Shinehead

Though many say his best material is behind him, Shinehead has already taken a place in Dancehall history with his innovative style. His mid-1980s album Rough & Rugged foreshadowed the success of artists such as Shabba Ranks and Shaggy, with a cohesive amalgamation of styles. No matter what ingredients he chooses to use -- be they hip-hop rhymes, sleng-teng Dancehall, vintage Studio One rhythms, or covers of Sly Stone's "Family Affair" or Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" -- Shinehead manages to keep his stylized voice intact. It's a tribute to his versatility that Shinehead has been successful working over everything from hardcore beats to smooth soul and fiery Ragga. He's completely versed in rapping, singing and Jamaican singjay style, no doubt due to the fact that he spent his formative years in London, Jamaica and New York City.