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What Hip Hop taught me about "Reinvention"

By: Sabrina Clarke

· Lateral Theory,Media

Hip Hop is a platform that can lead to a wealth of opportunities if used effectively. The importance of reinvention is one of the lessons Hip Hop teaches. My main lesson about reinvention from hip hop is that your past can be leveraged for your future.

Let's look at a case study. Watch Video

Shyne is a rapper that was convicted on two counts of assault and reckless endangerment and deported to Belize after serving his time. Michael Levi Barrow, aka Shyne, is now the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party, served in the Belize House of Representatives, went to the US on a state visit in 2021 and, while there, had a reunion appearance with Sean Combs and wants to run for the office of the Prime Minister of Belize in 2025. The Honourable Michael Levi Barrow is one of many examples in Hip Hop on reinvention.

Your past is not a barrier.

Ps. I am celebrating Hip Hop's 50th with my series in July, "What Hip Hop taught me about..."

Video Credit: Bad Boy
Song: Bad Boyz