Matisyahu, having been named “the new man in black” by critics and music listeners, performed for a sold out audience at the San Jose Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Opening with a killer rendition of Bob Marley's “Rasta Man Chant,” he was dressed in a full-length, two-piece black suit and the traditional Hasidic attire of a black hat, (later revealing a navy blue yamaka underneath) and thick black-rimmed spectacles.

The wearing of the skullcap known as a yarmulka or kippa shows respect for God, who is thought to live in Heaven. Hence Jews separate themselves from his divine presence by wearing a hat or cap at all times.

Born Matthew Miller, a secular Jew in the New York suburb of White Plains, in the year 2000, the 26 year old underwent a conversion to Hasidic Judaism – a devout sect that follows the religion’s strictest principles. He has created an unprecedented form of reggae fusion, singing and raping about his devotion to God, praising the Torah and dissing drugs.

His music is an interesting mix of reggae, beat box, and dub rhythms that is a unique and fresh form of alternative music. The smell of Patchouli and clouds of marijuana smoke filled the crowded auditorium as he continued with re-mixed versions of songs off his breakthrough album “Live at Stubbs,” which was recorded at an Austin, Texas BBQ joint famous for, of all things, pulled pork sandwiches.

The album peaked at number 32 on the charts, owing much to the uplifting single “King without a Crown” and was followed by his major label debut “Youth,” which was released on Epic Records in March 2006.

With his hands clenched, his fists held high in the air, he knelt toward his audience as if to sing a lullaby or read a bedtime story. Fan, Jeremy Pomer, caught the artist backstage exiting the men’s bathroom five minutes before going on stage.

“I asked him if I could take his picture,” Pomer says. Matisyahu shrugged and smiled, Pomer added. As he exited, Matisyahu was moving his hands as if he was mixing records on a turntable, rapping to himself as he made his way closer to the stage getting geared up to perform.

His show began and lacked luster, as he spent much of the first half covering his eyes, as if in prayer, with little reaction from his audience. Although he is soulful as he wails in Hebrew to “praise the soul almighty,” his performance picked up speed as he belted out the hook heavy “Youth,” his latest single from the album of the same name. With its bass-heavy ending, this certainly got the crowd going and eager to hear what he would perform next.

With the crowd chanting “beat box” in synch, he started in to some beloved favorites as his fans bobbed their heads in unison. He followed with the lyrically uplifting “Raise me up” and continued with a crowd favorite of the night, “Chop 'em Down.” With its laid back bass line, the crowd sang along and swayed back and forth in syncopation.

His second set sure made up for his first, having followed with the MTV hit “King without a Crown,” mixing in some beat box rhythms and reggae dub beats. A guitar and percussion solo followed, eclipsing the high energy set with Matisyahu himself sitting side staged, watching with adoration as his band mates got their much-deserved few minutes in the spotlight.

The highlight of the evening came when he returned to the stage with the lights low and his audience wanting more. He finished with the hook heavy, yet underrated “Warrior” as the crowd raised their arms in the air and cheered with every beat. This was certainly the crowning moment of the evening.

For Matisyahu his dedication to his belief and his spirituality is reflected in his soulful sound he so graciously shares with his fans.

His music is inspiring and spiritual without being preachy. Instead, his message is uplifting and positive. He is a progressive artist rejecting the limitations of popular music, breaking through the surface of mainstream boundaries to help change the face of alternative music. He is certainly an artist worth checking out next time he rolls in to town.