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.
Rebel Music
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
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Rebel music, put the peace sign up now
Rebel music, all my gangs put the peace sign up now
Rebel music, everywhere put the peace sign up now
Rebel music, hold on, listen
Tell the DJ turn the music up
Gangsters in the club, everybody thugsMe I play the walk, sipping on the Guinness
Cause in reality we are the same and it's
Just society they want to see me
Flesh on the concrete, sold a perfect story
The mystery is waking up in misery
The music industry brainwash celebrities
Girls sleep sexy, they wake up with a monster
Have no idea that their face was a piranha
Word from the wise I can see through the fog
Reason why they rob cause they got no job
But I woke up in the morning, sexy, yawning
Feel like it's gonna be a good day
No war on the street, no way, today
Everybody kick back like a holiday, aight
You shine, I shine and
The whole world looking like a gold mine
You get yours and I'll get mine
And we'll help each other make it through the bad times
When they see me they ask me
Will there ever be another Fugees
I say I don't know but hope the trio
Don't do like ? ? then ? on Sadaam though
But on CNN they saw the same
Little kids getting shot at close rangeTo Babylon, we don't want no war
I'm a send a message in a bottle to the White House, Lord
These are the words from the master
So don't you wait till the day after
Until then you can catch me in the sixes
Just pumping Bob Marley rebel music now
But I woke up in the morning, sexy, yawning
Feel like it's gonna be a good day
No war on the street, no way, today
Everybody kick back like a holiday, aight
You shine, I shine and
The whole world looking like a gold mine
You get yours and I'll get mine
And we'll help each other make it through the bad times
Children, imagine a world with no racism
No, no homeless in Grand Central Station
Boys and girls going to schools with no tools
Life is so beautiful but until then it will be
Rebel music, rebel music
Rebel music, put the peace sign up now
Rebel music, all my gangs put the peace sign up now
Uh, can these devils fool us son, not now ? done
We're a generation of thugs, you can't play with us
We've been lied to, enslaved and beaten up
We're immune to what you call pain, it's nothing
We're not scared of dying or afraid of guns
Born in the USA, nah, can't blame us
Our DNA's foreign to them
We kings of the planet Earth, Gods if you will
Yo, cash be my ?, it's about to get stupid
These niggaz trying to stop our plans, peace to it
I never meant to cause him pain and he knew it
But he was trying to kill me and he blew it
But I woke up in the morning, sexy, yawning
Feel like it's gonna be a good day
No war on the street, no way, today
Everybody kick back like a holiday, aight
You shine, I shine and
The whole world looking like a gold mine
You get yours and I'll get mine
And we'll help each other make it through the bad times
The lyrics to Wyclef Jean's song Rebel Music speak to the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their background or circumstances. The song starts off with the image of a preacher's son, someone who might be expected to conform to societal expectations, embracing rebel music and advocating for peace. The chorus encourages everyone to put up the peace sign, signaling an end to violence and conflict. The verses touch on themes of social justice and equality, criticizing a music industry that exploits its artists and a society that perpetuates poverty and violence. But despite these challenges, the song remains optimistic about the possibility of a better world, imagining a future with no racism, no homelessness, and no need for violence.
One of the most interesting things about Rebel Music is its use of Bob Marley as a symbol of rebellion and resistance. Marley was a powerful figure in the fight against oppression, and his music continues to inspire people around the world. Wyclef's decision to incorporate Marley's music into his own is a testament to the ongoing legacy of rebellion and resistance that Marley represents. Another interesting aspect of the song is its critique of the music industry, which has long been accused of exploiting young artists for their own gain. Wyclef himself has had his share of conflicts with the industry, which makes his critique in this song even more resonant.
Line by Line Meaning
The preacher's son with the rebel music
Wyclef Jean, the son of a preacher, is making music that goes against the norm and carries a message of rebellion.
Rebel music, put the peace sign up now
Despite its critical message, the purpose of Wyclef's music is not to incite violence, but to promote peace and unity among the masses.
Rebel music, all my gangs put the peace sign up now
Even those in gangs or who are seen as violent can have a change of heart and promote peace and love.
Rebel music, everywhere put the peace sign up now
This message of peace and unity is meant to be spread worldwide, calling on everyone to put an end to violence and conflict.
Rebel music, hold on, listen
Amidst the chaos and noise of the world, it's important to stop, listen and take in the messages that are being conveyed.
Tell the DJ turn the music up
Wyclef wants his message to be heard loud and clear and urges the DJ to blast the music so that everyone can hear it.
Gangsters in the club, everybody thugs
The people present in the club are all seen as tough or intimidating in some way, but Wyclef comes to show that they too can promote peace and unity.
Me I play the walk, sipping on the Guinness
Wyclef's focus is on spreading his message of rebellion and promoting a peaceful lifestyle, as he enjoys a drink and walks through life.
Cause in reality we are the same and it's
Despite differences in race, social class or background, we share a common experience and should strive for unity.
Just society they want to see me
Society often judges and condemns people based on outward appearance or behavior, instead of looking at the true individual.
Flesh on the concrete, sold a perfect story
People are easily influenced by what they see and are often sold a false narrative that doesn't reflect the truth about a person or situation.
The mystery is waking up in misery
The true reality of someone's situation can be difficult to discern, and sometimes people find themselves in an unhappy life despite outward appearances of success.
The music industry brainwash celebrities
The music industry can easily influence the attitudes and beliefs of the celebrities they promote, manipulating them for profit.
Girls sleep sexy, they wake up with a monster
Women who are pressured to present themselves in a sexualized manner can face negative consequences, such as being objectified, harassed or abused.
Have no idea that their face was a piranha
Someone's outward appearance can be deceiving, and the people who objectify or judge them may have a hidden, malevolent agenda.
Word from the wise I can see through the fog
Wyclef sees through the lies and manipulations of society and can discern the truth about a person or situation.
Reason why they rob cause they got no job
People turn to crime because of desperation and lack of economic opportunity.
Children, imagine a world with no racism
Wyclef wants the youngest generation to think about a world without hate and prejudice, where everyone is equal and respected.
No, no homeless in Grand Central Station
In Wyclef's ideal world, no one is homeless or marginalized, and everyone has access to basic necessities like shelter.
Boys and girls going to schools with no tools
Education is essential for success, but some communities lack the resources and support needed to provide quality education to all children.
Life is so beautiful but until then it will be
Although Wyclef envisions a beautiful world, the reality is that many social and political obstacles must be overcome to get there.
Uh, can these devils fool us son, not now? done
Wyclef is determined not to be fooled or manipulated by those in power who seek to maintain control and oppress others.
We've been lied to, enslaved and beaten up
People of color have been historically oppressed and subjected to violence, and these experiences have created a spirit of rebellion and a distrust of authority.
Our DNA's foreign to them
Despite being born in the United States, many people of color are seen as outsiders or foreign because of their race or ethnicity.
Yo, cash be my ?, it's about to get stupid
Wyclef is willing to fight against oppression and fight for what he believes in, even if it means putting himself in harm's way.
These niggaz trying to stop our plans, peace to it
Despite those who try to prevent positive change, Wyclef remains committed to promoting peace and unity.
I never meant to cause him pain and he knew it
Wyclef is not looking to cause harm to anyone and believes that most people in the world share this sentiment.
But he was trying to kill me and he blew it
Despite his peaceful intentions, Wyclef is not afraid to defend himself against those who would do him harm.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BAKSHI ANAND, JERRY DUPLESSIS, WYCLEF JEAN, ALBERT JOHNSON, A.R. RAHMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind