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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Okay, the Young Jazzy lady is a combination of Lauren and Byonce with all respects to Lauren and Beyonce. But I am sure he helped developed this Young Jazzy singer. Wow her first few notes were really entertaining. I enjoyed her and of course Wyclef playing the keys. I am just amazed.
I remember when Blacks taught children seven languages. What disciplines we had. GReenHill farms made us proud of our culture. Proud of who we are. TIME is a group. Relaunch the sounds that we appreciate .
I am simply blown away by the talent, funk & humility shown here… Peace & love Wyclef
This is still one of the best videos on YouTube. Legend.
LEGEND.
What a showman
Too much flow you have to get inside to sing so out of tune and be good anyway
I love the Maryland flag guitar strap
Excellent mimmicking of Lauren Hill. Everything Good!!!
Wycleeeef! Always got beautiful melodies- super talented!
What about bubblegoose?!
I like the idea that we're on borrowed time. That's the first idea Thoreau uses at the start of Walden.
I love hip hop I Love guitars I love Wycled
One of those clocks is wrong
The guitar part was terrible… don't do that again. :/
and on the 8th day God created the Tiny Desk…
Absolutely incredible performance on so many levels, wow!
Okay, the Young Jazzy lady is a combination of Lauren and Byonce with all respects to Lauren and Beyonce. But I am sure he helped developed this Young Jazzy singer. Wow her first few notes were really entertaining. I enjoyed her and of course Wyclef playing the keys. I am just amazed.
2022!
This is Amazing
What a great sense of humor..
Instant fan
Man, never in my life have I seen anything like this. What a true legend.
Best ive heard since Mac Miller
KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE SKY. JOURNEY from the top flights of music and listen to WYCLEF chose music to master. MASTERING SOUND
I remember when Blacks taught children seven languages. What disciplines we had. GReenHill farms made us proud of our culture. Proud of who we are. TIME is a group. Relaunch the sounds that we appreciate .
That was awesome
Love the Whitney story. OMG. The greatest
Rock on Wyclef love this guy
gone to when!!!! love it
still the best tiny desk after all these years. such a monster musician and so light and funny at the same time