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.
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.
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.
On this date in 1998, after her successful intro into the game with The Fugees, Lauryn Hill embarked on her solo journey and released her first solo LP entitled The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on the Ruffhouse/Columbia imprint.
As a play on the titles of Carter G. Woodson’s The Mis-Education of the Negro and the 1972 film The Education Of Sonny Carson, Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation album fused the sounds of neo-soul, reggae, R&B and Hip Hop to create an album unlike anything similar to that which was created during the “bling” era. The 16 track classic was a mainstream hit, mainly because of the cross over appeal of singles like “Everything Is Everything”, “Doo Wop(That Thing}”, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” and “Ex-Factor”, with production courtesy of Ms, Hill herself.
Supreme shout out to Ms, Hill for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
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
NEW YORK – July 20, 1994: Hip hop group the Fugees (L-R Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean) pose for a portrait backstage at the. Manhattan Center on July 20, 1994, also in New York City, New York. (Photo By Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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
Fonzworth Bentley, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Pras (Photo by Paul Redmond/WireImage)
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
MIAMI BEACH, FL – MARCH 12: Rapper/Actor/Producer Pras Michel poses during the. Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival at The Standard on March 12, 2015, also in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/FilmMagic)
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.
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.
In a recent episode of the 85 South Show, Fugees co-founder and solo artist Wyclef Jean discussed the financial impact that The Fugees had on the original songwriter of their hit “Killing Me Softly”, Lori Lieberman. Jean said that their version of the song amassed millions for Lieberman, who wrote and performed the song in 1972. The version that gained the most notoriety at the time was Roberta Flack’s version, which was recorded in 1973.
Wyclef stressed the importance of owning copyrights to songs to ensure financial success while speaking about Lieberman. Lieberman was still known to have a hard time receiving financial compensation and credit for the song’s global success.
Wyclef Jean, a legend in the music industry, has been a significant influence in the realm of hip-hop and beyond. This multi-talented musician, producer, and actor has an estimated net worth of $10 million US Dollars in 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
NEW YORK – July 20, 1994: Hip hop group the Fugees (L-R Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean) pose for a portrait backstage at the Manhattan Center on July 20, 1994 in New York City, New York. (Photo By Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Born in Haiti and raised in New Jersey, Wyclef Jean started making waves in the music industry as part of the influential hip-hop group The Fugees. Their album The Score was a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and significantly contributing to Wyclef Jean’s net worth. This helped put Jean on the map and was instrumental in his development as a hitmaking artist.
Jean’s solo career further skyrocketed his acclaimed visibility. His debut album, The Carnival, was also a critical and commercial success. Subsequent albums like The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book and Masquerade added to his wealth and musical legacy.
Exploring Other Avenues: Wyclef Jean’s Net Worth
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 29: Rapper Wyclef Jean performs in concert at Brooklyn Bowl on March 29, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
Beyond his successful music career, Wyclef Jean expanded his horizons into acting and entrepreneurship. His appearances in films like Shottas and TV shows such as Third Watch and Nashville brought additional income streams, further enhancing his net worth. Moreover, Jean’s venture into the business world, including his record label, Yéle Haiti, showcases his entrepreneurial spirit. These ventures have also played a significant role in his financial growth.
Philanthropic Efforts
ALAMEDA, CA – MAY 28: Wyclef Jean performs at the 1st annual Ship Show Music Festival on May 27, 2017 in Alameda, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
Philanthropy is also a significant aspect of Jean’s life, complementing his professional success. He founded the Yéle Haiti Foundation to provide humanitarian aid and support development in Haiti. While his philanthropic work may not directly contribute to Wyclef Jean’s net worth, it undoubtedly enhances his social value and public image. Additionally, he remains at the forefront of helping communities that have suffered political upheaval or natural disasters.
Net Worth Reflecting His Musical Influence
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 19: Recording artist Wyclef Jean attends ‘SXSW Interview: Wyclef Jean’ during the 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 19, 2015 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSW)
Wyclef Jean’s music weaves a rich tapestry of influences, from hip hop to reggae, drawing on his Haitian roots. Collaborations with stars like Shakira and Santana underscore his universal appeal, while his work with The Fugees highlights his skills in blending diverse musical styles seamlessly.
Additionally, Wyclef’s dynamic style pays tribute to musical legends like Bob Marley, demonstrating his knack for infusing reggae with modern beats. His collaborations also extend beyond borders, featuring international artists such as Avicii, underscoring his global impact. From working with Mary J. Blige to crafting his own unique sound, Wyclef Jean’s multifaceted music career is a testament to his wide-ranging influences and partnerships.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Wyclef Jean’s net worth is a testament to his impressive career. An estimated $10 million US Dollars as of 2024 reflects his journey from a member of The Fugees to a successful solo artist, actor, and entrepreneur. Wyclef Jean’s net worth is a tangible measure of his influence and success in the music industry and beyond. His story is an inspiration, demonstrating that one can build a lasting legacy with talent, hard work, and a willingness to diversify.
On this date in 1994, crew members Wyclef Jean, Pras, and a young, talented Lauryn Hill otherwise known as The Fugees formulated their first album entitled Blunted On Reality on Hip Hop indie imprint Ruffhouse Records.
Not as familiar to Hip Hop heads as their follow-up smash sophomore album The Score, Blunted On Reality did not receive the commercial success their first go around, yielding only 12,000 copies sold in the first two years. After the release of The Score, that number jumped to 125K.
With Clef’s hands in every aspect of production, there were very few times when the Haitian national wasn’t behind the boards during the production of this album. Other producers include Salaam Remi, Brand X, Khallis Bayyan and even Pras.
Salute to the trio for bringing us this slept on classic!
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.
In April of last year, Fugees rapper Pras finally wrapped up a long-running high-profile trial. He was facing some pretty serious conspiracy charges accusing him of embezzling millions. And after being found guilty last year he could be facing some serious consequences. The jury sent back a verdict of guilty in the federal conspiracy case, though that was hardly the end of the story. Since his conviction, the rapper has been making moves towards getting a retrial.
The primary reason he’s seeking a retrial is unhappiness with his legal representation in the first one. Back in October he made some surprising claims about the actions of his lawyer during the first trial. He accused his lawyer of using artificial intelligence to generate a closing statement in his trial. In fact, just earlier this week it was revealed that Pras’ retrial was being considered as a direct result of his legal representation. That came as is lawyer plead guilty to contempt of court charges. According to AllHipHop, he confessed to sharing classified documents with with the press during the trial. The guilty plea could work in the rapper’s favor at getting a retrial.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990’s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on March 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Following his guilty verdict Pras had to fight off allegations of being an informant online. While some, like Chuck D, came to his defense he had to face accusations from other popular figures. He even made threats to sue50 Cent and Kyrie Irving for their comments on the situation last year.
What do you think of Pras’ lawyer pleading guilty to contempt of court? Do you think he has a chance at beating the charges against him in a retrial? Let us know in the comment section below.
