Wyclef Jean The Preacher's Son CD

THE PREACHER'S SON includes a limited edition bonus DVD.
2003 had so far been a great year for Wyclef. A new label deal with J Records, a greatest-hits compilation, and guest production work for artists kept him at the top of the hip-hop game without actually having to release a solo album. However, Clef decided that these things were simply not enough and had to come out with The Preacher's Son. Easily a redemption for the 2002's marginal Masquerade, Preacher's Son finds Wyclef re-energized right from the opening moments (aside from the extremely out of place introduction by comedian/pitch guy Steve Harvey). Preacher's Son starts off with a one-two punch: the left hook of "Industry" finds Wyclef making a wish list to reverse several of the tragedies and battles hip-hop had endured over the past decade ("Imagine if Biggie and Pac never got shot/Nas and Jay-Z they were still homies/Squash the beef with Ja Rule and 50/Benzino shook hands with Eminem/And on the same record I heard Eve, Foxy and Kim") and the right hook of "Party to Damascus," a bumped-up track featuring Missy Elliott delivering one of her signature raunchy freestyles. Preacher's Son doesn't let up there either thanks to an armada of guest cameos from Patti LaBelle, Redman, Carlos Santana, Scarface, and Monica, just to name a few. And unlike most rap albums, which rely on these guest appearances to carry the weight of the record's impact, these contributions only complement the stellar songwriting, arrangements, and production style that has made Wyclef one of the most in-demand producers of the 2000s and '90s. As with most records, there's a bit of filler that could be trimmed to make a great record into a phenomenal one, but it's easy to forgive when the quality is so high. The Preacher's Son is a welcome return to form and easily one of the biggest highlights of Wyclef's career. ~ Rob Theakston
On THE PREACHER'S SON's "Three Nights in Rio," Wyclef Jean jams with master guitarist and latter-day pop icon Carlos Santana, trading wicked solos as 'Clef, an underrated guitarist himself, veers from Latin pop-styled vocals into straight rap into affectionate calls for one big jam. More than any moment, this track may sum up the appeal of Wyclef Jean, a musical chameleon who earnestly immerses himself in whatever sonic world he's chosen to inhabit.
In addition to his genre-bending, Wyclef also possesses a genuine love for hip-hop and its rich history, and this passion glows throughout this, his fourth solo record. Not surprisingly, Wyclef proves as capable of a tortured-soul reflective R&B ballad (on "Class Reunion") as he is of losing himself in a rap (on "Party To Damascus," which features Missy Elliott in an expert guest turn). THE PREACHER'S SON presents more of 'Clef's softer side when fellow Jersey rapper Redman drops by to growl on the mellow, insightful "Baby Daddy" and on the sweetly smooth Delfonics-style "Baby." Wyclef Jean has always projected a restless, adventurous spirit, and THE PREACHER'S SON continues his nomadic musical life, resulting in yet another eclectic and engaging album.Q (12/03, p.129) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...His fourth album sees credible Jean making a timely return. On the world-weary 'Industry' he laments rap's staggering death toll and inspires genuine sadness..."
Mojo (Publisher) (12/03, pp.104-6) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[U]pbeat and jubilant....This is, above all else, a showcase for Wyclef the songwriter..."