JERUSALEM (AP) — Reformed rapper and ex-convict Shyne said Tuesday he is eager to collaborate with artists ranging from young Israeli musicians to hip hop moguls Kanye West and Jay-Z as he revives his career.

After serving eight years in prison for a nightclub shooting, the former protege of Sean “Diddy” Combs is now living in Jerusalem as an ultra-Orthodox Jew. Born Jamaal Michael Barrow, Shyne also goes now by the Hebrew name Moshe Levi Ben-David.

At a screening of two new short films The Original and Roller Song Shyne said he has five albums forthcoming that have been deeply influenced by his atypical spiritual journey.

“I am not ashamed of the mistakes I have made. I’m not ashamed of where I was in order to get to where I am,” he said, wearing a white skullcap and glasses and sporting the shaved head characteristic sidecurls of an ultra-Orthodox Jew.

Since arriving in September, Shyne has met Israel Cabinet ministers, studied Torah and promoted Israel’s relationship with Belize where his father is prime minister.

“Moshe Levi has a great impact on the music that Shyne makes,” he said.

• AP