Bootleg Versions [EP]

Performer: The Fugees
Artist: Stephen Marley; Sharon Marley
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Fugees (Refugee Camp): Lauryn Hill, Wyclef, Prakazrel. Additional personnel: Steve Marley, Steady Rider (vocals); Earl Smith, Ian Coleman (guitar); Mallory William (piano); Taro McLaugnlin (organ); Glenn Brownie (bass); Wilburn Cole (drums); Sharon Marley, Eric Newell, Pamela Hall (background vocals). Producers include: Clark Kent, Wyclef, Prakazrel, Salaam Remi. This eight-track EP compresses the Fugees' two-album output for the heads who may only know 1996's THE SCORE, and spotlights the aspects that have led to their mega-platinum success--lyrical compassion, new-school-plus-one production, Lauryn Hill's mad mic skills. And for those who already knew these beats backward and forward, the remixes take the songs to a new level. Clark Kent's take on "Ready Or Not" (now based on a loop of the Modern Jazz Quartet's "Django") makes the track completely over, while a re-recorded "No Woman No Cry" (complete with Marley offspring on vocals and Wailers guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith on six-string skank) pulls longingly on the heartstrings. But the EP's most fun moments come during the taped phone conversations dispersed throughout--particularly the one in which a music executive moans about the band bootlegging its own records and giving them away.

Entertainment Weekly (1/10/97, p.58) - "...Fugees followers may miss the thrill of a brand-new release--seven of the eight titles will be familiar; including callbacks from the band's first, less popular album. But the one new tune, 'Don't Cry, Dry Your Eyes,' should make their next record a much-anticipated one." - Rating: B

Two members of the Fugees were expatriate Haitians, hence the name, which is short for "refugees." All three Fugees were outsiders to the hip-hop scene in a sense, bringing an entirely new blend of pop, reggae and soul influences, educated rhymes, and spirituality to their music. Their innovative 1996 album THE SCORE showcased smart, jazzy rapping and Lauryn Hill's relaxed, smooth vocals balanced with soft beats and soulful grooves. After the group's dissipation, Hill and Wyclef Jean both went on to massive solo success. While Wyclef prospered, though, Hill seemed unable to cope with the rigors of fame in the wake of her 1998 hit debut THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL and thereafter shunned the spotlight.

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