According to nme.com, the group Fugees performed a surprise reunion as part of a Ms. Lauryn Hill gig in Philadelphia on June, 2. Hill performed a set as part of The Roots‘s music festival The Roots Picnic.
Hill played her classic album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill in full to celebrate the album’s 25 anniversary. Also The Roots served as Hill’s backing band for the performance, where she was joined by Fugees bandmates Pras Michel and Wyclef Jean to perform six tracks including “Killing Me Softly”, “Ready Or Not” and “Zealots.”
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“In 1993 an unknown band called the Fugees (at the request of the record label i interned at @ruffhouserecords) opened up for us at #TheTrocodero in Philadelphia—-this was one of their first gigs since signing to a major label. They were there to help us celebrate our signing to @geffenrecords. Their #BluntedOnReality got released in early 93. We got our deal in Dec 93 & man…..”
The post adds: “Now 30 years later & look at us now. What a journey. @MsLaurynHill did us a solid by letting us not only letting us celebrate with her the classic #MiseducationOfLaurynHillbut she also made a moment by bringing together her bredren @WyclefJean & @PrasMichel ……in what could possibly be one of the last times we will see this institution together in this setting.”
The surprise reunion follows the band cancelling their planned 25 anniversary tour in back January 2022, when Pras Michel then convicted for his alleged involvement in a billion-dollar Malaysian money laundering scheme back in April.
Wow! The Fugees at @rootspicnic!#Fugees #RootsPicnic #LaurynHill pic.twitter.com/AsEAiVD5XR
— Philly PR Girl LLC (@Philly_PR_Girl) June 4, 2023
“Wow! The Fugees at@rootspicnic! #Fugees #RootsPicnic #LaurynHill!”
At the time the group mentioned that the cancellation was due to the “continued Covid pandemic has made touring conditions difficult, and we want to make sure we keep our fans and ourselves healthy and safe.”
Although reports had emerged that the dates were in jeopardy due to Michel’s alleged legal issues, with the Department of Justice confirming that Michel’s passport was handed over as a result of the case.
Set List
- Everything Is Everything
- Superstar
- When It Hurts So Bad
- Final Hour
- Lost Ones
- Ex-Factor
- To Zion
- Nothing Even Matters
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- Doo Wop (That Thing)
- The Score
- How Many Mics
- Zealots
- Ready or Not
- Killing Me Softly With His Song
- Fu-Gee-La
Photo Credit: Marv Watson