AMG Review of Unity

Andy Kellman
All Music Guide

Shinehead's unique fusion of dancehall and hip-hop might've had something to do with why it failed to make much of a dent in any of the ~Billboard charts. While reggae's influence upon hip-hop was made known at the time with MCs like KRS-One, no one was truly blending the two styles like Shinehead. Unity is a little too reggae to be considered straight hip-hop, and it's a little too hip-hop to be considered straight reggae. Plus, Unity was too lighthearted and positive to catch the ears of hip-hop heads who were beginning to lean on harsher sounds that were developing. Still, it's a fun and accomplished start for the MC. Davy D. and Jam Master Jay lend production skills throughout.