Anticipating a Fugees reunion in 2023 is filled with nostalgia and excitement. This iconic hip-hop group, consisting of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel, hasn’t graced the same stage for the past 16 years. But they recently made a remarkable comeback during the 25th Anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Tour at the Capital One Arena in DC, an event I couldn’t afford to miss.

This talented trio emerged in the mid-’90s, introducing a groundbreaking fusion of reggae, R&B, funk, neo-soul, and hip-hop. In 1996, their second studio album, The Score, soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart and achieved 7x platinum status. Singles like “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and “Killing Me Softly” from that album also dominated the charts, propelling them to rock star status and solidifying their place as hip-hop legends.

Watch the official music video for “Ready or Not” by Fugees on YouTube:

At Capital One Arena on Oct. 21, the evening commenced with the angelic voice of Ms. Lauryn Hill, serenading the sold-out arena with her extensive solo repertoire. While there were some slight variations in the song arrangements, the entire crowd sang along, captivated by the enigmatic songstress.

As the night unfolded, Ms. Hill shared a touching moment on stage with her son, Zion, for a heartfelt duet. Finally, as the grand finale we had all eagerly awaited, Hill was joined by her fellow Fugees bandmates for a performance that left the Capital One Arena audience in awe.

Lauryn Hill Setlist:

Everything Is Everything
When It Hurts So Bad
Final Hour
Lost Ones
Ex-Factor
To Zion
Nothing Even Matters
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli cover)
I Used To Love Him
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Doo Wop (That Thing)

The return of the Fugees came at a particularly emotional period of time. Lauryn, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel founded the band in 1990. As reported in the Washington Post, Pras Michel faces a potential prison sentence for federal charges related to a scheme allegedly perpetuated by Malaysian businessman Jho Low.

Regardless of the circumstances, it was incredible to see the Fugees reunited onstage at Capital One Arena.

Fugees Setlist:

Vocab
Nappy Heads
How Many Mics
The Score
Cowboys
No Woman, No Cry (Bob Marley cover)
Killing Me Softly with His Song (Lori Lieberman cover)
Ready or Not
Gone Til November (Wyclef Jean song)
911 (Wyclef Jean song)
Ghetto Supastar (Pros song)
Fu-Gee-La

Below are images from a nostalgic night with Lauryn Hill and Fugees at Capital One Arena on Oct. 21, 2023. All images and words copyright and courtesy of Shedrick Pelt.