Yo-Natan (aka Jonathan Gutstadt, Doctor J) is a well known Jewish hip-hop artist from Oakland, CA who produced "HipHopShabbat" in 2004. His unique style blends Jewish prayer with contemporary hip-hop beats and rhymes.
Yo-Natan's original style of religous hip-hop started when he was 12-years-old during the lighting of the Chanukkah candles, which he rapped at his mom's request. It wouldn't be until years later, however, that this talent would be used again. In college, Yo-Natan regularly attended Shabbat services at the local campus Hillel, where he got the idea to blend a Shabbat service with hip-hop music.
In 2004, Yo-Natan teamed up with old-school friend Judah Ritterman and their lifelong group of friends, the Original Jewish Gangsters, to produce the "HipHopShabbat" CD. Vocalist Elana Jagoda was invited to sing on the album, and it became an underground success due to it's originality and positivity. Many people who had never like hip-hop before found themselves enjoying the CD because it blends the traditional with the modern.
Yo-Natan is currently working on his new album "Give Thanks," a reggae/hip-hop version of the Weekday prayer services. He currently resides in the Bay Area.
Highlights over the last 3 years include performances at the BBYO International Convention, Regional BBYO Convention (St. Louis), Craig Taubman & Friday Night Live (at Sinai Temple in LA), Stephen S. Wise Synagogue (LA), USC and UCLA Hillel's, the 'To Life Festival (2005, 2006, 2007)' (Palo Alto, CA), 'Jewish Music Festival (2005, 2006)' (Berkeley, CA) and the San Francisco JCC. The "HipHopShabbat" crew has made headlines in the Jerusalem Post, San Francisco Chronicle, the Jewish Journal (LA), the J-Weekly (Bay Area), Daily Jews Online Magazine and the National Hillel Website.
