Wyclef Jean

He told me about growing up dirt poor in Haiti, about the violence he experienced as a young man in New York City, about the genius of his mind in creating a recording studio in his uncle’s basement, about helping Beyonce write her first big song before she was Beyonce, and so much more.

And then we talked about how inspiring his 11 year old daughter is to him, why he ran for president of Haiti, and what it took for him to write his newest EP after taking a years-long break from music.

Wyclef is a true master of his craft, but he’s also a deeply caring and wise human being.

I feel like we barely scratched the surface of the wisdom he has to share and I can’t wait to have him back on – but for now, enjoy the genius of the incredible Wyclef in Episode 457.

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did you have the will to do something different than everyone else around you? (10:42)
• Who was the most influential artist for you growing up? (15:16)
• How do you convince someone in the music business that a song is good? (23:14)
• Why do you spend so much time elevating other artists? (26:11)
• Is there any artist you passed on who became big? (31:11)
• What drives you on a daily basis? (39:14)
• What are your daily non-negotiables? (43:41)
• What does it do to your mindset if you’re not getting the same attention you once were? (51:46)
• What do you stand for outside of music? (55:16)
• Where do you think the best songs come from? (1:03:47)
• What’s the thing you want to be remembered most for? (1:05:43)

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Wyclef dealt with all the violence he grew up around (9:01)
• What Wyclef told his mom about being a star as a young kid (16:59)
• The story behind making “Hips Don’t Lie” a huge hit (19:57)
• How the music industry has changed (and how to be successful today as an artist) (35:35)
• Why we are struggling so much right now with ego issues (57:01)
• Plus much more…

Show Notes:

•  Quddus
• Christian Howes
• Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
• Andy Grammer
• Lauryn Hill
• The Fugees
• Apple’s Juno Jupiter Project
• Wyclef’s new EP J’ouvert