Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
Conexión Caribeña
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
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Heads music
This a Caribbean connection
Wyclef should've won the election
Oh, by the way, fuck FEMA, they ain't help my people, yeah, after Maria
This here's for my boricuas, daddy grew up on Pun's block
Where they witnessing the gunshots, from New York and I Milly Rock
Yeah, this one is for Johnny, yeah
And he used to drive an Audi, he had money like a Saudi, yeah
Yo quiero mucho dinero, yeah, mi padre fue un machetero
Hoodie on like Carmelo, yeah, y mama eres lo que quiero
Now that I hit 'em with Spanish I'ma go back in my bag, yeah
I'ma go get to the money and vanish, never come back, yeah
If I had a million dollars I would probably spend it on Channel
And I would give my girl a Birkin bag, and she used to wear them Birkenstocks
I'm a ball player how I work the clock, yeah, yeah
Fuck generation well, don't want Arabian well
I got a couple lawyers on retainer they can't never take me to jail
I got a black card and a black suburban thats a black car
Walk in to Saks Fifth and I buy all the Gucci duffels, yeah
I need Migos for the ad-libs, Goyard bags, I'll buy a couple
I don't do no talking, I ain't into gossip
In a black Suburban like I'm in the congress
Puerto Rican and a Haitian rapper
Yeah, you might've thought we was in the tropics
If you got a problem, we can get it poppin'
Heard Wyclef is going back to school so I decided to apply to college, yeah
Yeah, yeah
This a Caribbean connection
Wyclef should've won the election
Oh, by the way, fuck FEMA, they ain't help my people, yeah, after Maria
This here's for my boricuas, daddy grew up on Pun's block
Where they witnessing the gunshots, from New York and I Milly Rock
Sweet dreams are made of these
She told me just believe
But why do we die like trees
Only the make-believe
Sweet dreams are made of these
She told me just believe
But why do we die like trees
Only the make-believe
Switch up! Numb before you drippy-drippy, litty-litty
I was smoking Kermit watching Mrs. Piggy
Seen the boomerang rang before Eddie Murphy
Seen the stranger things and the wall pulling on me
Pass the gasolina, the devils seed
Jesus got the Wilma, just smoking haze
Jimmy Hendrix blamed it on that purple haze
Thugs crying in the elevator, purple rain
Wait a minute, came to play
House party, bring the molly
I got ziggy, sticky-icky
Is he richy, shut up white boy, kill the pussy
I still pack a man like I'm AC-DC
This a caribbean connection
Wyclef should've won the election
Oh, by the way, fuck FEMA, they ain't help my people, yeah, after Maria
This here's for my boricuas, daddy grew up on Pun's block
Where they witnessing the gunshots, from New York and I Milly Rock
The song "Conexión Caribeña" by Wyclef Jean is a powerful and politically charged track that addresses issues faced by the Caribbean community. The repeated phrase "It's that white boy" can be seen as a statement of Wyclef's identity as a non-traditional representative of Caribbean culture and hip-hop music. It suggests that he is breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in the industry.
The lyrics also touch on the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the lack of support from organizations like FEMA for the people of Puerto Rico. Wyclef expresses his frustration with the inadequate response to the crisis, highlighting his connection and support for his fellow Puerto Ricans. He pays homage to the neighborhood he grew up in, which was marked by violence and gunshots, referencing Pun's block, a reference to the late rapper Big Punisher.
The lyrics then transition to Wyclef reflecting on his own roots, his desire for success, and his dreams of wealth. He acknowledges the influence of his Latino heritage ("Yo quiero mucho dinero") and references his father's role as a machetero, symbolizing the struggles and resilience of his ancestors. This understanding of his heritage fuels his drive for success. He mentions buying luxury items like Channel and Birkin bags, showcasing his desire for luxury while also emphasizing the contrast between his past and present circumstances.
The song also touches on social and political issues. Wyclef references racial profiling and unfair treatment by authorities, highlighting the need for legal protection and representation. He emphasizes his black card and how it represents his financial status and success. He mentions his love for fashion, specifically Goyard bags, showcasing his affinity for luxury fashion brands.
The lyrics conclude with Wyclef proclaiming his identity as a Haitian and Puerto Rican rapper and celebrating the connections between Caribbean cultures. He mentions people mistaking their surroundings for the tropics, highlighting the vibrant and vibrant atmosphere of the Caribbean. The song ends with a playful line about Wyclef returning to school, possibly signaling a desire for personal growth and continued education.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Branden Washington, Daniel Lucas Lrizarry, Madeline Nelson, Nel Ust Wyclef Jean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind