Wyclef Jean, ‘April Showers’ – Mixtape Review

Wyclef Jean hasn't released any new material in seven years but today, the Haitian musician returns with a new mixtape, 'April Showers.'

Buoyed by the song 'Hip Hop,' in which he reflects on his favorite hip-hop memories, the former Fugees member brings an eclectic mix of rap songs on the 33-track collection.

Clef collaborates with a number of hip-hop heavyweights including T.I., Trae tha Truth, Kirko Bangz, Mobb Deep, Uncle Murda and Troy Ave. The vocals of the late Whitney Houston are even featured.

On the title track, Wyclef spits punchlines about slaying his competitors and comparing his rhymes to bullets from an AK. "I was raised on a 100 bars or better / My bars are still my delivery / Tougher than leather," he raps.

One interesting collaboration on the mixtape is the refugee rocking with Waka Flocka Flame on 'Trap N Roll.' Clef provides the electric guitar riff while Waka spits hardcore rhymes over a trap-sounding beat. Another track, 'Hope N Pray,' features producer Young Chop on the beat and Wyclef singing about the perils of street life in Chicago.

Then Wyclef heads down south and teams up with Tip and Trae on 'I Wish It Was Music' to address the rebellious nature of today's youth. That carries over on 'Death Wish,' a hardcore track featuring the gruff talk of Opium Black.

Wyclef also freestyles over popular instrumentals including 'Started From the Bottom,' 'Bugatti' and 'Love Sosa.' Over the sinister beat of Jay-Z's 'Open Letter,' the rapper talks about the politics involving his native homeland of Haiti. You gonna learn about Haiti today!

Speaking of learning, Wyclef dumbs it down and raps about his come-up on the infectious 'Kick Knowledge.' Over a head-nodding trap beat and a Japanese guitar riff, Clef spits, "Kick knowledge / Then to college / I ain't stay long / I went from the 'hood to cottage / Pursue my dreams / Started making beats / Ready or not / Here I come with the Refugees."

The 'If I Was President' rhymer also provides a platform for a few of his up-and-coming artists like Angelica Salem ('Stuntin'), G Fella ('Hard Times'), Choppa Zoe ('The Shrine'), Trini ('The Buzz') and Jarina de Marco ('Main Dish').

Wyclef Jean's 'April Showers' is a great mixtape that we hope will bring a proper full-length album from the Haitian ambassador.

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Listen to Wyclef Jean's 'April Showers' Mixtape

Watch Wyclef's 'Mid Life Crisis' Video