SHYNE’S LIFE AT A GLANCE
Moses Michael Levi Barrow
BY NAS QUESTLOV FAN
SNN.BZ’s HIP HOP WRITER
Moses Michael Levi Barrow, born Jamal Michael Barrow on November 8, 1978, is a Belizean rapper and politician, currently serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives and the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party. Born in Belize, he moved to Brooklyn, New York City as a child and began rapping as a teenager. He is best known for his 2000 singles “Bad Boyz” and “Bonnie & Shyne,” and contributed to multi-platinum albums by artists like Usher and Lil Wayne.
Shyne, whose real name is Moses Michael Levi Barrow, is a Belizean-American rapper who gained fame in the late 1990s. He was discovered by DJ Clark Kent and quickly signed to Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records.
His self-titled debut album was released in 2000.
In 1999, Shyne was involved in a high-profile nightclub shooting in New York City, which also involved Sean Combs and Jennifer Lopez. Shyne was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001, while Combs was acquitted.
After serving his sentence, Shyne was deported to Belize, where he has since become a prominent political figure, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives.
Barrow’s music career took off after he was discovered freestyling in a barbershop. However, his rise was marred by a nightclub shooting incident on December 27, 1999, involving Sean Combs and Jennifer Lopez. Barrow was convicted of assault in 2001 and sentenced to ten years in prison, during which he continued to record music.
While incarcerated, Barrow embraced Orthodox Judaism and changed his name to Moses Michael Levi Barrow in 2006. After his release in 2009, he was deported to Belize, where he served as the Belize Music and Goodwill Ambassador, promoting sustainable development in the local music industry.
In the 2020 general elections, he was elected to the Belizean House of Representatives as a member of the Belize United Democratic Party. Barrow became the Leader of the Opposition in June 2021 and again in February 2022.
SHYNE THE POLITICIAN BEING THROWN OUT OF PARLIAMENT FOR RUDENESS
Born to Frances Imeon Myvette and Dean Barrow, he spent part of his childhood in Belize and later moved to Brooklyn, where he faced challenges, including poverty and violence. Despite these difficulties, he developed a passion for hip-hop and began his music career.
Barrow was signed to Bad Boy Records after being discovered in a barbershop. His debut album was successful, but the nightclub incident overshadowed his early career. Convicted of assault, he served nearly nine years in prison, where he deepened his Jewish faith.
After his release, he faced deportation but continued to work in music and politics. In 2010, he moved to Jerusalem for further religious study and underwent a formal conversion to Orthodox Judaism.
Barrow returned to Belize in 2013 and reconnected with his father, Belize’s Prime Minister. His political career has focused on crime reduction and governance reform, gaining recognition for his efforts.
In 2022, he received an honorary doctorate for his humanitarian work and has continued to navigate his dual career in music and politics, advocating for Belizean youth and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.
Who attended Sean Combs questionable parties?
Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Alecia Keys, Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Naomi Campbell, Mary J. Blige, Swizz Beatz, Dr. Dre, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Kim, The Weeknd, Kevin Hart, Eniko Parrish, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Pink, Lebron James, DJ Khaled.
