Fugees

The Fugees were an American hip hop group formed in the early 1990s in New Jersey by Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras Michel. Known for blending rap with Caribbean influences, soul, and reggae rhythms, the group built a reputation for melodic, densely produced songs and socially aware lyrics. They were associated with the Refugee Camp collective and helped push hip hop toward broader mainstream audiences.

The Fugees released their debut album, Blunted on Reality, in 1994. While this album achieved modest success, it established the trio’s distinctive sound and collaborative dynamic. Their second album, The Score, released in 1996, brought international fame. It featured hit singles such as Ready or Not and a widely acclaimed cover of Killing Me Softly with His Song, among others. The Score is often cited as a landmark release in 1990s hip hop and achieved multi-platinum sales worldwide.

Awards and recognition followed The Score’s success. The album won Grammys, including Best Rap Album in 1997, and Killing Me Softly with His Song earned a Grammy in a vocal category, highlighting the group’s cross-genre appeal. The Fugees’ blend of socially conscious lyrics, strong vocal performances, and genre-crossing production contributed to their enduring influence on later artists and the broader pop-rap landscape.

The group disbanded in the late 1990s amid internal tensions. Lauryn Hill pursued a highly successful solo career, releasing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). Wyclef Jean and PrasMichel continued with solo projects and collaborations. The Fugees have since made occasional reunions for tours and special performances, but have not released a new studio album as a group.