Personnel inlcudes: Wycleff Jean, R. Kelly, Pras, Mary J. Blige, Youssou N'Dour.
Since dropping THE CARNIVAL, his first solo record outside the umbra of the Fugees, to critical acclaim in 1997, Wyclef Jean has consistently created intriguing music, constantly experimenting with different styles and collaborating with unlikely artists from various genres. Jean's debut broke out with the insistent Bee Gees beat of the party anthem "We Trying to Stay Alive," but buried in the folds was the sublimely beautiful, heartfelt ballad "Gone Till November," which would go on to become an unlikely top 10 pop hit. The former song referenced Bob Dylan in its lyrics, while the video of the latter featured a cameo of the folk hero, an unlikely influence that manifested itself on every Wyclef record, leading to a subdued cover of the Dylan's eulogic "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." Surprisingly sincere rock covers have been a hallmark of Jean's career, and none are more improbable or impressive than his mostly-straight-with-a-twist-of-reggae interpretation of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." On the other hand, a single listen to his hit with movie/wrestling icon the Rock, "It Doesn't Matter," reminds one that 'Clef also knows exactly how to get the party started. This GREATEST HITS collection features all of these tracks and many more by Wyclef, a pioneering performer who's continually expanded the boundaries of hip-hop.
