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
“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
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!
Social media is often a flashpoint for misinformation and disinformation, and one of the worst offenders is Twitter. A prime example is a rumor that swept the app calling Fugees member Pras Michel an “FBI informant” after his testimony in the federal money laundering case against him last Tuesday.
<em>Rolling Stone reported that Pras made the unusual move to testify in his own defense after consulting with his lawyers and “the universe” according to Mother Jones reporter Dan Friedman. However, in the report, Rolling Stone noted that Pras had met with FBI agents over the course of the investigation into his association with Malaysian financier Jho Low and whether Pras had helped Low, a foreign national, make campaign contributions illegally in the 2012 election. Low is also under investigation — and currently a fugitive — for allegedly stealing $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.
Obviously, this is a complex case and those “hip-hop Twitter” gossip accounts aren’t exactly legal geniuses. But it doesn’t take a genius to extrapolate “FBI informant” from the report — just a dire misunderstanding of the facts of the case. And once there’s a hot take circulating online, it doesn’t take long for it to start circulating, true or not, as long as it’s inflammatory enough.
In hip-hop, the term “informant” carries a lot of baggage, so of course, “Pras is an informant” is one hell of a takeaway.
In reality, Pras is simply on trial because he allegedly took money from Low and put it into Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and lobbied Donald Trump’s administration to stop investigating Low and extradite Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, an associate of Steve Bannon. Michel said he met with FBI agents to discuss sending Guo back to China but denied doing so on behalf of the Chinese government (Guo fled to the US in 2015 to escape fraud, corruption, and rape charges, according to Mother Jones. Guo sought asylum, claiming to be a whistleblower).
The rumor probably won’t stop circulating now, but here’s yet another reminder that Twitter gossip is not a trustworthy source — especially not now that old emerald mine nepo baby Musk is in charge.
Pras is getting a lot of flack and jokes online after he admitted that he was an FBI informant. Moreover, the revelation relates to his criminal conspiracy case, where he stood accused of witness tampering and failing to register as an agent of China, as well. According to Rolling Stone, the Fugees MC testified in his own federal trial. During that, he admitted to several meetings with FBI agents about China potentially extraditing a dissident. “Pras is testifying in his own defense,” reported Dan Friedman relayed on Twitter. “Told the judge: “After consulting with my attorneys and the universe, I decided that I will testify.”
Furthermore, this case also saw another famous person testify, but this time against Pras, and it was none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. While he’s not involved in this case at all, he detailed his relationships with Pras and with Malaysian businessman Jho Low. For those unaware, he’s the person that the rapper allegedly conspired with to embezzle money from the Malaysian government and to secretly fund Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. What’s more is that the “Zealots” artist was apparently the middle man for many of these operations.
Pras Admits To Being An FBI Informant
Specifically, the court accused him of helping Low put pressure on White House and justice officials that tracked his fraud scheme. In addition, Pras allegedly helped advocate for the Chinese government “securing the return” of a dissident living in the U.S. that developed a relationship with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. While denying his role as an agent of China, he clarified his involvement. “I took it upon myself to report because I thought the FBI should know,” he expressed during his testimony.
After this admission circled online, with the added fact that he reportedly accepted $100 million to engage in these activities, fans reacted with shock and ridicule on social media. Pras faces 22 years in prison if convicted, and the jury deliberated the case starting Monday (April 24). Before the trial, he spoke to Rolling Stone and maintained his innocence. “What benefit would I get trying to break laws?” he told the publication. “It’s not worth it to me. I’m like a pariah now. I’ve got friends who won’t talk to me because they think there’s a satellite in orbit listening to them.” Check out reactions to Pras, the FBI informant, down below and return to HNHH for the latest on the Fugees member.
It has been reported that famed actor Leonardo DiCaprio took the stand and testified against The Fugees member Pras Michel who is accused of participating in a global campaign-finance conspiracy.
Michel is on trial by himself, but the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy, Malaysian businessman Jho Low who allegedly stole billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, is still on the run.
DiCaprio was on the stand for about an hour, talking about his interactions with Low, who prosecutors said was introduced to the actor by Riza Aziz, the stepson of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak. Aziz has also been charged in the scandal.
DiCaprio then spoke about his dealings with Pras, which he testified was at a Fugees concert and adds that Pras possibly could have been an attendee at one of his family’s Thanksgiving dinners, but DiCaprio says that he’s not sure.
DiCaprio was asked to identify Pras in the courtroom, which led to Pras leaning back and waving at the actor.
Pras is accused of helping Low make donations to political campaigns with the stolen money through a series of fake donors and DiCaprio was asked to recall a conversation with Low about making a large contribution to the Democratic party.
DiCaprio explained, “It was a casual conversation about what party he was in support of, I told him what party I was in support of. And he told me that he, or he and a group, were going to make a significant contribution to the Democratic Party,” he said, noting the donation was around $20 million or $30 million. “I said ‘wow, that’s a lot of money.’”
DiCaprio spoke about Low offering to fund a movie for him after an extensive background check, DiCaprio’s team gave the actor the green light to make a deal with Low. This led to Low funding The Wolf of Wall Street, which led to DiCaprio shouting out Low while accepting a Golden Globe for “Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film.”
In one of the strangest media crossover events so far this year, Leonardo DiCaprio testified against Pras Michel in the latter’s ongoing conspiracy trial. Moreover, the former Fugees member stands accused of collaborating with Malaysian businessman Jho Low to illegally finance Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, embezzle billions from the Malaysian government, and more. During his testimony, the silver screen star went over his relationship with Low in interesting detail. While Pras pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, Leo is not criminally involved in this case.
Instead, prosecutors likely used him as an example of Low coercing influential people in the States and seeking favor with them for his own personal gain. Before anyone starts speculating, DiCaprio’s testimony does not incriminate him or his collaborators in any way. In the hour-long testimony, the Inception actor said he became friends with Low upon meeting at a birthday party in 2010. Two years later, Low allegedly told him about his plan to donate between $20 million and $30 million to the Democratic Party throughout the 2012 presidential election.
Leonardo DiCaprio & Pras Michel On Opposite Sides Of Courtroom
Not only that, but prosecutors maintain that Low used a film production company called Red Granite Pictures to launder his embezzled money. Furthermore, this relates to Leo because, apparently, they offered to finance his flick The Wolf Of Wall Street. Before accepting, the actor’s legal team and third party collaborators ran financial background checks on the production company. Surprisingly (and clearly incorrectly), everything seemed normal. What’s more is that the 48-year-old even thanked Low during his Golden Globes acceptance speech for Best Actor for his role in the film.
Meanwhile, Leo said that he met Pras once or twice. The first time was during a Fugees concert in the ’90s, whereas he hazily remembered interacting with him on another occasion at DiCaprio’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Funnily enough, the actor recently hung out with Q-Tip courtside at a basketball game, so his hip-hop roots run deep. Regardless, the rapper stands accused of making illegal campaign contributions with Low in 2012, failing to register as an agent of China’s government, and witness tampering. With all that in mind, log back into HNHH for the latest on Leonardo DiCaprio and Pras Michel.
The trial involving Pras Michel began on Monday (March 27) in Washington D.C., more specifically its jury selection. Moreover, according to an NPR report, the Fugees member faces various charges such conspiracy, witness tampering, and failing to register as an agent of China. For those unaware, an investigation into potential embezzlement of millions to help Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign found Pras at the center around December of 2018. Since then, he faced other legal woes for failing to pay child support, but a broader federal case is now underway.
Furthermore, his legal troubles actually caused the cancellation of the Fugees’ reunion tour back in August of 2022. To elaborate on the charges, apparently the New Jersey native schemed to reimburse attendees of an Obama campaign fundraiser for $40,000 using foreign investment for ticket costs. In addition, authorities accused him of threatening those who would report such a plot to officials. Not only that, but he also allegedly helped Malaysian billionaire Jho Low through a secret lobbying campaign. This was to pressure U.S. justice and White House officials into dismissing the existing fraud scheme.
Pras Michel’s Trial For Conspiracy Begins Jury Selection Process
Also, the court accused him of aiding the Chinese government “secure the return” of a dissident residing in the States and developing close ties to Steve Bannon and the Trump administration. Since Low is reportedly living in China as a fugitive, the 50-year-old MC faces these charges alone. According to his legal team, Pras acted in good faith and in the interests of the U.S. when meeting with a Chinese minister in 2017. While federal authorities reportedly offered Pras a plea deal, he then rejected it and went on to plead not guilty to these crimes.
“Defendant continues to deny he was acting as an agent for China and denies he willfully and knowingly acted as a secret agent under the direction and control of China when he approached the FBI,” defense lawyers stated this month in court documents. Meanwhile, if convicted on all charges, Michel could land in prison for 22 years. For the latest updates on Pras and his legal case, check back in with HNHH.