This weekend, Jelly Roll, The Fugees, and Osesza will headline the Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee. The multi-genre festival begins this Friday, May 3, and runs through Sunday, May 5, with performances from Jai Wolf, Yung Gravy, Matt And Kim, Mt. Joy, Killer Mike, Tobe Nwigwe, The Band Camino, Black Pumas, 8Ball & MJG, Big Boi of Outkast, and more. The festival takes place at Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi (hence the festival’s name) and has five stages. See the set times below to set your game plan ahead of the festivities and find more information at riverbeat.com.
Friday, May 3
Main Stage: Jai Wolf (5:00-6:00), Yung Gravy (7:00-8:00), Odesza (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: Kenny Brown(4:45-5:30), Matt And Kim(6:30-7:30), Mt. Joy(8:15-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Charlie Musselwhite (4:15-5:00), Durand Jones (6:00-7:00), Take Me To The River: Memphis (8:00-9:00) Beale St Landing Stage: Lucky 7 Brass Band (4:00-5:00), Marcella Simien (5:30-6:30), Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band: Tribute To Bobby “Blue” Bland (7:00-8:00) Whateverland: DY3 (4:00-5:15), Qemist (5:30-7:00), Phantoms (DJ Set) (7:15-8:15), Mindchatter (8:30-9:30)
Saturday, May 4
Main Stage: Talibah Safiya (3:45-4:30), Killer Mike (5:15-6:15), Tobe Nwigwe (7:00-8:00), The Fugees (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: Lawrence Matthews (3:00-4:00), Southern Avenue (4:30-5:30), Del Water Gap (6:30-7:30), The Band Camino (8:15-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Jimbo Mathus (2:15-3:00), Don Bryant Feat. The Bo-Keys (4:30-5:15), Al Kapone & The B.W.A. Band (6:15-7:00), Robert Randolph Band (8:15-9:15) Beale St Landing Stage: School Of Rock Bands (2:00-3:30), School Of Rock Bands (4:00-5:30), School Of Rock Bands (6:00-7:30) Whateverland: Witnesse (2:15-3:45), Nico (4:00-5:00), Bizzle Bluebland (5:15-6:15), Aimmia (6:30-7:45), White Panda (8:30-9:30)
Sunday, May 5
Main Stage: Nightly (3:45-4:30), Morgan Wade (5:15-6:15), Black Pumas (7:00-8:15), Jelly Roll (9:30-11:00) Bud Light Stage: S.G. Goodman (3:00-4:00), 8Ball & MJG (4:30-5:30), Jessie Murph (6:30-7:30), Big Boi (8:30-9:30) Zev Pavilion Stage: Dirty Streets (2:15-3:00), The Heavy Heavy (4:30-5:15), The Aces (6:15-7:00), Whitey Morgan & The 78’s (8:15-9:15) Beale St Landing Stage: Mark Edgar Stuart (2:00-3:00), Bailey Bigger (3:30-4:30), The Wilkins Sisters (5:00-6:00), Salo Pallini (6:30-7:30) Whateverland: Siphne Ayye (2:15-3:45), Alpha Whiskey (4:00-5:00), Sth Memphis Jeff (5:15-6:15), Forester (DJ Set) (6:30-7:45), Coco & Breezy (8:30-9:30)
Wyclef Jean recently sat down for a new interview with AllHipHop, and he had a lot of different topics to talk about. One of these is his own musical endeavors and next career moves, but he also spoke on the Fugees’ postponed reunion tour shows and whether they’ll hit the road together again. Of course, the Haitian legend’s word is not super-solid confirmation of this, because we can’t really know for sure until the dates are set in stone. But we’re very excited about this trek still being in the cards for the group members. Not only that, but the 54-year-old also teased future collaborations with another hip-hop superstar.
“I would say to everybody we’re picking back up on the Fugees tour this year,” Wyclef Jean posited, who recently released the financially conscious single “Paper Right.” “If you missed the Fugees last year, catch the Fugees this year. Another big thing I’m excited about is my Netflix movie called Prince of Port au Prince, which is based on my childhood and how I escaped poverty through imagination, so look out for that. That’s going to be amazing. Me and Lil Wayne, we’re in the studio working on some secret, cool music. So, yeah, a lot of good things to look out for in 2024. We’re coming for sure. One hundred percent.”
Pras Michél, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill of the Fugees at In Concert: Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour held at Crypto.com Arena on November 4, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
In fact, it’s curious that Wyclef Jean mentioned these Lil Wayne collabs, because he seems really tight with the Fugees as a whole. He even freestyled onstage with them and performed “A Milli” during a November show, and even other rappers couldn’t help but express shock and awe. The Game remarked that this performance gave him chills, and a lot of fans who caught it in person or online seemed to agree. Hopefully there are even more great moments like these for these supposedly upcoming shows.
Meanwhile, this reunion tour falls under some bizarre context thanks to member Pras’ legal troubles as of late. While it’s unclear how much this will affect these upcoming shows, it seems like everyone will be able to move on just fine. Are you looking forward to these next moves? Let us know in the comments and come back to HNHH for the latest on Wyclef Jean and the Fugees.
Lauryn Hill has announced that she is canceling her remaining tour dates, following the now-final performance she has in Philly this weekend. She had been playing shows both with a set tied to the 25th anniversary of her solo debut and with the Fugees in support of their time as a band.
In an Instagram post, Hill described how she was feeling the effects of her Prednisone prescription — that she was taking to get through vocal strain on the tour.
“As many of you may know, I’ve been battling serious vocal strain for the past month,” she wrote. “I made it through each show by taking prescribed prednisone, but this can be detrimental to the body when taken in large amounts over long periods of time. In order to prevent any long term negative affect on my voice and my body, I need to take time off to allow for real vocal recovery so that I can discontinue the medication completely.”
However, there is a positive side — the dates that have been canceled will be rescheduled for sometime in early 2024. “Because of the overwhelming response, we’ll be adding new cities to the tour, including overseas,” Hill added. “We’re working on the new calendar now, and announcing soon.”
Music enthusiasts were in for a spectacular surprise as the legendary Fugees, alongside the iconic Ms. Lauryn Hill, shared the stage with none other than Lil Wayne for an unforgettable concert experience at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. During the event, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 4, Lil Wayne took the stage to perform his timeless hit “A Milli.” In a video clip circulating social media, the crowd erupted in sheer excitement. Wayne delivered an electrifying rendition of the classic track, showcasing his undeniable stage presence.
The surprises didn’t end there. In addition to performing “A Milli,” Wayne contributed a brand-new verse to the Fugees’ legendary track “Ready Or Not.” The performance was a fusion of two generations of hip-hop excellence, with Lil Wayne’s signature style seamlessly complementing the Fugees’ iconic sound. The Kia Forum in Inglewood witnessed an unforgettable musical moment, as the artists bridged the gap between the past and the present. The audience was treated to a one-of-a-kind performance that showcased the timelessness of music and the unifying power of hip-hop.
Moreover, a different headline that’s been circulating on social media has been none other than Lauryn Hillclapping back at haters. Critics have complained about her being late to many dates on the tour, to which Hill responded that people are “lucky” she even makes it on stage every night. “Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this … stage every night,” she told the audience. “I leave my soul on this stage. And I don’t do it because they let me. I do it because I stand here in the name of God. And I know it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support when the album sold so many records and no one showed up and said, ‘Hey, would you like to make another one?’”
However, Lil Wayne’s surprise appearance with the Fugees and Lauryn Hill left a lasting impact on the audience. Furthermore, it cemented the night as a legendary moment in music history. It serves as a testament to the enduring influence of these artists and the ability of music to bring people together in the most unexpected and extraordinary ways. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” tour is set to continue throughout November and December for select dates. Will you be attending? Let us know on HNHH!
“The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator,” Hill shared in a press release. “I wrote love songs and protest songs–(still love songs) about the subjects and interests that inspired and moved me. I was confident that what inspired me would resonate with an audience that had been led to believe that songs of that kind could only live in the past.”
Fugees will open most of the North American shows after being set to reunite for a tour last year, based around The Score turning 25. However, it was eventually canceled, which Variety suspected due to Pras Michel’s legal issues. They still have made appearances together, including at Roots Picnic in June.
In Australia, Hill will be joined by Koffee as an opening act.
Continue scrolling for the complete list of tour dates. Presale and general sales for each of the dates are taking place at different times. For more information, visit here.
09/08 — Minneapolis, MN @ Mystic Lake
09/23 — New York, NY @ Global Citizen Festival
10/01 — Gold Coast, AUS @ Promiseland Festival
10/03 — Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena *
10/05 — Sydney, AUS @ Kudos Banks Arena *
10/07 — Auckland, NZ @ Eden Festival
10/17 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center #
10/19 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays #
10/21 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena #
10/23 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena #
10/26 — Toronto, ON – Scotia #
10/28 — Chicago, IL @ United Center #
10/30 — Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena #
11/02 — Denver, CO – Ball Arena #
11/05 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum #
11/07 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena #
11/09 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena #
Iconic artist Ms. Lauryn Hill has unveiled The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour, a celebration of her groundbreaking 1998 solo debut album. With the album’s release anniversary just around the corner, the tour will revisit the heartfelt music that resonated with countless fans. The 17-date tour will grace global arenas, including Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Chicago’s United Center, and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, along with stops in Australia and New Zealand. Notably, The Fugees will also take the stage, co-headlining the tour’s US and Canadian dates, marking their first tour in years.
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator,” said Hill. “I wrote love songs and protest songs— (still love songs) about the subjects and interests that inspired and moved me. I was confident that what inspired me would resonate with an audience that had been led to believe that songs of that kind could only live in the past.” She continues “I loved music, I loved people, I truly felt grateful to God for my life, and genuinely blessed to have a platform where I could share wisdom and perspective through music. I felt a charge to challenge the idea that certain kinds of expression and/or certain kinds of people didn’t belong in certain places. I loved showing what could work or happen provided there was imagination, creativity and LOVE leading the way.”
Citi has been named the official card for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour, offering cardmembers exclusive access to presale tickets starting August 22. Public onsale begins August 25. Lauryn Hill’s appearances at events throughout the year have showcased her continued impact on music and culture. As the 25th anniversary of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” approaches, her enduring influence on the industry and society remains indelible.
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
9/8 – Minneapolis, MN @ Mystic Lake
9/23 – New York, NY @ Global Citizen Festival
10/1 – Gold Coast, AUS @ Promiseland Festival
10/3 – Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena (with Koffee)
10/5 – Sydney, AUS @ Kudos Banks Arena (with Koffee)
10/7 – Auckland, NZ @ Eden Festival
10/17 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center (with Fugees)
10/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays (with Fugees)
10/21 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena (with Fugees)
10/23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena (with Fugees)
10/26 – Toronto, ON – Scotia (with Fugees)
10/28 – Chicago, IL @ United Center (with Fugees)
10/30 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena (with Fugees)
11/2 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (with Fugees)
11/5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum (with Fugees)
11/7 Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena (with Fugees)
11/9 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena (with Fugees)
Roots Picnic was this past weekend, and on June 3, Lauryn Hill performed her set. In a surprise move, to wrap up her time on stage, she brought out Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel for a six-song Fugees reunion performance. The group had been trying to make a reunion happen for some time now, and they finally did.
What’s bittersweet here, though, is that this could be the last time the three perform together.
In April, Pras was found guilty on a number of federal charges, including money laundering, campaign finance violations, acting as an unregistered agent for China, concealment and false record-keeping, witness tampering, and making false statements. Ultimately, he could spend up to 20 years in prison, meaning that future Fugees performances with him do not seem likely.
Questlove shared a video of the performance on Instagram and wrote, “@MsLaurynHill did us a solid by letting us not only letting us celebrate with her the classic #MiseducationOfLaurynHill but she also made a moment by bringing together her bredren @WyclefJean & @PrasMichel ……in what could possibly be one of the last times we will see this institution together in this setting. I’m giving all the gratitude for making this miracle of a night happen.”
The Roots Picnic went down in Philadelphia over the weekend and featured Lauryn Hill performing the 25th anniversary of her classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Fans in attendance were treated to a surprise: The Fugees’ reunion.
Addressing the crowd, Hill revealed that the 25th anniversary of The Fugees wasn’t able to get rolling because of COVID, but she decided to bring out some friends, Pras and Wyclef Jean, for some fun. The Fugees hit the stage backed by The Roots.
“My brothers, my brothers, these are my brothers,” Hill said to the crowd.
The trio went into classics like “Ready or Not,” “Zealots,” and more.
You can see clips from the show via Ambrosia For Heads, social media, and more below.
The Fugees reunited last night in Philly at The Roots Picnic…believe their last show together was Pier 17 NYC, remember that @lmechegaray we were there pic.twitter.com/2NNEvWx0JY
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) June 4, 2023
The last reunion of The Fugees occurred in 2021 when the three legends hit New York City’s Pier 17. The show was supposed to start a 12-city run across the country that was canceled. Speaking with Billboard, Pras Michel called the reunion what “the culture really needed” and reveal how the team would get back on the same page for their performances.
“We let the music and our vibe and energy just naturally come out,” Pras said. “Then we heard the band doing their thing, putting it together and vibing. And it just started to feel like those old moments that made us so happy. Making music and just making people smile, so that made us smile too. It just made us feel good.”
He added, “One thing I would say about us is that everything has to feel organic. It’s not about anything but that. Because if it ain’t feel right for even one of us, I don’t think we would’ve been able to pull it off.”
Now the Roots Picnic performance may stand as the last time we see the trio on stage together as Pras faces 20 years after being found of political conspiracy.
According to the AP, Pras was accused of funneling money from now-fugitive Malaysian finance through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and then attempted to extradite the case on behalf of China during the Trump administration. The verdict stated that the rapper attempted to make cash by reinventing himself in politics.
The Fugees were a trailblazing hip-hop group, renowned for their innovative sound and lyricism. Comprising of Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and Lauryn Hill, the trio released two celebrated albums, Blunted on Reality in 1994 and The Score in 1996 that captivated millions.
Hill was known for her powerful voice and nimble wordplay, while Wyclef crafted infectious rhythms and melodies that kept fans on their feet. Pras provided a distinct deep bass voice to songs like “Ready Or Not”. Recently, Pras has been convicted of conspiring with a Malaysian financier to lobby the US Government under two presidents.
Despite disbanding in the late ’90s, the Grammy-winning threesome’s legacy continues to resonate today. Consequently, diehard fans were pleased when the trio reunited briefly in 2004 and again in 2021 for short-lived tours. The enduring impact of this iconic group demonstrates the mesmerizing power of their combined talents as solo artists and as a unit. Here are the Best Fugees Songs.
7. “Some Seek Stardom” (1994)
From the outset, it was evident that Hill was something special. Her track “Some Seek Stardom” encapsulates her contemplative songwriting, interweaving themes of personal integrity and social justice with a narrative about artistic ambition and humility.
As a result, every lyric carries a multifaceted meaning, tying together stories from both ancient and modern contexts. Hill’s voice weaves its own kind of magic, seamlessly transitioning from rap to scat to singing as if reciting a collection of parables. She paints vivid pictures, from Jimmy chopping hair in the barbershop to King Solomon’s timeless wisdom. Her own insight courses through them all – a formidable reminder of Hill’s creative prowess.
6. “Nappy Heads” (1994)
It took the ambitious Tranzlator Crew two full years to release their first album, but when Blunted on Reality arrived in 1994, it was clear they were continuing the hallowed trend of classic rap music. Despite lacking the potential for broad appeal enjoyed by their socially conscious labelmates, The Goats, this debut distinguished Fugees as a unique voice in the genre.
“Nappy Heads” was an especially memorable single. Each rapper delivers a breathtaking performance, particularly from Wyclef’s Louis Armstrong impression during his opening verse. Here, we were also privy to Lauryn’s first showcase which alludes to her soon-to-be greatness. While the record didn’t achieve commercial success, its excellence prevails.
5. “Zealots ” (1996)
With exceptional versatility and artistic prowess, The Fugees captivate fans worldwide with their renowned lyricism. On the acclaimed track “Zealots”, Lauryn Hill, Pras, and Wyclef Jean showcase their unrivaled talents, waxing poetically about a protagonist who is better than his envious counterparts—the biting zealots. Throughout the song, they reflect on the dangers of responding to animosity with violence, while simultaneously being cognizant of being watched by those who take pleasure in guns and death. Wrapping up the song with a plea for Divine intervention, they remind us all that it is only through prayer that we may hope to escape mortality.
4. “How Many Mics” (1996)
No hip-hop artist can claim a truly comprehensive discography without a track that glorifies their talent, and for The Fugees, “How Many Mics” hits the mark. Concurrently, this song critiques the current state of rap music and the industry as a whole, posing the rhetorical question, “How many mics do we rip on the daily?” to address the overwhelming amount of substandard tunes spawned by those chasing financial gain over artistry.
Lauryn Hill’s verse expresses her exasperation with musicians who mimic existing trends in a bid for fame, rather than cultivating their own original sound. She also draws attention to the irony of rappers boastfully claiming to bring something fresh to the table yet often resorting to recycled rhythms. Wyclef Jean’s bars touch on his personal challenges faced in music.
3. “Fu-Gee-La ” (1996)
The captivating track from The Score album carries a unique fusion of hip-hop and reggae. Here, the renowned trio speaks to the struggles they’ve faced along their journey, inviting listeners to draw their own interpretations. With its timeless rhythm, Wyclef Jean sets the tone with a powerful verse. Lauryn Hill follows with her bewitching voice as she covers Teena Marie’s classic tune. Her deeply soulful delivery is enriched with her gospel root elements, cementing her undeniable talent in the industry. Pras Michel’s verse serves as a strong complement to the entire composition, ultimately propelling “Fu-Gee-La” to success. Indeed, this rejuvenating anthem boasts an incredible chemistry that will have you grooving all night long.
2. “Killing Me Softly ” (1996)
The Fugees’ unforgettable rendition of “Killing Me Softly” may surprise some, being ranked at number two on our list. While the composition is Roberta Flack’s classic remake, The Fugees managed to imbue it with their own captivating spin. Woven into its lyrical tapestry is a story of a woman who feels heard and understood. To this day, it remains the group’s most successful song and award-winning masterpiece. Interestingly, Wyclef Jean himself was initially skeptical of its potential for success. Clearly, “Killing Me Softly” is an anthem that will continue to resonate for years to come.
1. “Ready Or Not ” (1996)
A trailblazer in a sea of mediocrity, “Ready or Not” is a hip-hop classic that has cemented its place in music history. Prominent figures such as Barack Obama have recognized its timeless quality and undeniable lyricism. The song champions life-altering reflections on incarceration, exile, and bravado. The Fugees deliver an unparalleled level of prestige to the mainstream pop sphere with this record. Wyclef Jean’s opening verse captures the heartbreaking reality of prison life. Pras Michel shares profound insights into the refugee experience. Lauryn Hill’s closing lines are a testament to her unrivaled emcee skill and will stand the test of time. Unquestionably, this song is the pinnacle of excellence.
