“Shyne” Barrow might be known in the U.S. as a former Bad Boy rapper with a criminal record after going to jail for involvement in a nightclub shooting. Now, Shyne is switching out his infamy for a new role as a recently elected member of the Belize House of Representatives.
What We Know:
- Shyne got his start in the rap industry after signing with Diddy and recording for his label Bad Boy Entertainment. While in prison, Shyne released his most popular album, Godfather Buried Alive, in 2004.
- Shyne was just 20-years-old when he was arrested for being involved in a shooting incident at a Manhattan club that resulted in three people being injured. He was convicted of attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment. Also involved was Shyne’s former record label boss, Sean “Diddy” Combs who was arrested but acquitted at trial of charges.
- After his time in jail, Shyne was deported and made a newfound life in his native country of Belize. He started to gain interest in politics after working with Belize’s Ambassador of Music. He is also part of a highly politically involved family. His father, Dean Barrow, was elected Belize’s first black prime minister back in 2008.
- He celebrated his victory in the November elections on Instagram, posting “HIP HOP TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!!! Thank you MESOPOTAMIA!!! It is with the greatest humility that I accept this victory for us!” he wrote. “This victory is for all those who are just like me in Mesopotamia, Belize and the world over! All those who have taken a fall! All those who have stumbled on their life’s journey. We all fall! But to get up and walk, run and rise again is the purpose of life!”
The former Bad Boy hopes to inspire others to change their lives and become a part of something greater. Congratulation Shyne!
