The Fugees

Internet chat rooms have been abuzz with rumors of a Fugees reunion since they took to the stage for Dave Chappelle's famous block party back in mid-summer of 2004. For many immersed in hip-hop culture, the reunification of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel was considered as real an event as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls rising from the grave. True, all the members of the Fugees were alive, but their break up had been laced with infighting, mudslinging, and promises that New Jersey's mighty Tranzlator Crew would never come together for another album. Well, it appears time does indeed heal all wounds.

Back in 1994, the Fugees released Blunted on Reality to very little fanfare. Underground hip-hip aficionados immediately gravitated toward the roughneck beats and speed-of-light wordplay brimming with literate references and antiestablishment themes. In fact, it's hard to believe even Pras possessed such accelerated rhyme style, and Lauryn Hill's pacing was shocking. Tracks like "Nappy Heads" and "Boof Baf" would draw attention to the group, but it was a remix of "Nappy Heads" that offered a glimpse into the group's impending success.

For their breakout sophomore effort it would seem the Fugees had visited the crossroads to ink a deal with the devil. There are no real explanations for the astounding success of The Score. Their mulitplatinum, global superstardom appeared to be an anomaly--the album was genius, but considering the meager sales of its predecessor, The Score's ascendancy was mind-boggling. Unlike Blunted on Reality, The Score featured more organic soundscapes, slower beats, and a much more mature lyrical feel. Wyclef dropped his rapid-fire style and Lauryn offered significantly more singing. It would be the latter change that would forever alter the group and ultimately lead to their demise.

The success of "Ready or Not," and Lauryn's rendition of Roberta Flack's classic "Killing Me Softly With His Song," led many critics and fans to believe that young Lauryn was the group's true star and that she would be best served with a solo career. Denying this sentiment throughout 1996 and 1997, Lauryn eventually did break out, causing the collapse of the group that had risen from obscurity to 17 million in sales within just four short years.

Over the next few years, both Lauryn and Wyclef would go on to release incredibly successful solo endeavors. Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill garnered five Grammys, after being nominated for 11, and secured her position as a musical phenomenon. Wyclef Jean also found success with The Carnival, which may not have been awarded a gross number of Grammys, but it did go triple platinum.

Now, after nearly eight years, the Fugees return with the single "Take It Easy." The track is hard to digest after not hearing anything since The Score, but after a couple of listens it begins to make more sense. First off, Lauryn Hill drops the singing and spits into the microphone with serious venom. In fact, all members sound recharged and ready to shine. If this cut is representative of the entire forthcoming album, then The Fugees may be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Score with more mulitplatinum success.

	Stream the song for free! The Fugees - Take It Easy Stream: Windows Media Player Required.