Matisyahu Shaves Beard and Renounces Orthodox MC Tag

Jewish reggae rapper Matisyahu revealed a huge change to his image yesterday. He cut off his signature beard and says he is no longer an MC.

He took to Twitter and stated, "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."

It looks like he may have been conflicted for a while. The 32-year-old continued, "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." Since it's only hair we are sure his music will still be phenomenal.

Matisyahu aka Matthew Paul Miller was formerly an acid-dropping Phish-head who found religion at age 19. The 32-year old released his debut album, Shake Off the Dust ... Arise in 2004. He followed up with the 2006's Youth and 2009's Light and three live albums. --Additional reporting by Anthony Reynolds