip hop than previous recordings.

In a conversation with Soundcheck host John Schaefer, Matisyahu reflects on the changes in his life and music, and performs some new tracks with his band in the Soundcheck studio.

Set List:

• "Broken Car"
• "Surrender"
• "Sick For So Long"