Shyne Barrow recently opened up about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest for charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He dug into their past association while detailing how their friendship ruined his life. Although he has forgiven him, he reflected on the nightclub shooting conviction and Comb’s recent offense. So, who is former rapper Shyne, and why did he go to prison in the past?
Here are the details.
Who is Shyne Barrow?
Barrow is an ex-rapper and current Belizean politician.
Born Jamal Michael Barrow, he pursued a computer program at New York City College of Technology but eventually dropped out to chase his musical dream. Once, DJ Clark Kent sought him freestyling at a barber shop, opening doors for him at Bad Boy Studios. Combs signed him to work under his label with a 5 studio album deal. However, his and Combs’s involvement in a shooting incident, got him charged for reckless endangerment and assault. His music career came to a halt with him serving several years in prison.
Currently, he represents the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives and is a prominent figure in the Belize United Democratic Party, too.
How did Shyne Barrow react to Diddy’s arrest?
Barrow revealed that he takes “no joy” in Diddy’s suffering, following his arrest.
Recently, Barrow conversed with Channel 5 news and recalled his and Comb’s involvement in the nightclub shooting incident. He revealed that when he was 18 years old, he aspired to make his country and mother proud while getting recognized for his talent and conquering the world. However, this sudden tragedy occurred, and he tried his best to defend Combs, but to his wonder, he turned up against him instead. He blamed Combs for sending him to prison. However, he has now forgiven him and has moved on.
Detailing their past friendship, he added, “Let us not lose sight of what the cold, hard facts are. This is not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave, and who I moved on, and for the better interest of Belize, because he was in a position at that time to give scholarships and to maybe invest.”
Moreover, he admitted to bringing some investment to contribute to his own country’s education. He alluded to Combs’ arrest saying, “Do I take any joy with what he is going through? Absolutely not. I am different than other people — no one needs to fail for me to succeed.”
Why did Shyne Barrow go to prison?
Barrow was sent to prison after being convicted of gun possession, first-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.
The incident happened on December 27, 1999, when Barrow, Combs, Jennifer Lopez, and a bodyguard attended a club party in Manhattan. Suddenly, a shootout happened inside the club, injuring three bystanders. Upon trial, Combs was not found guilty of charges, but Barrow did and was taken to prison for assault and reckless endangerment charges. He spent more than 9 years in prison.