Jewish Hip Hop Hits the Nation’s Capital
by News Editor
Washington Post – Judaism and hip-hop. To some, the word association may seem odd or even contradictory. But an array of young Jewish musicians aims to change that perception. Whether Orthodox, Hasidic or Reform, hip-hop artists performing in the Washington Jewish Music Festival, running until May 21, are fusing the ancient tenets of Judaism with this relatively modern musical genre, one born of American urban culture.
As the festival comes of age — it’s now in its 13th year (mazel tov!) — the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center is showcasing a wide spectrum of artists. From Israel’s Hadag Nahash, who will perform at the Fillmore on Thursday, to the Chilean Jewish songwriter Yael Meyer, the diversity of artists is a fitting symbol of Judaism itself, of a religion and people that span continents.