Shyheim

Shyheim
Shyheim in 2011
Born
Shyheim Dionel Franklin

(1977-11-14) November 14, 1977
Other namesThe Rugged Child
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • actor
Years active1993–present
RelativesGhostface Killah (cousin)
Musical career
Genres
Labels

Shyheim Dionel Franklin (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper from New York better known simply as Shyheim. He initially gained fame as a teenager, releasing his debut album AKA the Rugged Child at the age of 16 in 1994. He has spent the majority of his career affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan, frequently collaborating with Method Man and Ghostface Killah.

As a teenager, Shyheim was considered one of hip-hop's brightest prospects, being referred to as a "Wunderkind" and a "prodigy", even being admired by fellow rappers such as Jay-Z, who said he "looked up to him" in admiration in his autobiography Decoded.

After 1996's The Lost Generation, Shyheim's career saw a string of underperforming releases over the next 18 years, and was finally derailed due to a hit-and-run conviction. He was released from prison in early 2020.

Shyheim married after his release from prison. He has 3 children from prior to incarceration, 2 sons and a daughter.