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.
Killer MC
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
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Welcome to Wyclef Words of Wisdom
I am here with an m.c. that
everyone is scared of
He has killed over a million
people on record and he's still
not locked up
Am, what is your name sir?
Nuhmsayin? Um
Yeah, basically, if you have
killed so many people why ain't
you locked up?
I'm sayin' though likenuhmsayin?
Yeah, exactly my point
Don't believe the hype
The above lyrics are the opening lines of Wyclef Jean's song "Killer MC". The song introduces an MC who is feared by everyone and is rumored to have killed over a million people without being punished for his crime. The lyrics then shift to Wyclef questioning the validity of such rumors and highlighting the dangers of blindly believing in hype without verification. Essentially, the song is a critique of the glorification of violence and the problematic ideals that it perpetuates.
The lyrics of "Killer MC" may be interpreted as a sarcastic commentary on the glorification of gangster culture and hip-hop's preoccupation with violence. The lyrics imply that even the most dangerous and notorious figures in the industry are not invincible and can be brought to justice. Wyclef Jean is known for his politically charged music, and "Killer MC" is no exception. By highlighting the absurdity of a rapper being able to murder over a million people without any repercussions, he is questioning the obsession with rap's macho, hyper-violent persona.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the power of the media and the way that it can be manipulated to promote dangerous ideas or exploit certain personalities. It is also a call to action for the listener to be more critical and thoughtful when consuming media content, particularly when it pertains to violence and crime.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, boys and girls
Greetings to all the listeners
Welcome to Wyclef Words of Wisdom
This is a segment where I share my thoughts and ideas
I am here with an m.c. that everyone is scared of
I am in the presence of a rapper who is feared by many
He has killed over a million people on record and he's still not locked up
This rapper claims to have killed a significant number of people, but he has yet to face any legal consequences
Am, what is your name sir?
May I ask for your name, sir?
Nuhmsayin? Um
Do you understand what I am saying?
Yeah, basically, if you have killed so many people why ain't you locked up?
If you truly have committed so many murders, why haven't you been arrested?
I'm sayin' though likenuhmsayin?
I am expressing my agreement with your point
Yeah, exactly my point
That is precisely what I was trying to convey
Don't believe the hype
Do not be deceived by sensationalism or false information
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NORMAN BERGEN, SHELLY COBURN, WYCLEF JEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind