Btw, the word "shine" in "Down Down Baby" children's rhymes doesn't have the same meaning as the word "Shine" that is used as a nickname in the African American adult toasts.

In those African American urban narratives or "raps", "Shine" was presumably given his nickname because his skin shined because his complexion was so black (like black polish shines shoes, and like what used to be called "boot black" shines boots.

**

See these Mudcat threads:

Who is this "Shine" Guy?

and

Shine toast- "Songs about being invincible or mighty" thread:

Here's some information about the African American toast tradition:

"Toast are performed narratives of often urban but always heroic events. For many Blacks, both performers and audience, hearing about or performing the winning ways of the central character becomes as creative a release as Black music. Toasting is today's continuance of an oral tradition, but many contemporary toasters read their complicated and elaborate versions from a text. As with any oral tradition, many versions of the same toast exist. The toast is a dynamic performance within the Black community of recognizable and popular central characters. They are performed in bars, libraries, community centers, and even college campuses. However, less explicit toasts are performed by anyone at any time for entertainment"...

http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/creole_art_toast_tradition.html

The African American Toast Tradition
by Mona Lisa Saloy