Rapper Shyne Released from Prison After Nearly Nine Years
Rapper Jamal ‘Shyne’ Barrow will be released from prison on Tuesday after nine years behind bars on charges of attempted murder and assault stemming from a 1999 shooting incident at a Manhattan night club.
Jamal ‘Shyne’ Barrow was an up and coming rapper under the mentorship and Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs at the time of his arrest and incarceration. Combs and his former girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were at the night club with Barrow when the shooting occurred. Three people were injured during the incident.
Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2001 for attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment for his role in the night club shooting. Barrow changed his name legally changed in prison to Moses Michael Leviy in honor of his Jewish heritage.
A Manhattan judge signed an order for Shyne to be released on October 6 after serving just over eight years in prison. Shyne will be under parole supervision for the next two and a half years. Arrested at the age of 21, Shyne is now 30 years old. He is currently working on a third album titled Godfather Exhumed.
Rappers Rally for Shyne’s Release Today
Today all hoods alike can stand in praise as rapper Shyne has served his time for the state and is set to be released today after doing a 10-year bid for a shooting back in 1999.
New York seems to be buzzing over the release of their comrade as some rappers have publicly announced their feelings towards Shyne as they welcome him back home.
“Somebody gettin outta jail is like a Hood Holiday…,” Fab wrote. “Welcome Home Shyne Po… Brooklyn Love.” (Fabolous’ Twitter)
“welcome home to my flatbush comrad shyne po!!!” (Red Cafe’s Twitter)
The love stretches outside of the New York area as others have also expressed their happiness as it pertains to the rapper finally being released from the prison system to return amongst the living.
“shyne got out today…its gonna be a wonderful day,” he wrote. (Wale’s Twitter)
Although a troubled past may have some in belief that there is tension between the two, Diddy has stated that he is happy that the rapper will finally be able to come home and also added that the two have spoken with one another. Although no potential re-signing has been in discussion, Combs’ is more than confident that his former artist has some heat, not that kind, waiting while he has had such extensive time to himself while confined.
As reported, the rapper will still have certain restrictions placed on him as he will receive two-and-a-half years of post-release supervision/parole. Now known as Moses Levi after making the transition to Judaism, there is but one hurdle left for him to climb.
Time in the cell must have served as ample ammunition for the rapper as talks have already begun in relation to his return to the rap game. Although rumors have been dismissed of him joining Jay-Z on Roc Nation, a third album titled Godfather Exhumed is in the works. Welcome Home Shyne.
Diddy Speaks on Shyne’s Prison Release
With less than two weeks until Shyne’s prison release, Sean “Diddy” Combs says he and the former Bad Boy rapper have no beef.
Combs called in to New York radio station Hot 97 recently, saying he’s spoken to Shyne and he’s happy for his release.
“It’s a blessing that [Shyne's] coming home,” Combs told DJ Absolut on air. “I spoke to him like a couple of weeks ago and he sounded like he was in good spirits. I know he can’t wait to get home. I know he is definitely going to heat the whole scene up. He was definitely one of talented young artists that I had the pleasure to work with. I’m quite sure he’s been using his time wisely and has some heat.”
In June 2001, Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for his role in a shoot-out at Manhattan’s Club New York in 1999 while attending the spot with Combs and his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. He was convicted on two counts of assault, reckless endangerment and gun possession.
At the time of his sentencing, Combs called the verdict “unfair and extreme,” and said via statement that he planned to “continue to support Shyne throughout his appeal.” Throughout Shyne’s prison term, though, criticism began to circulate of alleged neglect, on Combs’ part, to look after the rapper.
Shyne’s will be released from prison on October 6. -Linda Hobbs
