“Everything I’ve been through has conditioned and prepared me for where I’m at today,” said Barrow, reflecting on how his past has shaped him. “But where I’m at is exactly where I wanted to be.” At 46, Barrow spoke about his experiences, particularly regarding a pivotal moment in his life that forever linked him to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In 1999, Barrow, then an emerging artist, was signed to Combs’ Bad Boy Records. One night, while part of Combs’ entourage at a New York City nightclub with Combs’ then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, the evening ended in a violent shooting that left three people wounded.
Barrow, Combs, and bodyguard Anthony Jones were all tried in 2001 in connection with the shooting. Combs and Jones were acquitted, while Barrow was convicted of assault and firearm possession. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and deported to Belize after his release in 2009.
In hindsight, Barrow partly blames Combs for the events that led to his conviction. “There were so many things I said about Diddy long ago that no one would listen to or believe,” Barrow said. “And that makes the wounds I’ve healed, and the accomplishments I’ve achieved, even more meaningful.”
Barrow’s life and journey are explored in a new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne. The film was already in production before Combs became embroiled in multiple civil lawsuits and federal charges related to sex trafficking. Despite Combs’ ongoing legal issues, Barrow doesn’t believe they overshadow the resilience message his documentary seeks to convey.
“In fact, it underscores the message,” Barrow said. “It really brings everything I’ve been saying into sharper focus.”
Not long after the nightclub shooting, Barrow’s time as a “Bad Boy” came to an abrupt end.
The documentary follows Barrow’s journey from his childhood in Belize to a teenager pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper in New York. After moving to the U.S. to live with his mother in search of a better life, he honed his craft and eventually caught the attention of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who signed him to Bad Boy Records in 1998.
“I was only in his orbit for about a year. I got signed in ’98, but I spent most of that time not really interacting with him,” Barrow said. “Being a young millionaire isn’t an easy transition, so I was just blowing money fast, as the song goes. It wasn’t until early 1999 that I started interacting with him more. I began a mentorship and apprenticeship, and by the end of that year, the incident at Club New York happened, and that was it.”
Barrow noted it would take more than two decades for him to reconnect with Combs. He told CNN that he wasn’t involved in or aware of the events leading to the recent criminal charges and civil suits against Combs.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to engage with him or see any of those things,” Barrow said. “But what he did to me, calling witnesses to testify against me when we pleaded with him not to, that’s something I can’t forget. Anyone who would deliberately send someone to jail like that is a monster.”
Combs’ representatives responded in a statement to CNN, categorically denying Barrow’s claims. “Mr. Combs denies Mr. Barrow’s allegations, including any suggestion that he orchestrated Mr. Barrow to ‘take the fall’ or ‘sacrificed’ him by directing witnesses to testify against him. These claims are unequivocally false.”
“Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges related to the 1999 Club New York incident and has always maintained his innocence,” the statement continued. “He cannot accept or condone any characterization of his actions as ‘demonic’ or malicious. Mr. Combs appreciates the path Mr. Barrow has pursued and wishes him continued success. It is unfortunate that Mr. Barrow has chosen to revisit these allegations. Mr. Combs trusts that responsible journalism will consider both the established legal outcomes and his long-standing, positive support for those he has worked with.”
Now serving as the Opposition Leader of the House of Representatives in Belize, Barrow views his career and personal growth as part of a larger progression. His message today is one of hope, including a desire for the world to discover the beauty and vibrancy of Belize.
“I’ve healed, I’ve forgiven, I’ve gotten over it,” Barrow said about his past with Combs.
As for what the future holds for his former mentor, Barrow said, “That’s something a judge and jury will decide.”
