Pras Archives - New Hip Hop News

Pras Is Skeptical About His Future With The Fugees Amid His Prison Sentence

November 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pras has had a rough time as of late, as the court sentenced him to 22 years in prison for a federal corruption scheme that also involved various other celebrities. However, he’s also thinking a lot about how he will turn this around, appeal the sentence, and how this all relates to his rap crew, the Fugees. The Brooklyn native recently sat down with Variety to talk about his legal predicament and how he feels like his former group mates in the hip-hop space left him to the wayside amid all this drama, which he says is something he can’t focus on too much.

“I’m done with that,” Pras told the outlet. “They’re going to Europe [for a tour]. I can’t go, so… It’s what it is. You can’t give people that kind of energy. So you could be frustrated, you could be disappointed, but I really believe in my path and in my journey, and I believe what’s mine, no one’s going to be able to take it away from me. So it’s better that you have a small group of people who really believe in you and believe in what you’re doing than to have 100 people around you, and the minute something happens — boom. People just disappear.”

Pras & The Fugees Performing In 2023

Pras Fugees Prison Sentence <a href= — PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 03: Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras Michel of The Fugees perform during the 2023 The Roots Picnic at The Mann on June 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban)

Furthermore, this comes after Lauryn Hill responded to Pras’ lawsuit against her, which claims fraud and breach of contract over some canceled shows. “This baseless lawsuit by Pras is full of false claims and unwarranted attacks,” she expressed on Instagram. “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.”

As for his legal troubles, Pras is keeping the coolest head he can. “I don’t know if subconsciously it was a bit exciting for me,” he reportedly told Variety. “I like spy movies. But I never wanted to be a spy. I don’t think that’s sexy. But a part of it felt like that. Technically, I’m a foreign agent. […] I’m going to fight, and I’m going to appeal. But there’s a possibility that I’m going in while I’m fighting… It’s just the reality.”

[via]

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Swizz Beatz Has Been Accused Of Receiving $7.3 Million In Stolen Funds Connected To The 1Malaysia Development Berhad Scandal

October 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Swizz Beatz Dean Collection Brooklyn Museum 2024 (1024x437) — Getty Image

According to reports, Swizz Beatz’s money is looking funny. The famed producer, Verzuz co-founder, and loving husband to Alicia Keys has supposedly been named in an international fraud scandal.

Based on a lawsuit filing obtained by AllHipHop, Swizz Beatz received a whooping sum of $7.3 million in stolen funds connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal (often referred to as 1MDB).

In the paperwork, it alleged that Swizz Beatz (real named Kasseem Dean) was tied back to Jho Low as far back as the 2010s. “As the 1MDB Fraud was underway, Jho Low became a well-known figure in the Hollywood scene and developed a reputation as a businessman with deep pockets and a penchant for hosting lavish, star-studded parties and group vacations,” reads the suit. “Throughout the early 2010s, Low befriended many U.S. celebrities including Dean and his wife Alicia Keys. Between September 21, 2012 and September 4, 2014, Jho Low and/or Eric Tan caused the debtors to transfer $7,300,000 to defendants and, during that same time period, the debtors did not receive any money back from the defendants or any other consideration from the defendants in exchange for the fraudulent transfers.”

The breakdown of funds supposedly sent to Dean include, a $1.5 million payment to Swizz Beatz Productions Inc. in September 2012 as well as a $1 million then additional $800,000 transfer deployed in October 2012 by Alsen Chance. In addition to that, Dean’s Monza Studios is accused of receiving $800,000 in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013 from Affinity sent $800,000 to Swizz Beatz’s Monza Studios in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013. Outside of that, the filing alleged that Dean was personally sent $500,000 in June 2014, $300,000 in July 2014 and $1.4 million in September 2014.

Now, liquidators are seeking damages in the amount of $3.3 million from Swizz Beatz Productions, $1.8 million from Monza Studios, and then $2.2 million from Dean himself. The filer is also demanding that Dean cover attorneys’ fees and other court costs. Swizz Beatz has not yet addressed the lawsuit.

In April 2023, Pras Michel (of hip-hop trio Fuguees) was found guilty of several counts of money laundering in connection with the scandal. Despite his conviction, Michel maintains his innocence.

Lauryn Hill Calls Out Pras For “Baseless Attacks” In Fugees Lawsuit

October 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Fugees may have always had musical harmony, but the group has rarely been harmonious offstage. They are one of the most troubled acts in hip hop, and this reputation continued to gain traction on the first of October. Pras decided to file a lawsuit against band member Lauryn Hill after Fugees tour dates were canceled. According to Variety, Pras is suing Hill over fraud and breach of contract due to the fact that the singer keeps delaying shows. Hill responded hours later, and made it clear that she is going to tolerate these accusations.

Lauryn Hill issued a lengthy response on her Instagram. The singer claimed that Pras has been under duress as of late, and she felt that said duress may be affecting his judgement. From there, Hill goes on a detailed breakdown of the accusations leveled at her. She dismisses Pras’ lawsuit for being filled with “false claims” and “baseless attacks.” She also claims that she gave Pras a sizable advance ahead of their 2023 tour dates, which he has yet to pay back. Lauryn Hill noted that the strength of her name is what led to the tour in the first place. Without her involvement, she posits, a Fugees reunion would not have garnered nearly as many ticket sales.

Lauryn Hill Claims She Gave Pras A $3 Million Advance

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“[Pras’] failure to show appreciation,” the statement read. “For the financial help Ms. Hill has afforded him in his time of need is disappointing.” Lauryn Hill also noted that the tour dates listed in the lawsuit were being planned regardless. They would have occurred with or without Pras’ involvement. To make Hill’s claims even more damning, she revealed that she and fellow member Wyclef Jean deferred their advances to ensure Pras would have financial compensation. Hill made additional allusions to the bad decisions Pras has made since the group originally split.

“I was not in Pras’ life,” Lauryn Hill concluded. “When he decided to make the unfortunate decisions that led to his current legal troubles.” The singer claimed she initially wanted to stay quiet in an effort to avoid drama. Now that a lawsuit has been filed, however, the gloves are off. “[I] am in no way responsible for his decision,” the singer noted. “And its consequences.” Hopefully the Fugees members comes to a peaceful resolution.

[via]

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Were Lauryn Hill And Wyclef Jean Ever Married?

October 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lauryn Hill Wyclef Jean Coachella 2024 (1024x437) — Getty Image

Hip-hop’s legendary trio Fugees are no stranger to internal conflict. However, lately members Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel appeared to on good terms.

Well, that was until Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Anniversary Tour with Fugees was abruptly cancelled. Now, Pras Michel filed a lawsuit against Miss Hill and in it are several interesting accusations.

Continue below for more details.

Were Lauryn Hill And Wyclef Jean Ever Married?

According to supposed paperwork (viewable here) linked to Pras Michel, the answer is yes. But nothing to substantiate this claim has been found. In the alleged lawsuit documents against Hill, he Pras identified Wyclef as Hill’s “former husband.”

Read the passage from the supposed filing below.

With the walls closing in on Michel by mid-2023, Hill saw an opportunity and swooped in to purportedly ‘save the day’ for Michel, enlisting the unwitting aide of her former husband, Wyclef, to put together a Fugees tour for the second half of 2023 using independent live music concert promoter Mammoth, Inc.

Although Wyclef Jean claimed he dated Miss Hill within his 2012 autobiography, Purpose, he never mentioned being legally married to her.

For 13 years, Lauryn Hill was in a relationship with Rohan Marley, whom she shares five children Zion David, Selah, Joshua Omaru (better known as YG Marley), John Nesta, and Sara. The two reportedly ended things in 2009.

Wyclef, on the other hand, has been married to designer Marie Claudinette since 1994. They share one adoptive daughter, Angelina Claudinelle Jean. During the couple’s appearance on OWN’s Behind Every Man, Marie revealed that she never married another person. But Wyclef never mentioned anything similar.

Ms. Lauryn Hill Issues a Response to Pras Michél Accusing Her of Fraud in Lawsuit

October 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ms. Lauryn Hill Extends 'Miseducation' 25th Anniversary Tour

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.

– Respectfully, MLH

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Pras Michel Accuses Lauryn Hill Of Fraud In New Lawsuit

October 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

If the relationship between the members of the Fugees wasn’t already inconsistent enough, things just got a whole lot more complicated. According to a new report from Billboard (Via Uproxx), Pras Michel is filing a lawsuit against the de-facto leader of the New Jersey outfit, Ms. Lauryn Hill, for a “devious” fraud scheme. His lawyers sent the legal documents to a federal court in Manhattan Tuesday. Essentially, Pras and his legal team are saying Hill convinced her bandmate to come on the 2023 reunion tour ultimately for mostly her benefit. It also brings 2024 trek into the picture, the one that was subject to “gross mismanagement”, according to Pras’ lawyers.

The documents say that she lied about how she was going to make. Instead of splitting it equally into thirds, she was going to rake in 40 percent of the gross. Additionally, Pras alleges that the payment was much less than expected due to “bloated” production costs and because of the tour ending sooner. Furthermore, he says that Hill told Live Nation, himself, and Wyclef Jean that they agreed to extend the tour to make an extra $1 million. But she supposedly kept all of that to herself. Finally, he says she turned down $5 million from Coachella to avoid letting Pras pay off his debt.

Pras Is Taking Things To Court With Lauryn Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: (C) Pras Michel, (R) Lauryn Hill and (L) Wyclef Jean perform at Oakland Arena on November 07, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

That stems from his massive number of federal charges back in 2019. Back then, he was charged with 10 counts including conspiracy, witness tampering and failing to register as a foreign agent. This was all in relation to getting money from a Malaysian financier to aid in Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Overall, his lawyers are not holding anything back against Hill, as they say, “While the contractual advance paid to Pras enabled him to retain his new criminal lawyers, the 2023 tour agreement was a wolf in sheep’s clothing”.

What are your thoughts on Pras Michel suing Lauryn Hill for fraud? Are you surprised that he’s going after her in this fashion, why or why not? Do you think this could lead to the end of the Fugees for good? How do you see this playing out? How will this affect them touring together? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill, and the Fugees. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the world of music.

[Via] [Via]

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Lauryn Hill Is Accused Of Fraud In A Lawsuit From Fugees Bandmate Pras Michel

October 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

fugees lauryn hill pras.jpg — Getty Image

The messy history of pioneering New Jersey hip-hop trio Fugees has just gotten messier. In the wake of a string of canceled reunion tours and Pras Michel’s conviction for money laundering, Pras has filed a lawsuit against Lauryn Hill, accusing his bandmate of fraud. According to Billboard, Pras’ lawyers filed the lawsuit in Manhattan federal court, alleging that Hill used his legal trouble and resultant expenses to get him to sign onto the reunion tour, which was eventually canceled due to “gross mismanagement” by Hill’s touring company.

Pras says that Hill lied about how much she would be paid in comparison to her bandmates, secretly taking 40 percent of revenue from the gross before paying the one-third split between the three Fugees. Meanwhile, that revenue was much less than expected due to “bloated” production costs and its abrupt, premature end — which Pras blames on Hill’s company taking too long to negotiate splits with Live Nation, the tour sponsor. He says she also told Live Nation Pras and Wyclef Jean had agreed to extend the tour in order to garner a $1 million advance, which she kept for herself. She also turned down $5 million from Coachella because No Doubt would have received higher booking, denying Pras the opportunity to pay off his legal fees.

As such, the lawsuit demands full accounting of the tour, and specifically alleges breach of contract on Hill’s part and fraud in both her inducing Michel to sign onto the tour and how she paid out from the revenue.

“Hill’s ploy to appear to be Michel’s supposed savior was actually a devious attempt to make a big score for herself by generating millions of dollars from a Fugees tour,” his lawyers write. “In the process, it did not matter to Hill if she took full advantage of Michel’s vulnerability – her friend and creative partner of over 30 years. In fact, she counted on exploiting that vulnerability to carry out her scheme.”

A Judge Has Reportedly Denied Pras Michel’s Request For A New Money Laundering Trial

September 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pras Michel The Fugees Private After Party 2023 (1024x437) — Getty Image

In April, Pras (real name Prakazrel Michel) was found guilty of 10 counts related to his money laundering case (which included conspiracy to defraud the U.S., witness tampering and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government). The Fugees member accused of making a false statements and records after surrounding contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign (allegedly on behalf of Malaysian businessman Jho Low.)

Despite the conviction, Pras hasn’t given up hope. Given that he could face up to 20 years in prison, the producer held out hope for a legal Hail Mary. Pras supposedly filed a motion to have a new trial, stating inadequate representation. However, according HipHopDX, the judge has denied Pras’ request.

On August 30, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly requested the motion (viewable here) citing insufficient prejudice.

“Because [Pras] Michel has not shown sufficient prejudice resulting from the defense team’s use of the AI program (and the subsequent inclusion of Puff Daddy lyrics),” read the response. “The Court concludes that Michel has not demonstrated ineffective assistance of counsel on this basis.”

In Pras’ paperwork, he argued that his former attorney’s use of generative AI during closing statements or as the paperwork referred to as “the single most important portion” of his defense failed to wrap up their case neatly.

According to reports, Pras’ former defensive attorney David Kenner has pled guilty to leaking evidence of the case to the media.

Pras Net Worth 2024: What Is The Fugees Icon Worth?

April 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pras Michel is best known as a member of the seminal hip-hop group The Fugees. He has established a net worth of $20 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. As a key figure in one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, Pras has made a significant mark in the industry. He’s done this through his musical talents and ventured into acting and producing.

Founding The Fugees & Achieving Global Success

Pras Michel co-founded The Fugees with Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill in the early 1990s. Soon, the group quickly rose to international fame with their second album, The Score. This album, which includes hits like “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not,” and “Fu-Gee-La,” has sold over six million copies in the U.S. and 18 million copies worldwide. This made it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Pras’s contributions as a rapper and producer were integral to the unique sound that blended hip hop with various other musical styles. It further set The Fugees apart from their contemporaries.

Solo Career & Entrepreneurial Ventures

After The Fugees went on hiatus, Pras embarked on a solo career. He released the single “Ghetto Supastar,” a global hit featured on the soundtrack of the film Bulworth. Beyond music, Pras has also explored other avenues. This includes documentary filmmaking and tech entrepreneurship. His documentary Skid Row highlighted his 9-day experience living as a homeless person in Los Angeles, which brought attention to social issues and showcased his capabilities beyond music. Additionally, his involvement in various technological and media-related ventures has diversified his career and income sources.

Ongoing Influence & Philanthropic Efforts

Pras Michel continues influencing the music industry through his production and artist development work. His commitment to exploring innovative projects and investments in various sectors, including digital media, demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to business and art. Furthermore, Pras is involved in philanthropy. This is particularly true in initiatives aimed at supporting education and fighting poverty. It further reflects his dedication to giving back to the community.

Pras Michel’s career illustrates a dynamic and multifaceted trajectory from musician to global entertainer and entrepreneur. His lasting impact on the hip-hop industry and his ongoing music, film, and business projects ensure he remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world. As he continues developing new artistic and business ventures, Pras’s influence is poised to expand further, solidifying his legacy in the cultural landscape.

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Pras Denied First Attempt At Overturning Political Conspiracy Conviction

April 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

According to several confirmed reports, the first attempt to have the federal conspiracy conviction overturned for Pras of The Fugees was denied in federal court on Friday(April 12) by a judge who has presided over cases involving Saddam Hussein, George W. Bush and Microsoft.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the motion, saying there was more than sufficient evidence to convict Pras, whose real name is Prakazrel Michel, of the charges on the first go-round, and therefore, there was no reason to dismiss the conviction.

“After a five-week trial, a jury convicted Michel of ten counts,” the judge wrote in her memorandum. “The Court has thoroughly reviewed the extensive evidence presented at trial and finds the evidence sufficient to withstand a motion for judgment of acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29. Accordingly, Michel’s [309] Motion for Judgment of Acquittal is DENIED.”

Back in January, Pras’ former attorney David Kenner pleaded guilty to leaking confidential federal grand jury files to two reporters in 2023, which is in direct violation of federal rules. The United States District Court in Washington, DC found probable cause that the ex-attorney for Michel “committed misdemeanor contempt in violation of 18 USC 401 (c)” by leaking files.

Pras was convicted of money laundering and illegitimate lobbying tactics. Just a few months later, he began working toward bringing his case back to life on grounds of his ex-attorney apparently messing up “the single most important portion” of his defense by using AI to put together a closing statement.

“Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” Pras’ new legal team stated in a brief. “The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

David Kenner is the famed attorney who represented Death Row Records in the 90s and was able to secure an acquittal for Snoop Dogg’s murder trial back in 1993.

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