When you think of Wyclef Jean, it’s hard not to see the multi-genre artist who's navigated everything from hip-hop to rock, reggae, and folk, while also standing as an advocate for social change. In this interview with Kyle Meredith, Wyclef dives deep into what drives him to continue creating after decades in the industry and the deeper layers of his music.
Jean’s recent work, including a cover of Bob Marley’s "Is This Love" for Amazon, highlights his long-standing connection with the reggae icon. Wyclef sees Marley as a revolutionary figure who transcended arms-based conflict to promote conscious change through love, much like his own approach to both life and art. His own Haitian roots and the struggles he witnessed firsthand give him a profound sense of connection to Marley’s message: “Bob represents revolution, but it’s a revolution of consciousness,” Wyclef shares.
At the heart of Wyclef’s artistry is the idea that music is a vehicle for imagination and escape. He talks about his early years in Haiti and how growing up in poverty meant relying on imagination as a way out. This foundation of creativity is something Wyclef carried with him to Brooklyn, where he began blending the sounds of the streets with the gospel music he played in his father’s church. Even when secular music wasn’t allowed, he and his friends would mash up tunes, sneaking in outside influences to create something new. From Eddie Van Halen’s “Jump” to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” the wide array of musical inspirations were foundational for him.
His eclectic sound and cultural blending were evident early on with the Fugees. The mix of influences on The Score—its combination of suburban and urban narratives, hip-hop, reggae, and rock—made it a groundbreaking album that spoke to listeners from all walks of life. For Wyclef, the genius of The Score lies in how it bridged gaps: “It was the first hip-hop album where you could hear certain words and click with them,” he explains, reflecting on how it connected suburban kids to the streets without ever compromising its complexity.
And what about the future? He’s currently working on a major Netflix project, Prince of Port-au-Prince, an animated feature based on his experiences growing up in Haiti. For him, it’s about showing how imagination can provide a way out of even the toughest circumstances. He’s also composing for The Chi and has his sights set on being the next Quincy Jones. “This is chapter two of Wyclef.” With a legacy already cemented in music, he’s now set on conquering the world of film scoring and beyond.
Watch the interview above and then check out the video below.
