| No one should doubt that Wyclef Jean is on top of his | | | | About the Baby." Until Clef hit that chorus, "What about |
| game. His latest album Carnival Vol 2: Memoirs of an | | | | the Baby" almost seemed like it was going to be a |
| Immigrant does not only satisfy his loyal Caribbean | | | | regular joint. It's like he has to struggle vocally in order |
| fans but also goes back to his Fugees roots while | | | | for it to be a hit. Then Mary J. joins in and lets listeners |
| demonstrating his command on a variety of styles. | | | | know that relationships are tough to work out even |
| Musically and lyrically Wyclef Jean demands to be | | | | with the best intentions. This track is definitely worth |
| heard. | | | | the wait. |
| "Riot" starts with an electric guitar riff that meets his | | | | Ever since Punjabi MC collaborated with Jay-Z, I have |
| rapping styling head on. This is perfect for the times, as | | | | had an affinity towards Indian music. "Hollywood Meets |
| it seems like we are in a very tenuous state with the | | | | Bollywood (Immigration)" is full of fast tempo beats that |
| war, state of the economy, and socio-cultural issues | | | | could prove useful for a great aerobic workout. |
| that plague the United States. "Riot" will appeal to all | | | | Slowing down the pace but not affecting the quality is |
| types of music lovers. | | | | "Any Other Day" with Norah Jones. Again, the strings |
| Wyclef's first single released from the album had me | | | | are beautifully composed to compliment her voice and |
| at the first beat then he went and put Lil' Wayne on | | | | style. |
| the album and I was done. The catchy chorus sung by | | | | "Heaven's In New York" seems like a lyrical revisit of |
| Akon is one that cannot be denied. Everyone knows | | | | "If I was President." It has that reggae flavor in the |
| about the struggles with cash flow especially right now. | | | | background with Wyclef's vocals lending to a |
| Even still, he appeals to people struggling to make ends | | | | contemplative mind frame. This is one of those songs |
| meet with a catchy beat that people can move their | | | | that a person can just close her eyes and enjoy. |
| feet to in a club. | | | | Put on your dancing shoes as Wyclef connects |
| The next Fugees joint ...Oh my bad. Seriously, it could | | | | directly with the Latin music world with "Selena." The |
| have been a Fugees joint. I could easily hear Pras and | | | | bridge is a carnival jam where he shouts out to |
| Lauren laying down a few bars to "Welcome to the | | | | everyone that simply wants to get his or her groove |
| East." It has a crazy laid back beat. | | | | on. |
| T.I. is taking about "Slow Down" and it almost seems | | | | Lastly, Clef takes listeners on a 13 minute carnival trip |
| like a sure bet that he recorded this after his | | | | that starts off with signature Will.I.Am pop tempo and |
| possession charge debacle. Lyrically, this is a joint to | | | | ends with a call for peace in Haiti and worldwide. This |
| pay attention to. The strings on this cut are sensational | | | | is a get your party on jam for about the first seven |
| in their pseudo-simplicity. | | | | minutes before it moves into a slower groove. Like his |
| Admittedly, "King & Queen" did nothing to impress | | | | first album, Wyclef opens the gateway to not only |
| until Shakira's vocals. The contrast of her sultry singing | | | | Haitian music but also Caribbean music all together. |
| to Clef's hyped reggae beat created an intriguing blend | | | | There are two bonus tracks of a "Slow Down" |
| of styles that makes this joint likable, even if it is not | | | | performance without T.I. It is a really enjoyable version |
| one of the favorites. | | | | of the track. The second bonus is a performance of |
| It is almost wrong to get your groove on to "Fast Car." | | | | "Selena." |
| He alludes Left Eye's tragic death and paints sad | | | | If there are stars to give Wyclef Jean gets all five. If |
| pictures that happen everyday. However, Paul Simon's | | | | there's a grade requirement, he gets an A+. Lyrically, |
| accompaniment and the hot beat, especially during the | | | | Wyclef does not stick to what's popular but tackles |
| chorus, make it difficult not to do a head bop here and | | | | some poignant, time appropriate issues. Musically he |
| there. | | | | demonstrates his versatility and willingness to test the |
| Wyclef and Mary J. Blige meet back up on "What | | | | limits within the confines of a commercial album. |