Wyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean is a Haitian rapper, musician and actor from Croix-des-Bouquets. He is associated with hip hop, R&B, reggae and soul, and releases music through Columbia Records, Refugee Camp Entertainment and Ruffhouse Records.

Early life and background

Jean moves from Croix-des-Bouquets to Brooklyn, New York at the age of nine, then to northern New Jersey. There he begins playing guitar and studies jazz in high school. He also works as a cabdriver.

The Fugees and related groups

In 1987, Jean forms the Tranzlator Crew with Prakazrel Michel, known as Pras, and Lauryn Hill. The group later becomes The Fugees, the hip hop trio he joins and is best known for. He is also connected with Soul Assassins, Refugee Camp Allstars, The Tranzlator Crew, Guantanamo Camp and Afrikali.

Collaborations and public work

Jean gains wider recognition as a collaborator, including on Shakira's track “Hips Don't Lie”, which becomes a major international hit. He also carries out humanitarian work after the earthquake in Haiti. In 2010, he announces his intention to seek the presidency of Haiti.