Untitled Document

Wyclef Jean took a few moments to chat with us about what he has going on lately. There is of course, his latest album, "Welcome To Haiti". Then there's the recent reunion of him, Pras, and Lauryn Hill at Dave Chappelle's Block party in September. So much to say in so little time. Take a few moments and read what he had to say about everything, plus learn more about his budding label, Clef Records.

Hey hey, what's going on man? Wyclef Jean: What's the word Well first of all, it goes without saying man, much thanx to you for taking the time out to talk to us.

Wyclef: It's all respect baby!

So what's going down with you these days man ?

Wyclef: Man, you know, really I'm just getting back from Haiti so these few months, I just been working on the environment. But we just finished the Creole cd, and it's in four different languages. You know, Creole, French, English, Spanish, and it's dedicated to my country, Haiti. It's called Welcome To Haiti, and right now, we're just building the record company, Clef Records. You know, we had did the Fugee reunion show, which we did with Dave Chappelle.

Right! I'm want to touch on all of that and a few other things. But like you said, everybody's been talking about this Fuggee reunion. I know you been working at getting the group back together for so long, and it didn't seem like it was going to happen. How does it feel to actually see it come together ?

Wyclef Jean: It's a good thing because, you know, every time people interview me, I never had a negative thing to say. I always be like, yo it's going to happen, because faith is the most important thing. To see it come into fruition was definitely a great thing.

Now, have the three of you been in contact since the block party occurred ?

Wyclef Jean: Oh yea, definitely! We was in contact before that, you know what I'm saying ?

Now I know it's a bit premature, but are there plans for you all to put together a new cd?

Wylef Jean: I mean it's definitely premature, but it's a definite. The fans are not going to be disappointed.

Now, since the last album, everybody has gone their separate ways and built their own respective solo careers. Besides that fact, what do you think will be different with a new Fugee's cd?

Wyclef Jean: I think right now, the groove of music. I think with a new cd, we already know everbody and their mother going to cop it. So we just got to make sure that there's enough information on that cd, and it's like really bringing music back to the game. If you going to say something, make sure it really makes since. Get rid of all the gimmicks. Let's get back to business right now.

Man, you just don't know how long I've been waiting for you guys to get back together.

Wyclef Jean: Yea, so whoever is on some gimmick stuff, when we come out it's like the gimmicks is done, because it's no gimmick. It's the real right now.

Now, going back to your cd, you say it's called Welcome To Haiti. Who all have you worked with for this cd ?

Wyclef: Right now, I'm trying to introduce Creole Hip Hop. You got the reggae movement songs, so it's different rhythms in the country. I always try to bring awareness to the race. You got more black people going to a bunch of islands these days. When you throw in that cd, it's like you're on the island of Haiti, and that's how it feels. Despite all the negative things you hear, we got the best beaches in the world.

You always been really good with fusing your haitian roots into your music. Why did you decided to do the cd in four different languages?

Wyclef Jean: I mean, really the good thing about the position I'm in, is I don't really have pressure. I'm not pressured to come up with an album that's supposed to be number one on the charts. I'm not pressured to have a number one video. When you hear the name Wyclef, people think "Credible Music"! Thank God that I'm blessed enough that I don't have to worry about, Yo, if this cd don't sell, I'm not going to have food to eat. So I've been able to do that, and it enables me to concentrate and focus on the music.

Well it's a very original idea, but why did you wait so long to do something of this nature?

Wyclef Jean: This is important right now because this is like the theme. All my cds are a theme.

Now besides the fact that it's in four different languages…..

Wyclef Jean: Four languages being spoken by a black man!

What else will make the cd stand ahead of your previous work?

Wyclef Jean: I mean it's like a foreign movie. All you got to do is just follow it. Even if you don't understand what I'm saying. It's almost like subtitles in your imagination.

You're known for being socially and politically conscious within the community. You've done a lot to raise money for Haiti. How important is it for you to do these things?

Wyclef Jean: Awareness is one of the most important things, and without awareness, you're not really saying much. It seems like every time we try to bring awareness, somebody throw us in the category of politicians. I'm excited by hip hop right now because of the whole movement. The whole voting movement and trying to get kids to do something right now.

Now, I also see that you switched from J Records to Koch Entertainment. Why the sudden switch?

Wyclef Jean: For my label, which is my world beat label. Which is Creole. The whole stuff is perfect for Koch. That's more of the world beat side of Clef.

So with Clef Records, who's on the label thus far? Wyclef Jean: Man, Clef Records, I'm trying to tell y'all we're the next Motown. We got "3 on 3" which is the next Jackson 5, watch out for this lil 13 year old kid named Malik, I got the hottest rapper on the block and her name id Trinidon, she's 18 and she's a lethal weapon. But right now, people sending me demos and I'm like, it got to sound like Jesus spittin on it, you know. Come with it.

What ever happened with City High? Are you still doing anything with them?

Wyclef Jean: You know, what happened with City was Shorty got pregnant. But I still got all the contracts, so I'm still Don King-ing it.

Clearly, you've got a thing for sculpting different groups and images. How was it for you to work with Diddy's crew Da Band last year?

Wyclef Jean: I worked with P Diddy, Da Band, Dylan, the whole crew! It's unfortunate that Da Band has broken up. I don't really hear nothing. It's more like a struggle. I really think Dylan could have did something, with all the controversy he had around him. I think he could have used that and came with a good cd! I didn't really mess with him because it just seem like it would have been a headache.

I'm glad you mentioned that. There were so many rumors that you were looking to sign him at one point. Was there any truth to that at all?

Wyclef Jean: I mean, if I was going to sign him, I would have did it right after that deal. I would have built on the controversy.

You come along way since the Fugees, man. Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of ?

Wyclef Jean: I'm most proud of the fact that every american in every hood right now, knowing that I'm from Haiti.

You got so many business ventures going on right now. How much longer do you see yourself putting out music as an artist?

Wyclef Jean: Me as an artist, I do that naturally! But I got that Berry Gordy side of me that's trying to come out! But you know, I'm still Smokey Robinson though. It's all about my acts though.

We're at the end, man. Are there any final comments that you want to get out in the air?

Wyclef Jean: Man, just tell everybody, especially the ladies, to cop that new album, look out for the Fugees, and Clef Records man!