In the 26-second introduction to his latest solo release, Carnival Volume II: Memoirs of An Immigrant, Wyclef Jean, wasting no time, says, "I'll tell ya since my last album Carnival I've gone to November and a lot of things changed, man, the whole world is in panic mode ..." A lot of things have changed for Wyclef in the past decade. Often plagued by his tendency to overachieve, Wyclef became tired of his new direction, which led to an inability to create a coherent masterpiece. Also, on the personal side, Wyclef took a sizable blow in 2001 with the death of his father, a key inspirational force. Even the decision to return to his Haitian roots with 2004's highly elementary Welcome to Haiti Creole 101 could not lift the Refugee All-Star and proved to be a costly departure from the hip-hop-blend master's true form. Convinced that he was inadequate as a solo artist, Wyclef finally returned to his refugee roots with the Fugees, which ended abruptly due to Lauren Hill's erratic, ego-driven behavior.
Inspiration finally came knocking in the form of Shakira's hips. Writing and producing Shakira's 2006 mega-hit "Hips Don't Lie" did as much for Wyclef in bringing back his sound-bending groove as it did for Shakira's wallet. What comes next is Carnival II.
An uncharacteristically gritty guitar riff jumpstarts the Carnival II dance romp and flows seamlessly into the rock-hop-reggae number "Riot," which features a diverse pair of guest vocalists with reggae sensation Sizzla holding down the Rasta flow, and System of a Down front man Serj Tankian providing his typical mystic rant. "Riot" quickly proves that Wyclef has once again tapped into the creative force that fueled his double platinum solo-effort Carnival.
"Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is the album's first single, featuring the able tandem of Akon and Lil Wayne. The gentle melodic flow of Akon's vocals along with Lil Wayne's natural staccato lends itself perfectly to both the radio and the DJ's booth. Wyclef humbly allows his friends to make their moves, taking only a single verse and patiently adding to the atmosphere with the occasional background-vocal swell that is a requirement in every effective Wyclef hook. Not that Wyclef needs the help, but the fact that Akon is still hot from his run with Snoop will prove to be a vital selling point for Carnival II.
2008 Woodie Awards
