Shyne Wins Seat in Belize’s House of Representatives

Shyne took off his rapping hat some time ago, but now he's delving deep into the political realm in Belize.

On Thursday (Nov. 12), the Belizean rapper announced in an Instagram post that he has won the Mesopotamia seat in the House of Representatives for Belize City. He makes the 32nd representative, according to the National Assembly of Belize's official website.

"FROM HIP HOP TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!!!," he began in the IG caption. Thank you MESOPOTAMIA!!! It is with the greatest humility that I accept this victory for us! We won today! This victory is for all those who are just like me in Mesopotamia, Belize and the world over! All those who have taken a fall! All those who have stumbled on their life’s journey."

Shyne, born Jamal Barrow, then offered a positive affirmation for the people of his city. "We all fall!," he continued. "But to get up and walk, run and rise again is the purpose of life! We are all destined to be challenged but we are all capable of overcoming those challenges! My story is testament of human fortitude! We all have what I have! We just have to dig deep within and find it! I hope I inspire everyone to overcome their adversities and find their greatness!."

Shyne officially changed his name to Moses Michael Levi Barrow in 2006 after converting to Judaism. His interest in Judaism was sparked while he was behind bars serving a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted of assault in connection to the 1999 Manhattan nightclub shooting involving Diddy and his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. At the time, Shyne, who also repped Brooklyn, was signed to Bad Boy Records.

Following the "Bonnie & Shyne" rhymer's release from prison in 2009, he was deported to Belize, where he was born. Apparently, he had a green card, but hadn't become a naturalized citizen in the United States. His father, Dean Barrow, is Belize's Prime Minister.

Shyne succeeds his uncle, Michael Finnegan, the brother of the rapper's mother, as the new representative for the Belize House of Representatives from the Mesopotamia constituency.