He began his music career by performing for different New York reggae dancehall sound systems in the 1980s, most notably Tony Screw’s Downbeat the Ruler, based in The Bronx. His recording debut was in 1986 on the African Love Music independent record label with “Who The Cap Fits (Let Them Wear It)” from the album Rough & Rugged. In his early years, Jeff Buckley lead his group on guitar and lent a hand with backing vocals. Shinehead signed a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1988, and remained with them until 1995. His best known single was the cover version of Sting’s “Englishman In New York”, re-titled as “Jamaican In New York” (1993). It reached #30 in the UK Singles Chart in April 1993. The single featured on the Sidewalk University album. He is largely credited as being one of the original acts to cross hip-hop with reggae music. |
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