Released in 2001, ‘What Would You Do?’ was an accomplished debut single, posting good chart positions on both sides of the Atlantic and appearing like a strong declaration of intent from a group that seemed intent on filling the void left by The Fugees. Despite their follow-up single, ‘Caramel’, having similar success and their self-titled album going double platinum and being nominated for a Grammy, the third single sunk without trace and the group quickly followed suit.

‘What Would You Do?’ is a modern cautionary tale discussing how poverty can affect the choices made by people, especially single parents, to provide for their family. In the song, Claudette Ortiz, the female vocalist of the group, plays a single mum who has turned to stripping and prostitution to support her children and through the protestations of the two guys in the group, Ryan Toby and Robbie Pardlo, we find out that her situation is a product of a bad childhood and a violent father.

With Wyclef Jean as co-writer and producer on the track, it seems to me that this was possibly written as a Fugees song before they disbanded, but while The Fugees excelled at giving credibility to such big topics covered in their songs, in the hands of City High this seems a little like The Saturdays releasing a song about human trafficking. Basically the message seems fumbled, offering little perspective to a well-covered issue.

But, no matter how much the lyrics try to hammer home this warning about the lengths that people are often pushed to just to survive, you don’t really pay attention to the words when you’re singing along to them, and I promise you will be singing along to them. Wyclef Jean knows how to manufacture a pop tune and the inclusion of a sample from Dr Dre’s ‘The Next Episode’ is expertly used to split the track up. The rapping is good but it is Ortiz that shines throughout this and it was little surprise that their next release was ‘Caramel’ which put her centre-stage. After helping to put Destiny’s Child on the map with ‘No, No, No (Part 2)’ Wyclef might have thought he had helped launch another act into inevitable superstardom here, but it seems this was a short-lived, highly successful moment for City High. For me at least ’What Would You Do?’ will be their most memorable moment.

Vezi:Wyclef Jean/Maino .

Check out Wyclef Jean and Cyndi Lauper on the Letterman with DJ Rekha spinning!

Be sure to check out DJ Rekha this Wednesday night at SOBs for her special Thanksgiving Eve show, cause we know you don’t have to wake up early on Thursday.

From The Hut, To The Projects To The Mansion
Order your copy: CLICK HERE

Wyclef Jean fans should enjoy this CD.

3 Word Review: Different, refreshing, enjoyed

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

VERDICT:
8/10 Boss Emcees

One of those magical little movies that’ll a big ol’ smile on your face from beginning to end. Man, what the hell happened to Dave Chappelle?

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is a documentary that follows Dave Chappelle – back when he was living it up as the funniest man on Earth –  as he puts together an utterly epic block party in Brooklyn, NY featuring some of the biggest names in the history of R&B and Hip-Hop. And being that Dave Chappelle is the man, he makes it into a free show, buses droves of people from his hometown in Ohio to go to the show, and makes everyone laugh their asses off.

What a guy.

Now, I happen to like a lot of the acts that Dave lined up for this show, especially since he somehow managed to get The Fugees back together for it (if you’ve never listened to The Score, you don’t know what you’re missing, brotha). So being that I like to laugh hard and since I’m always down for some choice R&B and Hip-Hop, this was a win-win for me, but I can understand how a number of folks out there might not see the attraction to this little comedy/rap concoction. For those of you who fall into this category, listen close, I have a story to tell thee.

I kinda had to rope my friends into seeing this one when it was out in theaters because they could really have given a shit about every aspect about this movie that didn’t have to do with Dave Chappelle. But by the time they came out, even though they still didn’t really care much for the musical aspect of it, they were soundly entertained across the board.

Part of this is because of Dave. The humor here is kinda different from Chappelle’s Show in that it’s not really trying to be edgy or push the envelope, it’s just capturing Dave as this normal, genuine, and totally hilarious guy that’s just trying to throw this sweet party for everyone to enjoy. The only bits that are scripted are a couple acts he does onstage with Mos Def and The Roots, but his best stuff is just when he’s being himself. It’s a damn shame that he’s been written off as this mental case over the years, because the impression you get from him here is that he’s of the rare humble, and grounded breed of celebrity that’s doing his best not to let fame get to his head. There’s a lot of celebrities out there who could learn a thing or two from Dave. That guy’s A-okay in my book.

But the other part of this is actually because of Michel Gondry. From a visual standpoint, you’d never know Gondry was behind this as it pretty much boils down to him with a camera and that’s it, but it’s something about the overall positive vibes this movie puts out that feels very much his own. Gondry makes movies about people, movies that bring people together, and that’s the beauty of Block Party. More so than the acts on stage, Gondry makes the people going to the show the main characters, showcasing this melting pot of cultures and happiness that all came together for this one kickass occasion.

It’s an unlikely one, but Chappelle and Gondry are a great team whose visions really complement each other. Good times all around with these guys.

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is just a damn good time. Not only is it funny as hell, but it’s surprisingly insightful, has a huge heart, and the concert itself is totally awesome, too. So give it a shot, even if you could care less about a Fugees reunion, everyone needs a good reminder every now and again of the genius that is Dave Chappelle.

We miss you, man. Come back to us.

Just as his Toussaint L’ouverture lead the Haitian Revolution, Wyclef Jean has returned to his Hip-Hop roots with his latest EP From The Hut, From The Projects, To The Mansion to spark a musical revolution. Despite never really having left the public eye, the pioneering musician felt it was necessary to return to rhyming under an alias to reflect his current revolutionary mindframe. Introducing Toussaint St. Jean, but this does not mark an exit for Wyclef Jean, but rather a new chapter in his already fascinating story.

“Revolution is in my bloodline,” he says, before explaining how Toussaint was one of the key figures in the Revolution for Haiti. “So with the tone of the message that I would be giving when I rapped, the name automatically came to me,” he elaborates. “The EP goes back to the essence. It was important to go back to the basics and the fundamentals, because sometimes you get so big that people forget where you come from,” he adds. “I wanted people to understand that I have not forgotten Hip-Hop. I’ve not forgotten lyrics; that is very important in what I do.”

Click HERE for the full interview on Allhiphop.com

SOHH.com also decided to reference my interview in a recent news piece. To read, just click HERE.

In the midst of recording his next project, a self-titled album slated for spring 2010, Wyclef Jean decided to revisit his hip-hop roots on the newly released “DJ Drama Presents Wyclef Jean, a.k.a. Toussaint St. Jean: From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion.” Issued November 10 on Jean’s own Carnival House Records through Megaforce/Sony Music, the EP bowed at No. 36 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for the week ended November 15. The 13-track EP finds the MC/songwriter/producer adopting the persona of Toussaint St. Jean, loosely based on the 18th-century Haitian revolutionary hero Toussaint L’Ouverture. The set of all-new material features Timbaland, Eve, Lil Kim and Cyndi Lauper.

“When you get to a certain point in your career, people forget where you came from,” Jean says of the EP’s concept. “So now, Toussaint is going to show everyone my skills and how I got started in hip-hop. Just in case you thought Clef was dead and he don’t spit: Here’s the reinvention.”

In addition to the assertive “Warrior’s Anthem,” the EP’s notable tracks include “The Streets Pronounce Me Dead,” which finds Jean addressing all naysayers, and the Lauper-assisted “Slumdog Millionaire.” The point of the EP, Jean adds, is that “whatever you want to do, you can accomplish. If I came from nothing and became something, if I was chosen for greatness, then so can you.”

Jean is among the artists chosen to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert on December 11; also on the bill are Will Smith, Toby Keith and Donna Summer. In the meantime, he already has recorded several songs for his upcoming studio album, including numbers with Lil Wayne (“Seventeen”) and Natasha Bedingfield (“Tonight”). Also on his guest wish list: Young Jeezy and Amy Winehouse

 For the original report go to http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSTRE5AK02420091121

Shifting his attention to altruistic causes, Wyclef Jean’s recent collaboration with Timberland has less to do with his music than it does with the extensive charity work he’s taken on in recent years. The Timberland Yéle Haiti Earthkeepers, a collection of 16 boots designed for men, women and kids, uses recycled and organic materials with the goal of raising awareness about environmental causes in Wyclef’s native Haiti.

Named for the artist’s Yéle Haiti organization—a charitable grassroots movement working to implement programs in education, sports, the arts and the environment—the eco-conscious footwear specifically aims to call attention to reforestation in the country.

The boots, constructed of 100% recycled PET and 100% organic striped cotton linings, organic cotton uppers and Green Rubber lug outsoles, also stay the distance with extremely durable Taslan laces and rustproof hardware.

A set of t-shirts, designed by Haitian artist Badio Joseph depicting the organization’s symbolic tree completes the collection.

The shoes and tees sell online and from Timberland stores with prices ranging from $35-155, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Yéle Haiti.

Check out a few more images after the jump.

En Chile, el Bigbrotha se dispone a dar su voto y elegir presidente, aunque aún no sabe por quién debiera decidirse…  si yo fuera presidente crearía un estado independiente de toda organización insana (llámese iglesia, narcos o empresarios), declararía la igualdad entre todos los seres humanos, acabaría con las fuerzas armadas de mi país, aboliría la esclavitud y sancionaría el segregacionismo. Fomentaría las artes y las ciencias y mi mayor lema sería “Educación y Entendimiento”, para que cada ser se sintiera orgulloso de vivir en su país. Sin embargo, si yo fuera presidente… me eligirían un viernes, me asesinarían un sábado y me enterrarían el domingo.

[>] If i was President – Wyclef Jean

“Hip-hop is the foundation of what I do,” says Wyclef Jean, a man whose musical interests extend across virtually all genres – from hardcore rap to acoustic folk, from rock & roll to seething, rhythmic pop. “In high school I lived a double life. I was a jazz major, but if you talked to my friends in the street, they’d say, ‘Well, he was just a battle MC.’ And the hip-hop side of me is Toussaint.”~ Wyclef Jean

Haiti based wireless network, Communication Cellulaire d’Haiti, S.A. (ComCEL) under the brand name “Voila” has engaged a new advertising agency to revamp its marketing in face of increased competition in the market. The new campaign features a television spot with Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean.

See the Communication Cellulaire d’Haiti, S.A. (ComCEL) account record in EMAT