Fugees

The Fugees are an American hip-hop group formed in South Orange, New Jersey, in 1990. The trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel became known for their fusion of hip-hop and R&B with elements of reggae, soul and other musical styles across the African diaspora. Derived from "refugees", their name references Jean's immigrant background, his and Michel's Haitian heritage, and recurring themes of resilience. The group's socially conscious lyrics, eclectic sound, and use of live instrumentation stood apart during the gangsta rap-dominated era, establishing them as one of the most significant acts in alternative hip-hop.