Wyclef Jean: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nov. 6, 2017 | Bobby Carter -- Wyclef Jean doesn't get his just due. It was only after The Fugees had the world in their collective palms, and then disbanded, when we got to know his unadulterated abilities as a musician — his first solo album The Carnival was a project equal to (if not greater than) his greatest successes with The Fugees. From there, his focus shifted to discovering and producing stars, stretching all genres in his solo mission, and philanthropic work for his homeland of Haiti.

A seasoned pro, he walked through our doors greeting and charming anyone within arm's reach. Once in front of an audience, he was in attack mode, playing every instrument in sight. Clef doled out stories ranging from his upbringing and rise with The Fugees to intimate musical encounters with Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child. The mentions were properly placed and added substance to the performance, but to me, he pulled what I'd call a "subtle stunt." Hip-hop is and has always been about youth and freshness, so most elder statesmen of rap aren't celebrated to the degree of their peers in rock 'n' roll and country music. Every now and again it's necessary to inform the younger generation, who would otherwise never know these epic moments ever happened.

Over the past few years, we've seen a resurgence of sorts for Wyclef. Young Thug noted a heavy influence, naming a song after him and then tag-teaming on a different track on last year's Jeffery; one of the biggest songs of 2017, DJ Khaled's "Wild Thoughts," prominently samples Wyclef's colossal collaboration with Carlos Santana on "Maria Maria." His career trajectory was recently documented on TV One's Unsung, and in September he dropped the third installment of The Carnival. He starts his set with two highlights from his latest record, and finishes with a climactic rendition of his signature hit like you've never seen or heard.

Set List

"Borrowed Time"
"Turn Me Good"
"Gone Till November"

MUSICIANS

Wyclef Jean (guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals); Jazzy Amra (vocals); Patrick Andriantsialonina (bass); Manny Laine (drums)

CREDITS

Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Alyse Young, Nicholas Garbaty; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Christina Ascani/NPR

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[user]

Wyclef has to be one of the more underrated artists around. He's an absolute pillar in Hip Hop history with his bars and MC work with the Fugess, and then he has a beautiful singing voice and can play and compose with multiple instruments weaving that all together. Respect.

[shawny]

WYCLEF is actually everything that Kayne thinks of himself, the real musical genius.

[iliogonzalez]

This is the most impressed I have ever been out of a tiny desk, and that is saying something because Tiny Desk Series is amazing.  He played 3 different instruments, rapped and sang in 3 different languages, and kept the crowd engaged the WHOLE time with his stories/jokes.  Such a performer... I am in awe.

[iccddph]

Legendary! Give Wyclef all the flowers now while he’s alive. Rock n Roll Hall of Fame worthy.

[EonsOfReflection]

NPR is like TED talks of music <3 peace

[perryphd]

My favorite: November. I enjoyed this performance by Wyclef.

[mesyestrongarmhnz]

I saw Wyclef perform in concert and it was one of the best concerts ever. I wish this was longer. Wyclef is a musical genius and a very skilled musician. The Drummer, The Guitarist, and Jazzy were dope. Gotta Give Wyclef all the flowers now while he’s alive. He's definitely Rock n Roll Hall of Fame worthy. Legendary!!!

[eddypierre]

The Best HAITIAN ARTIST in The World. Salute.🇭🇹

[thicknfineto]

Only Wyclef can spit bars in Spanish, French, and English calling Trump out! I don't think people realize the musicality of this man. NPR you continue to feed my soul with great music.

[Lettnar]

The Fugees should come to theTiny Desk. It would be the best concert of all time

[Jrealnj]

I saw Wyclef perform quite a few times and he puts his heart and soul into every performance regardless of where it is or how many people are there. I saw him at a bar in my home town. I was literally right next to him for most of the performance, that’s how small the place is. Yet he gave us one of the best performances I’ve ever seen (live or otherwise). He is a true artist.

[dwightallen]

Wyclef my Class mate from Vailsburg High School. I am so proud of him.

[stthink]

Man... the drummer's keeping the pace for real!!!

[ejotuandrew]

This is in my humble opinion the best tiny desk performance.This must've been what they had in mind before it all started.
Such a talent! Wyclef for president!

[electricslideshow]

I’d forgotten how talented Wyclef is. And he makes it all look so easy peazy. This was a real groovy tiny desk.

[tgardner]

This dude is da truth! Talent, pure talent. Slept on talent.

[TheBellau]

Thank you for the Whitney story Wyclef, that's my girl. I miss her, wish we were all hearing new music from "the VOICE".

[ErinSGregor]

Starting a petition for a Fugees Reunion Tour - Who's with me?!

[hypgnosis]

Aw man, what else can be said about Wyclef!?
Hes beyond genius, hes BLESSED BY JAH,
Like a positive pied piper,
The angels of music must have hated to let this talented soul go, even if just for a humans lifetime,
Anything he does is magnetic, just phenomenal, and he barely seems like hes trying, such an inspiration to alp musicians out there, young, old, good, terrible, red, black, white, or yellow, he's the MAESTRO,
I always play ANY thing hes touched when i feel down & blue, or just need some musical schooling, soul lifting, or want to be elevated & lifted, thank you Wyclef,
Keep on cstching ViBES, my frkend,
JAH BLESS

[dabereuko]

Wyclef was so beautiful with everything he did here. I love his artistry a lot more now