Blogs

Shyne (left) on stage in Jerusalem with his friend & collaborator, Orthodox reggae star Matisyahu.

Shyne's ever changing career has taken another turn.

Once a gangster rapper signed to Diddy's Bad Boy record label, Shyne has decided to give up both sex and cursing according to The Jewish Chronicle.

The 32-year old born Jamal Michael Barrow, converted to Judaism and changed his name to Moses Michael Levi, while serving nearly a decade in prison for a nightclub shooting.

After his release from prison in October 2009, he was deported to his native Belize. Soon afterwards former Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid, flew to Belize and signed Shyne to a recording contract for between $1 million and $5 million.

But the time in prison cost the "Bonnie and Clyde" rapper his voice and swag. Diss records aimed at 50 Cent and other tracks like "Roller Song" were universally panned by fans who hated his new sound.

Eventually Shyne left Belize for Jerusalem, where he now lives, studying Chasidism, a sect of Judaism.

"While some people might call it a religious epiphany and say 'he found God', I say no, I'm just smart," he told TCJ.

He promises to no longer have females in his videos out of respect for his religion. In addition he has given up sex and cursing.

"You know what? You know how much I love women, I'm going to be shomer habris [refrain from all sexual activity unless married] until this record comes out," he said.

The record Shyne is speaking about is actually two. In 2012 he is supposed to release "Messiah" and "Gangland." One is a collaborative effort with Jewish reggae star Matisyahu.

As for his new look and sound, Shyne says if fans can accept Lady Gaga and her wild wardrobe then they will be ok with him as well.

"There's a girl by the name of Lady Gaga and she's the number one pop artist in the world and she wears outfits that are stitched together with meat," he said.

What do you think of Shyne's new outlook on life? Will Def Jam even release his albums now given that he's not the artist they thought they were signing?

Sound off in the comment section below.