Former “Bad Boy”Rapper Shyne Is Elected to Belize’s House of Representatives

Former “Bad Boy” rapper Moses Barrow, better known to the hip-hop world as Shyne, declared victory in his race to be elected to his native Belize’s House of Representatives, winning the Mesopotamia seat in Belize City.

According to Billboard, the former rapper turned politician made the announcement on his Instagram with the 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, who was signed to Diddy’s “Bad Boys” record label, served nearly 10 years in prison in the United States for his involvement in the infamous 1999 “Club New York” shooting. In that case, Shyne, Diddy, and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were involved in an altercation in the club, which resulted in gunfire, injuring several partygoers.

Barrow, born in Belize, returned to his home country after his release from prison and followed in his family’s footsteps, chasing political aspirations. His father, Dean Barrow, served as prime minister. His sister Denise “Sista B” Barrow also won the Queen’s Square constituency.

“We all fall! 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!” he wrote on his Instagram.