The Fugees are reuniting for their first album in 28 years as member Pras Michel faces sentencing for his role in a $100 million foreign extortion plot. The hip-hop trio, consisting of Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Michel, became stars in the 1990s but only released two albums before breaking up in 1997.
After years of anticipation and planning, the Fugees are finally coming back together. A source shared with Page Six that the group, known for their hit album ‘The Score,’ has been working on new music. This reunion comes after a few bumps in the road, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and personal issues within the group.
Last year, fans were treated to a brief reunion tour, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of Lauryn Hill’s solo album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ Despite some vocal issues for Hill and Michel’s legal troubles, the tour was a success and hinted at more to come. Now, it seems an album is on the horizon.
Pras Michel, meanwhile, is tangled in a complicated legal situation. Convicted on 10 felony counts for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors allege Michel netted $88 million through his schemes, acting as an unregistered foreign agent and conspiring to funnel money into political campaigns. Among those caught in the web of this scandal are notable figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, who testified during Michel’s trial.
Michel’s conviction included attempts to influence the Trump administration and support Obama’s 2012 election campaign using embezzled funds from Malaysian businessman Jho Low, the alleged mastermind behind the massive 1MDB embezzlement scandal. Low is now a fugitive, believed to be hiding in China, after being accused of siphoning $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.
The drama surrounding Michel hasn’t stopped the Fugees from moving forward. Despite his looming sentencing, Michel remains actively involved in the group’s musical efforts. Their new album will mark their first release since 1996’s ‘The Score.’ The group’s recent activities, including the new album, suggest they are committed to their comeback, even with the legal cloud hanging over one member.
Amidst all the chaos, the Fugees have announced new tour dates, starting in Tampa, Florida on August 9 and wrapping up in Amsterdam on October 22. This will be another chance for fans to see the iconic trio back on stage, performing both classic hits and potentially new tracks from their upcoming album.
As Pras Michel awaits his fate, the Fugees are pressing on with their musical reunion, signaling hope and resilience for the group and their fans. Whether their next chapter will be triumphant or troubled, only time will tell.
