Shinehead is not a name that you may see on the top 40 charts. In fact, it could be very likely that you may have never heard of him before.
However, if you are a Reggae - Dancehall music fan, Shinehead is a name you know, and remember.
Carl Aiken, also known as Shinehead, (even though he sports a neatly trimmed, full head of hair), has been on the Dancehall/Hip-Hop soundsystem scene in New York since the 80's. In 1988, he debuted his "Unity" album on the Electra label.
He introduced a new twist to us; The sounds of Jamaica and Hip-Hop all rolled into one unique package. Today, this is mainstream. With artists like "Shaggy" hitting the top of the pop music charts with this same style, it is good to go back in time, and remember some of the firsts, like Shinehead, that began this style and trend. If you like "Shaggy," you will most likely love Shinehead. And you won't have to hear lyrics that you don't feel comfortable playing around your children.
"Unity" is one of his most memorable albums.
"Unity," the title track is a song that combines The Beatles "Come together" and the well known civil rights anthem "We shall overcome." Quite an original combo! This song is a plea to self centered DJ's and Hip-Hop artists to stop the madness.
"Come together, right now....In unity"
"Let's take a turn for the better,
all MC's stop battling,
let's come together."
Also included on this debut album, are songs like "Who the Cap Fits; taken from Bob Marley's "Rasta Man Vibration" album, a song of apocalyptic warnings and mixed with subtle innuendoes of Grandmaster Flash's "The Message". To make a long story short, this song simply conveying the importance of living right. Keeping it real, is something that Shinehead doesn't seem to have a problem doing.
Each one of the songs included on this album have a serious message, however, Shinehead goes about his presentation a bit differently.
For example, in the 80's we were blasted over and over with the anti-drug message "Just Say No!" It got pretty boring after hearing it for the hundredth time, right? Shinehead's song "Gimme No Crack" pretty much has the same message, but just tells it a little differently. Shinehead raps to us about "Baseheads" selling their shoes, shirts, socks and friends, just to get a "hit." "In Gimme No Crack", Shinehead also raps to us;
"I'm real cool, I chill to the max,
I might act crazy but I don't smoke crack"
Somehow, he made the message more fun to listen to!
While Shinehead mostly raps or "chats" on this album, In the final track, he comes through with a beautiful ballad called "Golden Touch." This track showcases Shinehead's singing voice, and let's us know that he isn't only a rapper. "Golden Touch" is a classic reggae ballad, giving tribute to a cherished loved one.
I always wondered why he chose the name "Shinehead". I have read numerous interviews, reviews of his music, and personal life, and still haven't found one clue.
"Unity" includes 10 tracks, that are a mix of Rap and Dancehall Reggae. The music is a bit overly synthesized, but is overpowered, and saved by the positive message, and unique voice of the rapper/singer.
Shinehead was one of the first to introduce this style of music to the masses. "Unity" is a perfect example of mixing rap and reggae, with humor, stupendous style, and more importantly, positive messages.
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