Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean have raised hopes of the Fugees making their first new album in nearly three decades, with Hill saying the band have gone through "an incredible healing process". The pair spoke to ahead of a major concert in Milton Keynes on Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of The Score, and Jean said they are "in an amazing place".
Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill met fans in Piccadilly Circus in London on Wednesday. The renewed bond between the two was also on display during the interview, when Jean broke into song to celebrate that he is "back with my bandmate".
The group have not released a studio album since The Score in 1996, which was one of the defining albums of its generation, featuring the hits Ready or Not, Fu-Gee-La and Killing Me Softly. The Fugees released their first album, Blunted on Reality, in 1994, and The Score two years later.
The comments will fuel hopes of a full Fugees reunion, although neither artist confirmed that a new album is currently being recorded. The group's third member, Pras Michel, is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States following his conviction in a federal lobbying and fraud case.
Will there be new Fugees music?
Hill and Jean suggested there could be music in the future, but they did not confirm any recording plans. When asked about the possibility of a new album, Jean began by restating the question, "Will there be music in the future?", and Hill chimed in: "Absolutely."
"Will there be music in the future?"
"Absolutely."
Jean continued:
"All I can tell you is, man, we're in God's hands,"before singing:
"I’m back with my bandmate!"
"So we're in an amazing place. I think the energy is very important."
He suggested they would continue
"projecting that love"to the world.
"There was an incredible healing process that happened with us as a band and as bandmates, and as you said we just want to showcase that and give some of that energy to the world as well."
Why are they marking The Score’s anniversary?
Hill and Jean were speaking ahead of Diaspora Calling! By Ms. Lauryn Hill, a one-day festival that will make its UK debut at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Friday. The event will feature performances from Hill, Jean, Erykah Badu, Giggs, Fireboy DML, YG Marley and Zion Marley, with comedian Dave Chappelle hosting.
Reflecting on the anniversary of The Score, Jean said the Fugees' ambitions had always extended beyond music.
"I remember saying from a very young age, we're not going to do music, we're going to be a movement,"
He said the themes explored by the group three decades ago remain as relevant as ever.
"When you talk about the idea of refugees, look where we are today. We were saying these things 30 years ago. It was never just about us – it was always about the movement."
Hill said the Fugees themselves embodied the idea behind Diaspora Calling.
"Our different places of origin came together to unite culture, reflect culture and show people how beautiful, powerful and resourceful that culture is,"
Earlier in the day, Hill and Jean surprised fans with a pop-up appearance in London's Piccadilly Circus, performing an a cappella rendition of Ready or Not. Hill said London was the natural place to launch the festival.
"There's so much of the diaspora in London,"
"So many people are represented here. It felt like a full-circle moment for us."
What advice did they give young musicians?
Hill and Jean also offered advice to young musicians navigating an industry increasingly driven by algorithms and viral success. Jean said many emerging artists were no longer chasing online fame.
"The kids are saying, 'I don't want to be on TikTok like that. I don't want to be on Instagram. I'm not trying to go viral. I just need people to listen to my music and engage with my music.'"
Hill encouraged artists to remain patient and focus on their craft.
"Art is not gone yet,"
"Patience is a virtue. You want it in 30 seconds, but it isn't going to happen in 30 seconds.
"If you keep coming together with a positive plan and saying, 'We want to be heard,' then you'll be heard. Find like-minded individuals."
"Respect your audience, respect yourself."
Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegal lobbying
