Off topic? Thank you for bringing up the topic. I’m a huge fan of Matisyahu, but did not see how I could broach the subject.
In fact, it sort of is on topic. Wether you love or hate his music, he’s a prime example of how in today’s marketplace, you do not need to sugarcoat your reliegous / ethnic persona. If he can travel the world with laanga paiyos, beard and huge yarmulka, so can I.
I still remember the days of davening mincha at a phone booth. It taxi drivers / bike messengers can drop to the mat in the middle of NYC, I can hold a siddur in my hand without feeling ashamed.