Pras Michél, a founding member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against bandmate Lauryn Hill, accusing her of fraud and breach of contract related to their shortened 2023 tour and a canceled 2024 tour.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Hill mismanaged various aspects of the 2023 tour, including its setup, marketing, and budget. According to the complaint, Hill’s actions were “a veiled and devious attempt to make a big score for herself,” with claims that she siphoned money from the tour guarantees for personal gain.
Variety reports that Pras also accuses Hill of preventing an audit of the tour’s finances, alleging that she withheld funds that should have been shared among the band. The full list of claims against Hill includes fraud, fraud in the inducement, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and refusal to permit an audit of the tour.
The Fugees, known for hits like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not,” had previously reunited for their 2023 tour, which was cut short before it fully launched. The legal battle now casts uncertainty over the future of one of hip-hop’s most iconic groups.
“This morning, we filed a complaint for Prakazrel ‘Pras’ Michel against Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case 1:24-cv-07403) for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Hill exploited Mr. Michel’s vulnerable legal situation, manipulating him into an unfair agreement for The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour. Ms. Hill’s chronic tardiness was a hallmark of the tour, with shows routinely starting two or more hours late. Hill cancelled the second half of the tour and, at the same time, financially penalized and defrauded Mr. Michel. We assert that Ms. Hill misrepresented critical financial information and concealed her intent to take an excessive 60% share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Mr. Michel with only 20% instead of the group’s customary one-third split. This legal action aims to hold Ms. Hill accountable and secure justice for Mr. Michel. The lawsuit comes on the cusp of the “Fugees” European tour by Hill and Wyclef Jean, at which Michael will not be performing.”
– Robert S. Meloni, Meloni & McCaffrey
In response to The Source, Ms. Lauryn Hill addresses Pras Michél’s lawsuit:
Some clarity and facts need to be presented. I’ve been silent and pushing through because I understood that Pras was under duress because of his legal battles and that this was perhaps affecting his judgment, state of mind and character.
Fact #1: This baseless lawsuit by Pras is full of false claims and unwarranted attacks. It notably omits that he was advanced overpayment for the last tour and has failed to repay substantial loans extended by myself as an act of goodwill. Last year’s tour was put together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It was being planned whether the Fugees were involved or not. Fact #2: The tour was expanded to incorporate the Fugees because I found out that Pras was in trouble and would need money to aid his legal defense.
Fact #3: Pras was given a $3M advance for the tour, which he said he required to pay his legal fees. Wyclef and Myself deferred our full advances to make sure he had what he needed and was able to go. I covered most of the tour expenses, as the majority of the tour advance had gone to Pras. An agreement was put in place to secure the repayment of the money he was advanced. Pras has not paid back the money he was advanced, and is currently in breach of this agreement.
Fact #4: Because my tour, band, production, and set up were already happening, the Fugees set utilized this same production. I absorbed most of the expenses myself, produced the show, put together the entire set (with Wyclef’s participation for the Fugees and Wyclef’s set). Pras basically just had to show up and perform.
Fact #5: As of the last tour Pras thanked me for ‘saving his life’. (I have the receipts.) Fact #6: I am not in the business of kicking anyone, especially when they’re down, which is why I haven’t responded to date. It is absolutely disheartening to see Pras in this position, my band mate and someone I considered a friend but this leads us to Fact #7, which probably should have been Fact #1…
Fact #7: I was not in Pras’ life when he decided to make the unfortunate decision that lead to his current legal troubles. I did not advise that he make that decision and therefore am in no way responsible for his decision and its consequences though I have taken it upon myself to help. Despite his attacks, I am still compassionate and hope things work out for him.
On July 2, 1996, Nas unleashed the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, 1994’s Illmatic entitled It Was Written, the album featured production from DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Havoc.
This time around, the fresh-faced, 22-year-old Brooklyn-born emcee consciously pushed the album in a more mainstream direction, hoping to secure a wider fan base. It worked.
The album proved to be Nas’ most commercially successful release, debuting at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It’s viewed by music critics as one of Nas’ strongest records and remains his best-selling release, with over four million copies sold in the U.S. alone.
One of the album’s standout singles, “If I Ruled the World,” featured Lauryn Hill, who (at the time) was riding the wave of her recent success with The Fugees. Other guests included Foxy Brown, Dr. Dre, and Mobb Deep.
Lauryn Hill is continuing the anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by launching The Celebration Tour alongside The Fugees. The trio will perform songs from The Miseducation and The Score. YG Marley will be a special guest on the tour, which will begin in August in Tampa and wrap up in Amsterdam in October.
Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley were musical guests onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May. It was the show’s 10th Anniversary Special and YG Marley’s late-night TV debut. On the show,the two performed a medley of Ms. Lauryn Hill’s beloved “Ex-Factor” and YG Marley’s blockbuster single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” which has amassed over 1 billion streams since its release last December. Additionally, he unveiled a new song “Survival”, an interpolation of Bob Marley’s “Ambush in the Night”, written by YG Marley and his late grandfather, Bob Marley. The new song was produced by Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, and Johnny G.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums also culminated in the much-anticipated reveal of the top 10 albums of all time, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill crowned No. 1.
Upon receiving the news, Lauryn Hill told Apple Music, “This is my award, but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”
To celebrate, Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden sat down with legendary record producer, writer, and performer Nile Rodgers and Grammy-nominated artist and producer Maggie Rogers to reflect on the list during a special roundtable broadcasting globally today on Apple Music. Watch the full roundtable at music.apple.com.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums is a modern 21st-century ranking of the greatest records ever made, crafted by Apple Music’s team of experts alongside a select group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. The list is an editorial statement, fully independent of any streaming numbers on Apple Music — a love letter to the records that have shaped the world music lovers live and listen in.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums – Top 10
10. Lemonade – Beyoncé
9. Nevermind – Nirvana
8. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version) – Kendrick Lamar
It’s been 25 years since Lauryn Hill turned the music world on its ear with her solo debut album, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and to celebrate the anniversary, Ms. Hill has announced a new run of tour dates in conjunction with her fellow Fugees, along with her son, YG Marley, as opening act. Hill announced the new run of tour dates after previously postponing her 20th anniversary tour due to health issues.
The new tour begins in August in Tampa, Florida, with tickets going on sale on Friday, June 28 at 10:00 AM local time. The presale for Citi cardholders starts on Tuesday, June 25. As always, you can find more info at LiveNation.com.
08/09 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
08/11 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
08/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
08/18 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
08/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann
08/23 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
08/25 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
08/28 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
08/30 – Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
08/31 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
09/04 – Huntsville, AL @ The Orion Amphitheater*
09/06 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
09/07 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
09/13 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/15 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
09/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
09/20 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
09/21 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
10/12 – Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live
10/14 – London, UK @ The O2
10/18 – Paris, France @ Accor Arena
10/22 – Amsterdam, Holland @ Ziggo Dome
Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley were last night’s musical guests onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. It was the show’s 10-Year Anniversary Special and also YG Marley’s late-night TV debut. On the show,the two performed a medley of Ms. Lauryn Hill’s beloved “Ex-Factor” and YG Marley’s blockbuster single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight”, which has amassed over 1 billion streams since its release last December. Additionally, he unveiled a new song “Survival”, an interpolation of Bob Marley’s “Ambush in the Night”, written by YG Marley and his late grandfather, Bob Marley. The new song was produced by Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, and Johnny G.
Ms. Hill who was forced to cancel the remaining dates of her Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary tour last year due to doctors orders is gearing up to announce new dates. The tour, described by The New York Times as “an artist — once again, and on tour — rewriting the rules of hip-hop, and American popular music at large. She was not just teaching us how to hear “Miseducation” differently, but showing us what it looks like for a musician to truly evolve and redefine what we call a classic as something brand-new”” will resume this summer.
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.”
Reputations are hard to shake for public figures, and as the age of saying goes, a lie spreads much faster than the truth. However, that’s not stopping Lauryn Hill from working to clear up a recent misconception. On Saturday, November 11, the “Ready Or Not” singer took to her official Instagram to provide context for the previous comments made about her past lateness during concerts.
A short clip taken during Hill’s scheduled The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour stop in Los Angeles, California (on November 4) at the Crypto.com Arena went rival. In the video, she can be heard saying,” ‘Oh, she’s late’ and ‘She’s late tonight.’ Yo, y’all are lucky I make it to this bloodclot stage every night.”
Fans were upset by Hill’s remarks calling her out for not appreciating concertgoers’ time and support throughout her career. Now, Hill wants to take back the narrative by uploading the extended video to give background to what led to the spicy line.
The visual starts with Hill tearfully professing her love to her mother for her assistance raising her children while she continuously tours the world to provide for her family. By the time the line in question comes up, based on what was said prior, Hill’s frustration seems to be toward the industry for its poor treatment of her rather than her fans.
Ms. Lauryn Hill has a message for those who speak about her tardiness to show: “y’all are lucky.” Hitting the stage in Los Angeles, where she was also a bit tardy, Hill delivered a proper statement.
“Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this blood ras stage every night,” Hill said. “I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support.”
You can hear Hill’s full statement below.
“y’all lucky I make it on this stage every night” Lauryn Hill addressed fans complaining about her lateness.
— Baboon Forest Entertainment (@BaboonForestEnt) November 6, 2023
Last week, Ms. Lauryn Hill postponed another tour on her 25th-anniversary tour to celebrate The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The living legend announced she was under doctor’s orders to rest her voice and had to push back the Fort Worth, TX date.
“As you may know, I’ve been doing my best to overcome a serious case of vocal strain/injury over the past week or so,” Hill wrote in a tweet. “I fought through the last couple shows, pushing my voice, and masking the injury with medication. This isn’t safe or sustainable. I woke up this morning hoping to have enough voice to get through tonight, but I can barely talk let alone sing or rap.”
She added, “I need to heal and rest the voice in order to continue the tour. For these reasons, sadly, my doctors have advised me to postpone tonight’s show. Much love to all of you for your support, and I look forward to coming back to Texas soon.”
Last month, Ms. Lauryn Hill postponed her Philadelphia show at the recommendation of her doctors.
“It is with disappointment that I am writing this note to you. On the advice of my physicians, I have no choice but to postpone the show tomorrow,” Hill wrote. “I need to rest my voice to prevent any more serious strain or damage to my vocal cords.”
After a triumphant headline set at the Global Citizen Festival with a surprise appearance by the Fugees, 5-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill is extending her The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour due to overwhelming demand. New dates added to the tour include Vancouver, San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Tampa, Miami, and Boston. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn, Washington DC, Chicago, LA Kia Forum, Oakland, and Seattle shows are already sold out.
“I’ve almost felt compelled to carry a torch or to keep a light shining regarding the continual performance of the Miseducation album. I believe there’s been a reason for that—and the Fugees coming back together for performances too feels like unfinished business we’re destined to handle. The connections are real and uncanny, and the magic and synergy between us has not been deterred by time. I believe the messages that we and the art we made embody something moving, meaningful and important for us and for the world. We gave voice and image to possibilities that emblazoned so many musical directions after us. As we were inspired, we also inspired countless artists who have shown up to express themselves in this musical space. Both the Miseducation and the Fugees’ material challenged and expanded convention, by paying homage to the past, while richly embracing the present, and emblazoning the trail for the future. We represent not just ourselves but our influences and our peers who took art, culture and inspiration very seriously—- who reshaped the landscape for ourselves and for those who would follow after us. I’m grateful to be able to celebrate this classic material and re-present it to an audience in this time.”
– Ms. Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill profoundly impacted music, fashion, and culture. It was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2015, marking several historical milestones. The album was the first hip-hop album to receive a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Lauryn Hill became the first woman to be nominated for 10 Grammy awards in a year, and she was the first woman to win 5 Grammys in a single night. This tour continues to celebrate the enduring influence of the album and the Fugees on the world’s biggest artists.
Time is of the essence. But fans of Ms. Lauryn Hill feel as if theirs isn’t being respected. Last month, Hill kicked off her The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tourto share the Grammy Award-winning album. According to ticketholders, Hill’s reputation for chronic tardiness has again reared its ugly face. In 2021, Hill referenced the discourse in her guest appearance on Nas’ song “Nobody.”
On Saturday, November 4, during her tour’s first night stop in Los Angeles, California, Hill addressed her lateness yet again. In the video captured by concertgoers, joined by her children and mother, Hill laid it all out in front of the Crypto.com Arena.
“They say, ‘Oh, she’s late’ and ‘She’s late tonight,’” Hill told the crowd. “Yo, y’all are lucky I make it to this bloodclot stage every night. I leave my soul on this stage. And I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand her in the name of God. And I know it. God is who allows me to do it. He 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… We’re survivors. Not just survivors, we’re thrivers.”
Lauryn Hill addresses criticism for constantly showing up late to her concerts:
“Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this stage every night”
The lack of accountability and the religious deflection is crazy….here’s some fun little tea, did you know she has to have like 20 mirrors in her green room and no other woman can be on staff when she plays a venue
It’s important for artists to address their fans’ concerns and strive for punctuality, but it’s also valuable to understand the challenges they face in the entertainment industry.
Lauryn Hill’s response to criticism highlights the challenges of her schedule, but it’s important for artists to respect their fans’ time and expectations.
This isn’t the first time Hill has responded to the criticism. In 2016, Hill took to her official Facebook page to share a lengthy note with followers. Read the note below.
Ms. Lauryn Hill has postponed another tour on her 25th-anniversary tour to celebrate The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The living legend announced she was under doctor’s orders to rest her voice and had to push back the Fort Worth, TX date.
“As you may know, I’ve been doing my best to overcome a serious case of vocal strain/injury over the past week or so,” Hill wrote in a tweet. “I fought through the last couple shows, pushing my voice, and masking the injury with medication. This isn’t safe or sustainable. I woke up this morning hoping to have enough voice to get through tonight, but I can barely talk let alone sing or rap.”
She added, “I need to heal and rest the voice in order to continue the tour. For these reasons, sadly, my doctors have advised me to postpone tonight’s show. Much love to all of you for your support, and I look forward to coming back to Texas soon.”
Last month, Ms. Lauryn Hill postponed her Philadelphia show at the recommendation of her doctors.
“It is with disappointment that I am writing this note to you. On the advice of my physicians, I have no choice but to postpone the show tomorrow,” Hill wrote. “I need to rest my voice to prevent any more serious strain or damage to my vocal cords.”
After a triumphant headline set at the Global Citizen Festival with a surprise appearance by the Fugees, 5-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill is extending her The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour due to overwhelming demand. New dates added to the tour include Vancouver, San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Tampa, Miami, and Boston. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn, Washington DC, Chicago, LA Kia Forum, Oakland, and Seattle shows are already sold out.
“I’ve almost felt compelled to carry a torch or to keep a light shining regarding the continual performance of the Miseducation album. I believe there’s been a reason for that—and the Fugees coming back together for performances too feels like unfinished business we’re destined to handle. The connections are real and uncanny, and the magic and synergy between us has not been deterred by time. I believe the messages that we and the art we made embody something moving, meaningful and important for us and for the world. We gave voice and image to possibilities that emblazoned so many musical directions after us. As we were inspired, we also inspired countless artists who have shown up to express themselves in this musical space. Both the Miseducation and the Fugees’ material challenged and expanded convention, by paying homage to the past, while richly embracing the present, and emblazoning the trail for the future. We represent not just ourselves but our influences and our peers who took art, culture and inspiration very seriously—- who reshaped the landscape for ourselves and for those who would follow after us. I’m grateful to be able to celebrate this classic material and re-present it to an audience in this time.”
– Ms. Lauryn Hill
All North American dates will feature co-headlining performances by the Fugees. Tickets for the newly added shows go on sale this Friday, October 6th, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill profoundly impacted music, fashion, and culture. It was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2015, marking several historical milestones. The album was the first hip-hop album to receive a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Lauryn Hill became the first woman to be nominated for 10 Grammy awards in a year, and she was the first woman to win 5 Grammys in a single night. This tour continues to celebrate the enduring influence of the album and the Fugees on the world’s biggest artists.
no excuse