Post by dawyked on Jan 4, 2006 20:44:14 GMT 1
Wyclef To Launch Caribbean Label, Speaks On Lauryn Hill
By Nolan Strong
Date: 6/18/2002 12:15 AM
In addition to his Clef Records, which is distributed by J Records, Wyclef Jean will be launching a new record label. Sak Passé (Creole for "what's up) will focus on releasing Haitian and other Caribbean music. Describing a Caribbean form of music called Compas, Clef is highly confident the masses will catch on. ''Compas can be in those forefront's if it's done right,'' Jean told the Miami Herald. "The same way Chris Blackwell (founder of legendary label Island Music) put reggae on the map, the compas beat is an incredible beat. The reason it's at a standstill and hasn't gone past a certain level is people don't understand what's being said. If I could take some of the beats and get some of the artists to voice it in English, then people would start viewing it differently. Then they'll be able to understand.''
Jean recently shot a video for "MVP Kompa," a track off his Masquerade album. The video is a rags to riches story about a kid who comes to America to find his dream and works hard to become an MVP. Jean says MVP stands for more than just Most Valuable Player. According to Jean, it is also stands for "multicultural visionary pioneer" and the MVP's are an extension of his Refugee Camp crew.
He also shed light on his recent arrest at New York City's Mobilization For Education rally, which was held to protest Mayor Bloomberg's educational budget cuts. ''There was no disorderly conduct on my part,'' Jean said. "The police started yelling in my face. I went in to talk on behalf of the kids. They arrested me and brought me to prison, all for a cause which the mayor did hear.'
In addition, it appears that a Fugee's reunion album will not see the light of day anytime soon. In February, Jean performed at the Bob Marley concert Caribbean festival with Bob Marley's sons, Stephen and Damian. Although he appeared on the same stage as his ex-band mate Lauryn Hill, Jean did not see her or talk to her. ''I think she's in a different head space,'' Jean continued. "I just wish her the best and hope she can come around.''
By Nolan Strong
Date: 6/18/2002 12:15 AM
In addition to his Clef Records, which is distributed by J Records, Wyclef Jean will be launching a new record label. Sak Passé (Creole for "what's up) will focus on releasing Haitian and other Caribbean music. Describing a Caribbean form of music called Compas, Clef is highly confident the masses will catch on. ''Compas can be in those forefront's if it's done right,'' Jean told the Miami Herald. "The same way Chris Blackwell (founder of legendary label Island Music) put reggae on the map, the compas beat is an incredible beat. The reason it's at a standstill and hasn't gone past a certain level is people don't understand what's being said. If I could take some of the beats and get some of the artists to voice it in English, then people would start viewing it differently. Then they'll be able to understand.''
Jean recently shot a video for "MVP Kompa," a track off his Masquerade album. The video is a rags to riches story about a kid who comes to America to find his dream and works hard to become an MVP. Jean says MVP stands for more than just Most Valuable Player. According to Jean, it is also stands for "multicultural visionary pioneer" and the MVP's are an extension of his Refugee Camp crew.
He also shed light on his recent arrest at New York City's Mobilization For Education rally, which was held to protest Mayor Bloomberg's educational budget cuts. ''There was no disorderly conduct on my part,'' Jean said. "The police started yelling in my face. I went in to talk on behalf of the kids. They arrested me and brought me to prison, all for a cause which the mayor did hear.'
In addition, it appears that a Fugee's reunion album will not see the light of day anytime soon. In February, Jean performed at the Bob Marley concert Caribbean festival with Bob Marley's sons, Stephen and Damian. Although he appeared on the same stage as his ex-band mate Lauryn Hill, Jean did not see her or talk to her. ''I think she's in a different head space,'' Jean continued. "I just wish her the best and hope she can come around.''
