13. Ultra-Orthodox Rapper - Who Is Nosson Zand? Part 1

The first dance at many Jewish weddings is the Horah. It is replete with a medley of religious sounding (Klezmer-ish) music: that is, most of the lyrics are "Oy Oy Oy." Only once that box is checked can the celebration move into the 21st century.

But, what happens when those parts are mixed? When Jewish sentiments are delivered in a hip-hop package, is the religious sanctity lost? Is the song even hip-hop? What are the specific and shared values and purposes of older and newer music?

To answer some of these question, The Zal is thrilled to host its first ever guest: Hassidic Rapper, Nosson Zand.

The OG Hassidic reggae superstar Matisyahu said: “Nosson Zand is the real thing. In the world of ‘Jewish Music’ and Jewish rappers there is absolutely no one who if they asked me to write a recommendation quote, I would get behind, with the exception of Nosson. Religious Jew or not he can hold his own with an authentic style. The fact that he represents our people and his lyrics carry weight is unique in this age of the prostitution of hip hop music and the unyielding emptiness and spiritual death that is drowning American youth.”

For the music video of Nosson's smash-hit collaboration with Matisyahu, watch here.

The piece of Talmud discussed can be studied here (Talmud, Sanhedrin 101a).

To experience an uplifting Niggun (Hassidic Melody) with the Rebbe, watch here.