A new documentary on the life of former rapper-turned-politician Shyne is set to premiere on Hulu this November. Titled The Honorable Shyne, the film delves into the dramatic rise, fall, and transformation of the rapper, born Jamal Barrow. The documentary is set to arrive on November 18, giving viewers an in-depth look at his journey from music to politics.
Shyne: From Rap Star to Politician
Shyne first gained attention in the late 1990s as a promising rapper signed to Bad Boy Records. “Everybody that heard me wanted to sign me,” he reflects in the trailer, highlighting the hype that surrounded him at the time. His career was cut short, however, when he was involved in a nightclub shooting in 1999, alongside Bad Boy Records founder Sean “Diddy” Combs. He claims he was “set up to be the fall guy” and subsequently served nearly 10 years in prison for the incident.
The documentary offers insight into his prison experience, where he watched other artists like 50 Cent thrive while his own music career crumbled. “One of the most difficult parts of it was watching everybody succeed,” Shyne admits. Despite these challenges, he found a new path after his release in 2009, when he was deported to his home country of Belize.
Upon returning to Belize, Shyne transitioned from music to politics. He now serves as the Leader of the Opposition in Belize’s House of Representatives. Reflecting on his transformation, Shyne states, “There’s a time to pivot, there’s a time to transition. That’s how I got into politics.”
The documentary features commentary from notable figures like Faith Evans, Charlamagne Tha God, and Noreaga, who reflect on Shyne’s journey. The film also explores Shyne’s strained relationship with Diddy, with Shyne saying, “I forgave him. But let’s not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
The Honorable Shyne promises to tell a story of resilience, redemption, and transformation, showing how he has used his experiences to rebuild his life and serve his country.