Wyclef Jean: Then and Now
Take a look at the career of this politically active artist.
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Roots - Wyclef was born in Haiti in 1969. He moved to Brooklyn with his family when he was nine years old, and later they relocated to Newark, New Jersey. When he was young, Wyclef's mother bought him a guitar to keep him off the streets.(Photo: Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage)
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The Musician - In high school, Wyclef majored in jazz and learned how to play more than 15 instruments. He worked at McDonald's to help pay for studio time.(Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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The Fugees - Wyclef Jean debuted his artistry back in 1994 along with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel. The trio was known as the Fugees, and they released two albums, Blunted on Reality and The Score. The latter won the 1997 Grammy for Best Rap Album. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
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Going Solo - In 1997, Wyclef Jean went solo, releasing Wyclef Jean Presents the Carnival Featuring the Refugee All-Stars. Having been responsible for much of the production on the Fugees' records, 'Clef produced a successful debut and went on to enjoy a very successful solo career.(Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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911 - Someone please call 911! In 2000, Wyclef collaborated with Mary J. Blige for the hit single "911" from his second album, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book.(Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirec).
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Musical Diversity - Throughout his career, Wyclef has been known to blend different musical styles, making hit records beyond hip hop's boundaries. One such record was the 2006 Shakira hit "Hips Don't Lie," a record he also produced.(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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The Jeans - Wyclef married Marie Claudinette in 1994, and they later adopted a daughter, Angelina Claudinelle. The couple renewed their vows in August 2009 and currently reside in New Jersey.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for IMG)
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Producer Extraordinaire - As a producer, Wyclef was an early influence on groups like Destiny's Child and John Forte. He collaborated with salsa queen Celia Cruz on "Guantanamera" and Carlos Santana on "Maria Maria." (Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect.
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Reunion? - After a very public breakup, the Fugees were rumored to be reuniting around 2004, after they appeared together on Chapelle's Show. Though the three have performed together a few times since, the official reunion never happened.(Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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Yele Haiti - Wyclef founded Yele Haiti in 2005. The organization was formed to help provide scholarships for children in Haiti.(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Hope for Haiti - After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2009, Wyclef called on the hip hop community to donate to the Yele Haiti Earthquake fund. The campaign raised $1 million dollars in 24 hours.(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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We Are the World - Wyclef Jean was part of the "We Are the World: 25 Years of Haiti" remake. The song was recorded at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010, in L.A. and featured Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Usher, Katharine McPhee, will.i.am, Toni Braxton, Barbra Streisand, LL Cool J, Harry Connick Jr., Wyclef Jean, Vince Vaughn, Jeff Bridges and Natalie Cole, among others. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Handout)
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NAACP - Wyclef Jean performed onstage with Keri Hilson at the 41st NAACP Image Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium on February 26, 2010, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP)
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Rock and Roll - Last year, Wyclef welcomed Jimmy Cliff into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its 25th annual induction ceremony. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
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Politically Active - Wyclef's uncle Raymond Alcide Joseph is the Haitian ambassador to the United States. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Presidential Campaign - In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on August 5, 2010, Wyclef announced that he was running for president of Haiti. In order to do so, 'Clef had to step down from his position as chairman of Yele Haiti.(Photo: Brian Harkin/Getty Images)
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Rejected - Fifteen days after he announced his run for presidency, he was rejected by Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council. In order to run, candidates must have lived in Haiti for the preceding five years. Wyclef said in a statement, "I respectfully accept the committee's final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same."(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for TIME Inc.)
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Black In Latin America - Wyclef Jean recently performed onstage at "Black in Latin America" panel at the PBS portion of the 2011 Winter TCA press tour held at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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Endorsement - Wyclef Jean endorsed presidential candidate Michel Martelly during Carnaval weekend in Jacmel, Haiti, on Feb. 27, 2011.(Photo: Allison Shelley/Getty Images)