Matis goes baldhead

After shocking his fans six months ago by shaving off his beard, former Hassidic reggae star Matisyahu, aka Mathew Miller, caused new waves on Tuesday by Tweeting photos of himself without a yarmulke and in the company of popular hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa, who is smoking what appears be a marijuana joint.

When he ditched the beard six months ago, Matisyahu said he was not abandoning Orthodoxy. Tuesday’s pictures raise fresh doubts.

Orthodox bloggers, still reeling over the lost beard, posted shocked responses to the new photos. For many, Matisyahu was more than just a music star; he was a cultural icon who provided a bridge between the religious community and secular society.

Whether the secular look will affect his career is an open question. The unique Orthodox rapper tag was plainly a factor in his rise to fame. But given his crossover appeal, Matisyahu may not be too dependent on his Orthodox audience. A definitive answer may come on July 17, with the release of a new CD.