Memphis Embraces Fugees’ Debut Featuring Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean
Nearly three-and-a-half decades since their formation, New Jersey hip-hop sensation, the Fugees, made a memorable Memphis debut as part of the second night of the inaugural RiverBeat Festival in Tom Lee Park. Albeit without their third member, Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean managed to create magic on stage, marking a long-awaited performance in the city.
Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean Take The Stage
Hill and Jean had more than enough charisma and energy to compensate for Michel’s absence, carrying out a spectacular 90-minute performance for an enthusiastic crowd. Jean, sporting a “Return of the Fugees” T-shirt, and Hill dressed in a multicolor outfit, commanded the large stage. Their big band delivered the group’s iconic mix of hip-hop, reggae, and soul, despite some technical sound issues.
The performance primarily focused on the group’s albums, from the early days of “Blunted on Reality” in 1994 to the more familiar “The Score” of 1996. They skillfully interweaved solo catalogs of both Jean and Hill, showcasing their individual talents.
Engaging The Audience
Their invite to the “day one Fugees fans” to make some noise made an imprint on the evening. Even though their audience was predictably older than that of RiverBeat’s first-night headliners, Odesza, Jean and Hill had the crowd in motion throughout the performance. They belted out hits like “Gone ’til November,” “Ready or Not” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.”
A Night of Classics and Surprises
Adding a surprising element to the concert was Jean’s spectacular guitar performance. He strapped on a Stratocaster with Louis Vuitton finish and went on to charm the crowd with bluesy licks, admitting later that he had once rocked with B.B. King at the White House. He ended his solo performance with a rendition of the Cuban folk classic “Guantanamera.”
Lauryn Hill’s Solo Run
Subsequently, he ceded the stage to “the most incredible artist in the universe, Lauryn Hill.” Hill mesmerized the audience with her voice through a series of hearttouching ballads, clearly depicting that at 48, she has not lost her touch. The evening ended on a high with Jean joining Hill for a rousing finale, a true testament to the dynamic duo that they are.
Fugees Impress at RiverBeat Festival
The Fugees’ hyped appearance in Memphis was a significant achievement for the first-year RiverBeat Festival. Given the band’s rare appearances, this one went down as one of the most memorable moments at Tom Lee Park. Despite the absence of Michel, Hill and Jean indeed displayed why the Fugees will always remain a pivotal force in hip-hop.
