2008 Woodie Awards
Wyclef Jean produces political album
Inga Locke
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Gallery
- Page 1 of 1
Wyclef Jean, former lead singer of the Fugees, released his new solo album, "Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant" Tuesday, Dec. 5.
The album is meant to reflect Jean's memories of being an immigrant as well as his time spent in the projects of Brooklyn and New Jersey. Jean spent his first nine years in Haiti where he was born. He then immigrated with his parents to New York.
The intro is a short 25 seconds of Jean reading what he is writing out loud, discussing how since the release of his album "Carnival" the world has changed, war and pain surrounding everyone.
The first song is called "Riot" and features Serj Tanikian and Sizzla. The next song on the album is the hit song "The Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)." The song features Akon, Lil Wayne and introduces Niia. It has been a hit since its release as a single Aug. 17.
"Welcome to the East" is song number four. This song features Sizzla.
The fifth song discusses major pains that the US has felt in the few years including September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. The song is called "Slow Down" and features T.I.
"King and Queen" features Shakira. The compliment of Jean's rap against Shakira's singing is very well transitioned between.
Song number seven is "Fast Car." This song features Paul Simon. The mixing of genres is absolutely gorgeous and has a really deep message about death and an afterlife.
Mary J. Blige is featured in the song "What About the Baby." The song also portrays both sides of a story very eloquently.
"Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration)" features Chamillionaire and is about immigration and oppression of Haitians.
Song number 10 is another beautiful and relaxing song, featuring Norah Jones. The song is called "Any Other Day."
"Heavens in New York" is the only song on the album that does not have another featured artist. He discusses all the things he would do to change the world if it was his last day to live.
The song "Selena" features Melissa Jimenez who sings the original part of Selena's song "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom." It has the same elements of admiration as the Sir Elton John song "Candle in the Wind" has for Marilyn Monroe. It is a beautiful composition in honor of Selena and all she represented to the Chicano culture in America.
The final song is "Touch your Button Carnival Jam." It features Will.I.Am, Melissa Jimenez, Machel Montano, Daniela Mercury, Black Alex and Djakout Mizik.
The album is very politically vocal but is also good to listen to just for entertainments sake. There are lessons that can be learned from the CD whether or not you agree with every theme involved.
The album is meant to reflect Jean's memories of being an immigrant as well as his time spent in the projects of Brooklyn and New Jersey. Jean spent his first nine years in Haiti where he was born. He then immigrated with his parents to New York.
The intro is a short 25 seconds of Jean reading what he is writing out loud, discussing how since the release of his album "Carnival" the world has changed, war and pain surrounding everyone.
The first song is called "Riot" and features Serj Tanikian and Sizzla. The next song on the album is the hit song "The Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)." The song features Akon, Lil Wayne and introduces Niia. It has been a hit since its release as a single Aug. 17.
"Welcome to the East" is song number four. This song features Sizzla.
The fifth song discusses major pains that the US has felt in the few years including September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. The song is called "Slow Down" and features T.I.
"King and Queen" features Shakira. The compliment of Jean's rap against Shakira's singing is very well transitioned between.
Song number seven is "Fast Car." This song features Paul Simon. The mixing of genres is absolutely gorgeous and has a really deep message about death and an afterlife.
Mary J. Blige is featured in the song "What About the Baby." The song also portrays both sides of a story very eloquently.
"Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration)" features Chamillionaire and is about immigration and oppression of Haitians.
Song number 10 is another beautiful and relaxing song, featuring Norah Jones. The song is called "Any Other Day."
"Heavens in New York" is the only song on the album that does not have another featured artist. He discusses all the things he would do to change the world if it was his last day to live.
The song "Selena" features Melissa Jimenez who sings the original part of Selena's song "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom." It has the same elements of admiration as the Sir Elton John song "Candle in the Wind" has for Marilyn Monroe. It is a beautiful composition in honor of Selena and all she represented to the Chicano culture in America.
The final song is "Touch your Button Carnival Jam." It features Will.I.Am, Melissa Jimenez, Machel Montano, Daniela Mercury, Black Alex and Djakout Mizik.
The album is very politically vocal but is also good to listen to just for entertainments sake. There are lessons that can be learned from the CD whether or not you agree with every theme involved.
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