When Diddy rapped in 2001 that it was “Bad Boys For Life,” it appears that he meant it. The rapper Shyne (born Jamal Barrow before changing his name to Moses Michael Levi Barrow in 2006) is coming forward in a new interview to speak on this sentiment following his release from prison. Shyne stormed the scene in 2000 with his hit single “Bad Boyz” featuring Barrington Levy. Before that, he could be heard on singles from his labelmates on Bad Boy. However, the Belize-born rapper would only experience much of his success behind bars.
The then 21-year-old rapper was involved in a incident with Sean Combs and his girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, at a popular New York City nightclub in 1999. Both Shyne and Combs stood trial, but ultimately, Combs was acquitted of all charges. However, Shyne did not get the same luck. The “Bonnie & Shyne” rapper was on the receiving end of multiple charges. Nevertheless, he was able to see the release of his debut album in September 2000, which was certified platinum. However, in 2001, Shyne was sentenced to 10 years. He was then granted an early release in 2009 but deported to Belize.
Some fans blamed Diddy for the incident that placed Shyne in that predicament for many years. In his recent interview on Drink Champs, Shyne stated that he once placed the blame on Diddy but did not anymore. The rapper confessed that he went through a stage of “bitterness.” However, Shyne places blame on the “lawyers that were advising [Diddy],” and seeing that he was a “$100 million corporation,” that made the rapper appear to be “the enemy.”
“He’s about to lose everything. I’m about to lose everything. I’m from that, though,” Shyne explained. He labels Diddy as a “great” in every facet that he’s touched but points out that he’s not necessarily cut from the same cloth. But time has since healed all wounds as Shyne shared apologetic words from Diddy.
“[Diddy] said, ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have never listened to those lawyers,'” recalled Shyne. And although he forgave his former boss, there were times that he would admittedly go in on Diddy. But the rapper explains that he was “in a different space, then.”
Since his release and deportation, Shyne has successfully entered the world of politics. He is now a member of the House of Representatives in Belize, winning the seat for Mesopotamia in the 2020 elections. “Today, I’m all about how I’m going to impact the world,” he said. “Building relationships and forgiveness is a part of that. I can’t carry 23-years ago with me in a negative way.” On the contrary, the rapper said that he chooses to carry the good and “take the wisdom” out of his bad experiences.
Unbeknownst to many, Shyne revealed that Diddy had been one of his biggest supporters. He also lists Fat Joe, Nas, Busta Rhymes, and DJ Khaled as longtime supporters of his that have held him down over the years. “Busta Rhymes came to Belize when I got out [and] embraced me,” he said, calling him a “brother through and through.”
Shyne’s story with Diddy has been an interesting one throughout their history. But their reconciliation has been nothing short of a redemption story. “After we reconciled, I told him what I was doing in Belize,” Shyne began. According to Shyne, Diddy utilized all of his platforms to bring awareness and support to the rapper’s endeavors in recent years. He then shared that after becoming a house member, officials attempted to pass legislation to “disqualify” him from his elected position in the House of Representatives due to his prior convictions. Shyne revealed that “Diddy lost it when he heard that.”
“He got the REVOLT people. He got the publicists. He got everybody!” told Shyne. “And he got all of his legislative friends and was like, ‘We can’t let this happen.'” Diddy shed light on all of the fantastic things Shyne has accomplished to those that mattered, making sure to speak on his brother’s “Black excellence.” The Bad Boy CEO was also “instrumental” in bringing Shyne to the U.S. to meet with Georgia legislators. “Puff, to me, totally redeemed himself and is my brother,” proclaimed Shyne. “And I love him.” The full interview is below.
