Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid has confirmed reports that rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow has signed a seven-figure deal with Island Def Jam Music Group. Reid traveled to Belize, the “Bonnie and Shyne” rapper’s hometown, on Monday, February 22nd to personally sign the former Bad Boy. “I have come here to stand by Shyne and to officially kick off our partnership with Island Def Jam Music Group and Gangland Records,” Reid told 7Newsbelize.com.
Rumors are running rampant that Shyne, who was release from prison in late 2009 after serving nine years, has managed to secure himself a multi-million dollar advance, with speculation that the exact figure falls somewhere between five and ten million dollars. The deal will not only support Shyne’s personal musical endeavors, but also pave the way for the development of his label, Gangland Records.
Time will reveal if Shyne has what it takes to stay relevant after nearly a decade away from the music industry. The industry has gone through many changes since Shyne’s Bad Boy days, but from the sound of things, so has Shyne.
On DJ Khaled’s “All My Life,” Shyne’s first released recording since he his release from prison, the rapper’s voice is almost unrecognizable. Distanced from his Notorious B.I.G sound-alike days, Shyne sounds like, well, he’s been in jail for the past nine years (tone of voice judgment only!). Regardless, the hip-hop world is rooting for Shyne to pick up where he left last off.
Written by Shaira Brereton
