Early in the new documentary The Honorable Shyne, Moses “Shyne” Barrow describes trying to give Jay-Z a demo tape. Cut to the late Clark Kent, who had introduced the two: “[Jay-Z] tossed the demo out of his car.” Moments later, Shyne brags, “Everybody that heard me wanted to sign me immediately.” Credit director Marcus A. Clarke for subtly but pointedly illustrating the Belize-born, Flatbush-raised rapper’s gift for overstatement. There are similar moments elsewhere, like when Shyne compares himself to Kobe Bryant (and rival Mase to Shaquille O’Neal) after signing with Bad Boy; and rues that he could have been as big as Eminem, 50 Cent, or The Game if he hadn’t been charged and convicted in the infamous Club New York shooting. Rap listeners from that era might disagree, despite DJ Khaled’s boast that the 2000 album Shyne was “classic.” Back in the day, Shyne was alternately loved and loathed for mimicking the Notorious B.I.G.’s husky tone and recording “Bad Boyz,” a terrific collaboration with Barrington Levy. Helpfully, NORE speculates that the two sounded alike because of a shared “West Indian” flow. (Other West Indian rappers who didn’t bite Biggie, like Outloud from Blahzay Blahzay, might object.) The Honorable Shyne may not exactly convince us of Shyne’s musical importance, but it unfurls his improbable story with aplomb. No one who remembers the Club New York controversy could have imagined Barrow would not only convert to Orthodox Judaism but also evolve into a successful Belizean politician and a strong candidate for prime minister in 2025. Barrow currently leads the United Democratic Party as Head of the Opposition; rumors abound that his father, UDP ex-prime minister Dean Barrow, eased his ascent. (The UN group Freedom House ranks Belize highly while warning that “government corruption is a concern, as is the high rate of violent crime.”) By the end of The Honorable Shyne, one suspects Clarke has helped Moses “Shyne” Barrow sculpt a nuanced but largely positive campaign ad. ESPN property Andscape as well as ColorCreative produced The Honorable Shyne, with Jason Aidoo serving as executive producer.
The #HipHop50 Parade
The yearlong #HipHop50 celebration has become a microcosm of the myths and reality that continue to define the culture.