Today, Oct. 17, marks the birthday of Wyclef Jean, who now turns 48.

Over the years, Clef has developed one of the most eclectic and diverse careers in hip-hop history, starting with his debut in the seminal rap group, The Fugees, in 1994. Two years later, Wyclef and the Fugees would strike massive multiplatinum success after their sophomore effort, The Score, would go on to sell 6.1 million records. After breaking out on his own in 1997 with his solo debut, The Carnival, Wyclef has gone on to platinum success and won 3 Grammy Awards in his career.

In 2010, he announced his candidacy for the presidency of his home country of Haiti. His bid was unsuccessful after courts ruled he was ineligible to run. However after a near 20-year career, Wyclef Jean remains one of hip-hop's one of most respected and revered elders. And Clef isn't afraid to big up new hip-hop acts. A couple years back, he gave a huge cosign to Atlanta rapper Young Thug, saying he's the new version of Tupac Shakur.

In August 2018, Wyclef's many accomplishments were celebrated when he was awarded the Key to the City of Brooklyn.

Happy Birthday, Wyclef Jean!.

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