Haitian musician Wyclef “Clef” Jean is the latest immigrant to chronicle his life-story by publishing an autobiography detailing his humble beginnings in the slums of his homeland to moving to New York and becoming an international superstar.
In an autobiography entitled “Purpose: An Immigrant’s Story” Jean, the son of a pastor and grandson of a voodoo priest pens a revealing account of his life after moving here at the age of nine years old.
How that boy transitioned to forming The Fugees, a musical trio with his cousin, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel and his South Orange High School mate, Lauryn Hill could be enlightening reading to music lovers and fans aspiring to the profession.
The group hit a homerun with a debut album entitled “The Score.”
Signed to one of the biggest recording label in the world, the group garnered accolades, critical acclaim, international success and ultimately Grammy awards, the biggest recognition in the music industry.
Their rise and fall, his romantic relationship with Hill and how the group ceased to record and tour as a unit are all addressed.
Jean claims the reason the Fugees broke up was because of a betrayal.
He told Vibe magazine that Hill lied to him.
He told the music publication that she led him to believing that he fathered her first born son, Zion.
He later found out that the true father was Rohan Marley, one of Bob Marley’s sons who toured with his brother’s Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers who were the opening act for The Fugees. Reportedly, Jean stated: “In that moment something died between us. I was married and Lauryn and I were having an affair, but she led me to believe that the baby was mine, and I couldn’t forgive that.”
“She could no longer be my muse. Our love spell was broken.”
Jean further said that the betrayal he felt from Hill led to the band’s breakup.
However, also revealing is his reflection on the efforts he made to help rebuild Haiti after the devastation of an earthquake in 2010.
Jean furthered a patriotic quest to help his homeland by exploring a bid to lead the nation. His quest for presidency of his native island dissipated with questions surrounding his legal place of residence.
In the end, Jean endorsed fellow musician, Michel Martelly who emerged the winner of that election and remains the current leader.
LEE “SCRATCH” IN BROOKLYN
If you missed Lee “Scratch” Perry’s last performance in New York, try to catch the veteran on Sunday, Sept. 23 when he performs in Brooklyn as part of the Dub Champions Festival.
Reggae’s most revered dub master is booked for a rare appearance in the borough for one night only and will cross the bridge to perform wizardry at Music hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6 Street in Willy B.
The set is slated to begin at 8:00 p.m.
For the uninitiated, Perry is acclaimed as one of the most important figures in the history of reggae music. He is a songwriter, performer and a producer.
Perry has held a front seat to the genre since the late 50’s when the ska movement emerged.
The legendary pioneer of scratch innovator
Some describe him as the inventor of both reggae dub and “scratch” – the turntable effect used by deejays. The latter is attributed to his production in 1973, which became the first recording to use the “scratch” effect.
The following year, he released “Blackboard Jungle” one of the earliest all-dub albums.
Perry’s studio innovations have influenced not only reggae but also rock, punk, pop and dance music.
Perry remains relevant in 2012.
Catch him if you can.
Also on the bill are Silkane and Dre Skull.
Catch You On The Inside!
