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Biography
Though Jean was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti and had lived in the country since he was nine, he spent most of his childhood and formative years as a musician in the United States. Jean cites reggae and Bigga Haitian as his earliest musical influences but since his move to the States he developed a love for hip-hop music.
One of Jean’s first professional musical endeavors and undeniably one of his most successful was the formation of the Fugees. The group formed in South Orange, New Jersey in the 80s, initially under the moniker Tranzlator Crew. During their assimilation to Ruffhouse and Columbia Records they altered their name to the Fugees and put out their studio debut “Blunted on Reality” a year later. This album did relatively well on the charts, but did not come close to achieving the success they reached with their sophomore release “The Score”. This album topped the US Billboard 200 and has since obtained Platinum status six times over. The Fugees disbanded in 1997 with only two albums under their belt, but left an indelible impression on both hip-hop and pop culture.
Jean was the first member of the Fugees to start a solo career and wasted no time in doing so. The year the group broke up he released his debut studio album “The Carnival”. The album contained over 73 minutes of material and featured guest spots from Lauryn Hill, Celia Cruz, John Forte, and even the Haitian politician/ former musician Michael Joseph Martelly. The album hosted the three singles “Guantanamera”, “Gone till November”, and “We Trying to Stay Alive” (the latter an ode to the Bee Gees). Additionally the album garnered praise from more underground critics like the Village Voice and excelled commercially, placing at No.16 on the US Billboard 200 and selling over 5 million copies since it’s release.
Jean’s next studio album also sported a hefty list of guest artists spanning from pioneering funk troupe Earth, Wind & Fire to actor/pro-wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock). His 3rd studio album “Masquerade” was issued on 18 July 2002 and out performed his previous two releases, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Prior to the release of this album Wyclef suffered the loss of his father and pursued a career as an actor making an appearance in the film “Shottas” (a Jamaican gangster movie). These events (particularly the loss of his father) influenced the tone of “Masquerade” and contrary to his past works he included surprising reworking of songs by Bob Dylan and Frankie Valli and also included a guest spot for Tom Jones on his rendition of “Pussycat”.
Not even three albums into his career Jean issued a Greatest Hits compilation in 2003 and followed it up the same year with his studio LP “The Preacher’s Son” (an obvious self-reference as his father was a Nazarene pastor). Jean’s 5th studio album “Welcome to Haiti” marked a drastic alternation in style as every song was performed in a foreign language and was heavily influenced by Caribbean culture.
Jean’s sequel to his debut “Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant” was released at the close of 2007 and was chalked full of differing guest musicians: Serj Tankian, Shakira, Paul Simon, Mary J. Blige, Norah Jones, Lil Wayne, Akon etc...
Jean’s next full length release “From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion” is a concept album based on the Haitian revolutionary “Toussaint L’Ouverture”. He followed up this album with yet another Haitian themed release “If I Were President: My Haitian Experience”. As the title suggests this recording is influenced by and coincided with Jean’s decision to run for president of Haiti.
Outside Jean’s solo career he is heavily involved in politics and charity work, particularly in regards to his home country Haiti. He has also established himself as a highly sought after songwriter and has composed material for Destiny Child, Sublime, Simply Red, Whitney Houston, Cypress Hill, Michael Jackson, Mya, Santana, Mick Jagger, and Sinead O’Connor among others.
Live reviews
When you think about the Fugees, it’s actually quite difficult to gauge which of the members has had the most success since the group disbanded, initially in 1997 and then again, acrimoniously, in 2005. Lauryn Hill, of course, produced a genuine classic in the form of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, but the fact she’s since been better-known for her legal troubles and disappointing live appearances is seriously threatening to outweigh her genre-defying record. Pras Michel has focused primarily on a modest acting career, although still found time for a worldwide smash in the form of ‘Ghetto Superstar’. And then, there’s Wyclef Jean, who’s extensive solo canon has fluctuated wildly in terms of critical reception; the hugely-successful ‘Perfect Gentleman’ bordered on novelty single, whilst his terrific collaboration with Mary J. Blige, ‘911’, had him at the top of his game. At his best, his musical talent is undeniable, and the infrequent festival appearances that he’s made under his own name over the past decade or so have demonstrated that his charisma certainly translates to the stage; his slot at Woodstock ’99, in particular, had him commanding an enormous crowd with an inventive, irrepressibly fun set. He seems to have bigger fish to fry than music these days - including his well-documented political ambitions - but the latest instalment in his Carnival series, The Carnival Series, remains slated for a future release; perhaps, when it does arrive, he’ll make a long-overdue return to touring proper, too.
Joeg_67
Wyclef Jeanelle Jean, the Haitian/American musician who found fame with hip hop/soul outfit Fugees continues to tour solo with an intelligent merging of his own successful work as well as his Grammy award winning material with his previous band. The man himself has collaborated with some of R & B's most critically and commercially successful names including Lauryn Hill and Mary J Blige and he honours some of these artists by performing their hits in a reworked manner.
He has hand selected his supporting musicians and they jam well together during the almost blues-like instrumentals found on 'Rock Music Jam'. This is followed by the Fugees' cover of 'No Woman No Cry' which the audience is more than happy to get involved in during the chorus. Wyclef lets out a small laugh and thanks them for the continuing support before going on to speak passionately about politics and charity regarding his homeland of Haiti. The mood is notably somber for a reason so the emotive weight of 'Gone Till November' really hits home. Wyclef Jean is without a doubt a varied performer and a really interesting person in general.
sean-ward
Wyclef is amazingly talented and so funny. I had no idea he played so many instruments, spoke so many languages, so very well. He has a lovely gruff singing voice He weaves the stories of writing his music throughout the show and has composed more popular music than I realized. Love his energy and audience participation. This is a must see show! It will change your life.
joysmyls
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