Wyclef

Wyclef Jean, known simply as Wyclef, is a Haitian-born musician, rapper, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who rose to fame as a founding member of the hip hop group the Fugees.

Born October 17, 1969, in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, he moved to the United States with his family and settled in New Jersey, where he developed an interest in hip hop, reggae, and Caribbean music.

With the Fugees, he achieved international success in the mid-1990s, most notably on The Score (1996), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and helped bring hip hop into the mainstream.

Following the Fugees, Wyclef pursued a solo career, releasing The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book (2000), The Preacher's Son (2003), and The Carnival (2007). His solo work blends hip hop with Caribbean, soul, and world music influences, and he has continued to release projects and collaborate widely.

He has worked with a diverse array of artists and contributed to Shakira's hit Hips Don't Lie (2006), where his guitar work and production helped shape the track's crossover appeal. His collaborations reflect an ability to fuse genres and appeal to global audiences.

Outside music, Wyclef has been active in humanitarian and political efforts related to Haiti, including fundraising and advocacy following the 2010 earthquake. In 2010 he announced a bid to run for President of Haiti, though the campaign did not result in him taking office. His career is noted for cross-genre influence and ongoing philanthropic involvement.