By michael vivar
Many familiar with the early 2000s hip hop scene know the name Shyne Barrow. The former rapper is now the opposition leader in the Belize House of Representatives.
His story may not be as well known as contemporaries like Jay-Z, though its turbulent path is no less interesting. It's told in the new Hulu release, "The Honorable Shyne."
Shyne has political pedigree. His father, Dean Barrow, was the first Black prime minister of Belize. Because Shyne's birth was the result of an affair, Dean refused to acknowledge him.
At seven years old, Shyne's mother moved them to Brooklyn where she worked as an undocumented cleaner. He was a bike messenger while immersing himself in hip hop.
His deep voice and street poet lyricism caught the attention of Brooklynites who hailed him as the second coming of the recently deceased Notorious B.I.G.
Shyne's growing popularity found him courted by various labels. He eventually signed with Biggie's former home, Bad Boy Records where he collaborated with stars like Mase.
The rapper's self-titled debut LP was released in 2000 to critical and commercial success, rapidly earning a gold certification from the RIAA.
As he flourished professionally, his personal life took tragic turns. A close friend was killed in a car accident where Shyne was driving. This left him cripplingly depressed.
Multiple attempts on his life led to Shyne buying a gun. In 1999, he was involved in a nightclub shootout. Despite claiming self-defense, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Shyne served nine years. Still undocumented, he was deported to Belize upon release. He reconciled with his father who parlayed cultural popularity into political clout.
Despite many hit albums, Shyne's legal woes has his net worth at $500,000 in 2024. He is emphatic about his personal fulfillment and is on track to run for prime minister in 2025.