Albums by this artist

The Score (1996)

Fugees

The Score

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» DAVE VRABEL | STAFF WRITER

Fugees The Score Columbia/Ruffhouse, 1996 RiYL: Canibus, John Forte, Spearhead, reggae in general

With the rampant success of Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean as solo artists, it seems a forgotten fact that they once were part of one of the most successful rap outfits of all time. Long before Wyclef dropped the charismatic The Carnival and Hill released the unforgettable The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, the two, along with fellow bandmate Pras, were the seemingly unstoppable Fugees. And despite failing to turn heads with their first effort Blunted On Reality, the hip-hop/reggae melange of their second record, The Score, brought the Fugees (short for 'Refugee Camp') to the forefront.

Had Bob Marley had a turntablist in the Wailers, the Fugees may not have sounded original, but a sound that blended the hip-hop sensibilities of the East Coast with the soulful island stylings of the Caribbean was innovative and clearly distinct from the rest of the rap community in 1996. And sure, they've been dubbed the best cover band in hip-hop, which doesn't lend much to their credibility, but don't sell them short on that.

When a cover tune is done with as much heart and beauty as the original, original or not, it's a testament to the artists' skills. It was the cover of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly" that helped propel the album to multi-platinum status, and rightfully so. Not only a major hit, this time Wyclef isn't hogging the spotlight, allowing L-Boogie to shine on her own. Her elegant voice transcends everything, as she belts the heartfelt passages of the song with pure beauty and reverence. Also worth a listen is Wyclef's cover of Marley's "No Woman, No Cry." Not necessarily a classic, it still shows that the group wanted this, one of their primary influences, to be done clear justice. Live musicians, with Wyclef on guitar and vocals, respectably translate Marley into hip-hop.

Other cuts from the album, most notably "Fu-Gee-La" and "Ready Or Not" are the models of the true Refugee Camp style, and prove they don't need a cover tune to show skills. The beats are simple, soulful, and exhibit tenacious rhymes with clear reggae feel. And of course, probably sensing that Hill's talents were more irrepressible and majestic than most female vocalists, the mix once again elevates her voice above the rest of the elements.

And while the Fugees' members continue to garner success going their own separate ways (with the exception of Pras, whose solo debut Ghetto Supastar proved less than impressive), it's safe to say that The Score was the springboard for it all. Let's just hope that sometime in the near future they can once again combine their talents and produce yet another masterpiece.

DAVE VRABEL |