Despite the fact that dancehall reggae and rap have quite a bit in common, you can number the successful reggae/hip-hop fusion albums on one hand. This is one of those few. Tasteful sampling is a big part of the reason -- the old-school dancehall hook that anchors "Luv Bump" comes courtesy of a classic
Lone Ranger track from the heyday of Studio One, while "Knit One" incorporates the horn line from a great old
Leonard Dillon track. But most of the credit for this album's success goes to the group's pop sensibility: "Give U the Good" combines a great sung melody with vintage reggae toasting, and "Stick By Me" is an utterly charming pop song -- a loping dancehall beat that churns along heavily while fluffy girl-group vocals alternate with deejay chanting. Not to mention the hybrid rapping that propels "Hand Pon da Trigger" and the cool, swinging groove of "Own Kinda Style." Why wasn't this album a hit? ~ Rick Anderson