Tue 22 Apr 2008
I was checking out some cool stuff last night and it got me to thinking about how talented Wyclef Jean actually is. The 35 year-old Haitian who once teamed with control freak Lauryn Hill and Pras as The Fugees has done very well going solo.
He cannot write his own lyrics and sing different styles such as rap, hip hop, rock and reggae but has the ability to play three instruments including guitar, piano and drums.
There’s plenty to respect about the man who calls home in South Orange, New Jersey. Jean’s been very active in giving back to his native country. I think what I admire most is his message in some of his songs as he’s very quick to pay tribute to those less fortunate often shouting out. Something not always seen in the industry.
That said, let’s take a look at some of his best tracks including recent big hit “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne and Niia off his 2007 album Carnival Vol. II Memoirs Of An Immigrant.
Wyclef Jean: “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) ”
a very well constructed song/video about the everyday struggles of a girl who gets deported. Akon references Wu Tang Clan’s notorious 1994 hit C.R.E.A.M. with his “Like Wu, Cash rules everything around me” during the chorus.
Wyclef Jean: “Riot (Trouble Again)“-Live in Dallas, Texas
this is most excellent. Very powerful message in the words too.
Wyclef Jean: “President”
this is a live version at the University of San Francisco which took place last month as he references Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during a very strong performance. His guitar playing is extremely good in this. This song has a rock/reggae feel which can appeal to almost any music fan out there. 
Wyclef Jean: “Fast Car”
When that fast car picks you up
You will have no choice
You may hear the tires scream
But you will have no voice
Sweet sixteen I see them leaving the scene
Crossing the street she won’t see seventeen
Wyclef Jean: “Gone Till November”
nice tribute here.
Wyclef Jean fea. Mary J. Blidge: “911”
just a great song in which he and Mary J. Blidge combine for an ultra cool sounding track.
4 Responses to “Video(s) of Day: Wyclef Jean”
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April 22nd, 2008 at 2:26 am
[...] Jason Calacanis wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThat said, let’s take a look at some of his best tracks including recent big hit “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne and Niia off his 2007 album Carnival Vol. II Memoirs Of An Immigrant. … [...]
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:34 am
[...] Jason Lancaster wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptHis guitar playing is extremely good in this. This song has a rock/reggae feel which can appeal to almost any music fan out there. Wyclef Jean: “Fast Car”. When that fast car picks you up. You will have no choice … [...]
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:05 am
[...] Derek Felix wrote an interesting post today on Video(s) of Day: Wyclef JeanHere’s a quick excerptThat said, let’s take a look at some of his best tracks including recent big hit “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne and Niia off his 2007 album Carnival Vol. II Memoirs Of An Immigrant. … [...]
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 am
[...] Video(s) of Day: Wyclef Jean [...]