The Honorable: Shyne, a documentary that will follow the life of Moses Michael “Shyne” Levi Barrow, is currently in production, according to Billboard. The former rapper is the current leader of the Belize United Democratic Party as well as leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives. His journey from artist to politician will be the focus of the film.
Discussing the upcoming offering, Shyne stated that hip hop had a massive influence on his life. Emigrating from Belize as a child, he found community within the space while growing up in Brooklyn, New York.
The artist was launching his music career when a shooting incident outside Club New York in 1999 resulted in his incarceration. His work appeared under Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy label and included hits such as “Bonnie & Shyne” and “Bad Boyz.”
Finding his voice through hip hop and discovering meaning in the difficulties he faced gave him the desire to improve his community. This is what led to his decision to enter politics and is the reason for the documentary.
“Immigrating from Belize to Brooklyn as a child left to survive and thrive in the concrete jungle of New York, hip hop had a massive influence on my life, giving me the space and community to explore my creativity and amplify the voice of my pain and purpose. The difficult decisions of my life have shaped me into the person I am today, steadfast in my desire to build a better life for the people of Belize and humanity,” his statement read in part.
Shyne added it is his hope that by telling his story publicly, he will inspire others to become the best version of themselves and give them the encouragement they need to overcome adversities in their lives.
Per the outlet, the documentary is a collaboration between Andscape and ColorCreative. Andscape is a Black-led multimedia platform with connections to ESPN and Disney, while ColorCreative is a Black-owned and female-led management and production firm. Deniese Davis, Issa Rae and Talitha Watkins serve as principals for ColorCreative.
Marcus A. Clarke (THE WIZRD, Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali), is the director for The Honorable: Shyne. Executive producers include DJ Khaled, Ameer Collier, Watkins, James Shani, Raina Kelley and Carolina Groppa.