In April 2023, after a long-fought case, Michel was formerly found guilty of money laundering. Sadly, he isn’t the only person connected to the case facing blowback from the heavily publicized trial. According to Rolling Stone, Michel’s defensive attorney, David Kenner, is also facing the music.
The outlet reports that on January 25, Kenner reportedly pleaded guilty to leaking evidence related to the case to members of the press. As media professionals were required to sign a protective order to prevent information from being shared with the public, Kenner allegedly handed off confidential files to multiple reporters from Bloomberg.
While appearing before the judge, Kenner reportedly apologized for his misconduct. “[This is a] low point,” he said. “Obviously, I made a terrible mistake.”
Michel’s spokesperson, Erica Dumas, released a statement regarding the matter. “Mr. Kenner argues that he was merely trying to mount the best possible defense for Pras,” she said. “Mr. Kenner’s reckless actions crossed critical ethical lines, failed his duties as counsel, and ultimately have cost him dearly. This plea conviction represents a breach of client trust that strikes at the heart of the attorney-client relationship.”
It is unclear if Kenner will face time behind bars for his actions, but he has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine.
Pras says there’s been “a little bit of progress” in his work to overturn his recent federal conviction in which a jury found him guilty of 10 criminal counts in April. He was allegedly involved in a $4.5 billion money laundering scheme and conspired with Malaysian national Low Taek Jho (aka Jho Low) to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
“I trust the process,” Pras said. “Obviously there’s been a little bit of progress, so we’ll see what happens.” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division previously explained Pras’ crimes, as noted by AllHipHop. “Mr. Michel sought to use his celebrity and access to influence U.S. government officials on behalf of undisclosed foreign interests,” Olsen said. “This is an affront to the rule of law, and we will use the full range of tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who would covertly aid foreign actors seeking to interfere with our democratic system of government.”
Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras Michél 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)
Pras’ latest update comes after the Fugees member previously claimed that his former lawyer, David Kenner, used artificial intelligence to craft the closing arguments in his case and hired a new legal team to help him. “We also found evidence indicating that this was true. Specifically, we identified a press release issued by a company called EyeLevel after the trial that stated: ‘EyeLevel.AI’s litigation assistance technology made history last week, becoming the first use of generative AI in a federal trial. The case involved Pras Michel, a former member of the Hip-Hop band The Fugees, who was on trial for international fraud charges,’” Pras’ legal team argued.
During the ongoing legal trouble, Pras recently reunited with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean to perform as the Fugees on Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour. Be on the lookout for further updates on Pras’ case on HotNewHipHop.
Former Fugees bandmate Pras Michel is facing some more heavy legal troubles in an already long string of previous visits. This time, the reason he is being brought back is over financial deceit from a past collaborator who nabbed plenty of big hits for him. That man is Dante Thomas, a pop singer who rose in popularity in the early 2000s. Both artists teamed up for a pretty big hit in 2001 called “Miss California.”
The track made big waves across the world, with it reaching platinum and gold status in several countries. “Miss California” is also on Thomas’ one and only album release, Fly, which came out in ’01. He believes that Pras is not living up to his end of the bargain, according to AllHipHop. Thomas claims that besides Pras not following their agreement, the rapper is teasing him that he will never get all of the earnings from the song and album too.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 16: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Rapper/actor Pras Michel attends the special screening and Q&A for “Sweet Mickey For President” at Laemmle Music Hall on November 16, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Vincent Sandoval/Getty Images)
Thomas’ efforts to retain his money are obviously turning up no results. He is seeking at least over $1 million in total punitive, liquidated, and compensatory damages. The evidence that his lawyer, Marye Dean Esq, has might help him over Pras. “Pras [informed Thomas] that he did, in fact, have [Thomas’] money that was paid by Warner to Pras and that he wasn’t going to give it to him. Pras boasted that he had powerful attorneys, ‘the same attorney Micheal Jackson had’ and taunted [Thomas], stating that he wouldn’t be able to recover a dime from him.” With this developing story, more information will come out on the exact amount that Thomas is looking to collect.
What are your initial thoughts on this situation with Pras Michel and Dante Thomas? With all of Pras’ legal issues lately, do you think he will serve time at all? Based on the information, whose side are you on? We want to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Pras Michel and the rest of the music world.
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.”
As Pras stares down a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, he appears to be taking legal action against 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving, and Rolling Stone for labeling him a federal informant. According to the Los Angeles Times, Pras’ attorney sent legal notifications to the three parties for the defamation suit on claims that a Rolling Stone article called him an “FBI informant.” However, Pras also claims that 50 Cent and Kyrie Irving echoed these claims online, as well.
A jury found Pras guilty of 10 counts last month, earning a widespread reaction from the hip-hop community following testimony that he cooperated with authorities. Fif took to Instagram with a headline that deemed Pras an “FBI informant.” “I knew this fool was a rat! I’m glad I never fvck with this guy,” 50 Cent wrote. Shortly after, Irving tweeted, “A whole FBI Informant was in the Fugees for that long??” Meanwhile, Rolling Stone published an article where they said he is “an informal FBI informant,” which was later changed to claim that he “voluntarily met with FBI agents.”
Pras’ Attorney’s Letter To Rolling Stone
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Jonathan Noah Schwartz, the representative for Pras’, said that these claims led to the loss of business deals, which ultimately impacted his ability to generate income. “Labeling a Hip Hop artist such as Michel, the reputation of whom is dependent upon ‘street credibility’ and not being a ‘snitch,’ a ‘government informant’ most certainly tends to subject said Hip Hop artist to hatred, distrust, ridicule, contempt and/or disgrace, along with injury in their trade or profession,” the letter reads.
In addition to Schwartz, David Kenner, Pras’ attorney, also plans to take legal action against Rolling Stone. Kenner’s attorney, Erica Dumas, said that the publication led to viral stories that “harmed the business interests, reputations of Pras and attorney Kenner,” Dumas told the Los Angeles Times. Dumas added that 50 Cent and Kyrie Irving put the lives of Pras and Kenner “at risk” because of their claims online. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the lawsuit. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
San Diego police took rapper Boosie Badazz into custody over the weekend and charged him with four gun-related offenses. Boosie was reportedly filming a music video with local rapper Bully Three. The two had previously collaborated on a song titled “How You Wanna Play It?”. After being released on bond, Boosie performed in San Diego and told fans to chant “f*ck San Diego police.” He then proceeded to shout into the microphone, “Suck my d*ck, you b*tches.”
This isn’t the first time Boosie has had a run-in with the law. Last year, he was pulled over for window tints and a concealed tag. A search of his car yielded a large bag of weed. Boosie expressed frustration with the police officers, saying, “I can’t keep going through this though, bro… I just can’t, bro… It’s harassment. It’s every day. I moved to the country to fucking live, bro. I did six years on my back.” However, at least Boosie can be thankful he hasn’t gotten into nearly as much trouble as Pras Michel has.
Boosie: “The Music Industry Is Full Of Rats”
In a new segment from his extended interview with VladTV, Boosie Badazz was asked about Pras Michel of The Fugees. The MC was just ruled guilty in a number of extremely serious conspiracy charges. The biggest allegation against Pras is that he is a government informant. Boosie wasn’t fully aware of the case, but he had some things to say about rats in the industry. “It’s a worldwide movement, bro. The music industry is full of [rats]. There are more rats in the music industry than in the streets,” Boosie said. “I think they don’t wanna lose. You know? They don’t wanna lose this lifestyle. That’s why they develop into rats.”
Luckily for Boosie, life seems to be taking a turn for the more positive recently. His arrest this past weekend aside, he recently announced that he was cancer-free. He also adopted an adorable pet duckling that he has dubbed “Little Boosie.” What do you think of Boosie’s thoughts on Pras and rats in the industry? Let us know in the comments!
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.
The Pras conspiracy case is surely one of the wildest hip-hop stories of the year so far. Moreover, following his guilty verdict, he continued to deny the assumption that he was an FBI informant. In fact, he recently said such statements in person to TMZ, who caught up with him on the street and asked him about the situation. For those unaware, the Fugees rapper allegedly embezzled millions in cahoots with a Malaysian businessman and participated in a host of fraudulent and witness tampering schemes. However, he maintained his innocence and that he acted in good faith and in the United States’ best interests.
“I can’t really talk about the verdict, I got a lot more work to get done,” Pras remarked in Los Angeles. “Look, I was never in the past, present, or future an FBI or a CIA informant. Never ever. If people want to check it out, look at the testimonies. They could see that all within the records, and all the DC courts.” During his remarks, he even dismissed comparisons to one of rap’s most notorious snitches in recent memory.
Pras & 6ix9ine Are Not Alike
“This is not a Tekashi 6ix9ine situation, respectfully,” he continued. “Because he admitted he was an informant, basically. So I was never. I never said I was. I am not now and never will be an FBI or a CIA informant.” Furthermore, Pras’ publicist also denied these claims. “Pras was never an FBI informant. It’s not accurate and, quite frankly, it’s dangerous,” Erica Dumas told AllHipHop. “If he was an informant, he would not be on trial. The government does not prosecute and threaten its informants with more than two decades of jail time.” Regardless, many still clowned him online, whether it was figures in the genre or regular people.
Still, there’s one legendary MC who stood up for the “Zealots” rhymer: Chuck D. “Pras was a valedictorian in HighSchool or in the final runnings,” he tweeted. “They NEVER mention THAT. Instead USA propAgenda machine ALWAYS promotes this backwoods Jed ass Clampett tale of Hood gangstaS, which NEVER been a threat ANYWHERE other than Blackfolk. Wrong is wrong but this SMELLS.” Let us know what you think of this in the comments and return to HNHH for the latest on Pras.
The conspiracy case of Pras, which recently resulted in a guilty verdict, is one of the wildest stories of the year so far. However, some figures in the rap game and beyond are sticking up for the Fugees MC and calling out wider systemic issues. Chuck D recently took to Twitter to stand up for his past accomplishments as he maintains his complete innocence despite the verdict. “Pras was never an FBI informant,” his publicist Erica Dumas told AllHipHop on Thursday (April 27). “It’s not accurate and, quite frankly, it’s dangerous. If he was an informant, he would not be on trial. The government does not prosecute and threaten its informants with more than two decades of jail time.”
After news spread like wildfire labeling the 50-year-old as an FBI informant, the Public Enemy legend pointed out some inconsistencies in reporting. “Pras was a valedictorian in HighSchool or in the final runnings,” he tweeted. “They NEVER mention THAT. Instead USA propAgenda machine ALWAYS promotes this backwoods Jed ass Clampett tale of Hood gangstaS, which NEVER been a threat ANYWHERE other than Blackfolk. Wrong is wrong but this SMELLS.
Chuck D Defends Pras
Pras was a valedictorian in HighSchool or in the final runnings. They NEVER mention THAT. Instead USA propAgenda machine ALWAYS promotes this backwoods Jed ass Clampett tale of Hood gangstaS, which NEVER been a threat ANYWHERE other than Blackfolk. Wrong is wrong but this SMELLS pic.twitter.com/LEaTxFOuv1
“The narrative is calling him everything in the book and never mentioning it. That’s it,” Chuck D added in a later tweet. “But the deeper you go into any of this Russell you discover a fraternity ALL pssing in the same urinal holding each others johnson.” Along that same line, Pras’ attorney David Kenner told reporters that the conspiracy trial’s outcome was a let-down. “We are extremely disappointed in that result but are very, very confident in the ultimate outcome of this case,” he stated. “If we do move to a sentencing hearing I remain very confident we will certainly appeal this case. This is not over.”
Meanwhile, other rap legends haven’t taken as kindly to this news. For example, 50 Centroasted the “Zealots” rapper online for being a snitch. While the term “FBI informant” is admittedly misleading, he did confess to collaborating with the agency. As such, it seems like this case’s verdict won’t make it any less murky. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Pras and Chuck D.
The trial of Fugees MC Pras Michel has been ongoing for months now. It began on Monday, March 27 in Washington D.C. As per an NPR report, Pras is facing charges of conspiracy, witness tampering, and failure to register as an agent of China. In 2018, an investigation was opened into Pras’ dealings. The MC allegedly embezzled millions. Apparently, he used the funds to support Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Pras has more legal issues, though. The MC has also been in court for failing to pay child support. However, the federal case against him is far more serious. Pras’ legal problems resulted in the cancellation of the Fugees’ reunion tour in August 2022.
The charges against Pras are a little bit complicated. He allegedly planned to repay $40,000 to participants of an Obama campaign fundraiser using foreign investments for ticket expenses. Additionally, he allegedly threatened those who would think about reporting this scheme to the authorities. Furthermore, he also helped Malaysian billionaire Jho Low through a secret lobbying campaign to persuade U.S. Justices and White House officials to dismiss the fraud charges against him. As of today, it looks like his luck has run out.
Pras Guilty On All 10 Counts
Rapper/producer Pras visits SiriusXM Studios. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Pras has been convicted for participating in the aforementioned international conspiracy plot. It utilized millions of foreign funds to influence American government officials. According to TMZ, Pras is guilty on all 10 charges. He can be sentenced to up to 20 years in jail. His lawyer, David Kenner, expressed dissatisfaction with the jury’s verdict. Of course, he promised to challenge the decision.
In 2019, Pras was accused of violating campaign laws. At the time, authorities presented a plea deal. It would have cleared all charges and returned some of the $74 million seized from his bank accounts. However, he declined the offer, confident in his innocence. Instead, he chose to face trial, which resulted in the inclusion of eight additional charges. Now, he has been found guilty of all of them. What do you think of the outcome of Pras’ trial? Let us know in the comments!
