Pras
Encyclopedia
Prakazrel Samuel Michel, known as Pras, (ˈprɑːz; born October 19, 1972) is a Grammy Award
-winning Haitian-American rapper, actor, film producer, and member of the hip hop trio The Fugees
.
, New York, Pras cultivated an early interest in music. When he was 15, Pras met Lauryn Hill
. In 1988, Pras introduced Lauryn to Wyclef Jean
. Pras Michel, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill began to rehearse under the guidance of Kool and the Gang's producer, Ronald Khalis Bell, and subsequently they formed a musical group called The Rap Translators in 1989 (also known as Tranzlator Crew).
, under the supervision of Ronald Khalis Bell, Pras attended Rutgers College and Yale University
, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Psychology.
In 1996, The Fugees achieved historic crossover success with The Score
, which went multi-platinum. Pras has also forged a successful solo career, beginning with an international hit single from his first full-length solo LP, "Ghetto Supastar
(That Is What You Are)", featuring Mýa
and Ol' Dirty Bastard
. "Ghetto Superstar" became a top ten single in 1999, and the #8 most played single; it was received with critical acclaim and earned Pras a performance at the World Music Awards
. The hit single was included in the soundtrack for the film Bulworth
. "Ghetto Supastar" spent eight weeks in the UK Top 5, peaking at number 2 in July 1998, and reached US #15 a month later. "Blue Angels", from the same album, was acknowledged as a UK Top 10 hit, reaching #6 in November of the same year.
Pras also featured on the track "Turn you on" by Swedish artist DeDe which was released in fall 2007. "Turn you on" is also written and produced by Pras Michel. After nine weeks on Sweden's single chart the single went #2. Pras and DeDe has been touring/ promoting "Turn you on" around Sweden and Europe fall 2007 and July/August 2008. He also featured "Pushin'" from the album Equalize
by acclaimed Brit-Asian electro-pop band Swami
, which was released in fall 2007.
Pras has won numerous awards—including two Grammys, a Billboard Award, multiple Brit Awards, a World Music Award, a Top of The Pops Award and a Video Music Award.
," Pras gained an interest in Hollywood. In 2000, Pras starred in the New Line film, Turn It Up
. In early 2002, he appeared in the Sony/Urban World release "Higher Ed," and "Go for Broke
" in which he starred and produced. He is co-starring in three 20th Century Fox
films, to be released in 2007–2008 (he is planned to receive producing credit on two of those films). Pras recently finished the film, The Mutant Chronicles.
In 2006, Pras created "Skid Row," a documentary account of his nine-day experience posing as a homeless person living in downtown Los Angeles
. Using a hidden camera, Pras captured the devastating reality of homelessness. Skid Row was released in August 24, 2007. The film was produced by Teryn Fogel.
The experience of living on the street inspired Pras to launch prAsperity project in May 2007. prAsperity project is a non-profit organization that jump-starts awareness and solutions for intractable problems affecting the human condition. The organization takes on humanity "projects" as distinct crusades that need attention, working on behalf of established community groups to inject energy and progress towards issues ranging from homelessness to social injustice.
In 2008, Pras launched a new media marketing company called Platinum Brand, a global provider of Internet video
solutions and services. He publishes and distributes a weekly video blog available on the site.
] should the twice democratically elected President return to his home country of Haiti
". In an exclusive interview with Reema Kumari Jadeja from MOBO
Pras spoke of his support for Michel Martelly in the Haitian elections.
"
"Blue Angels"
CD1
CD2
"Another One Bites the Dust
"
"What'cha Wanna Do"
CD1
CD2
"Avenues"
"Haven't Found"
CD1
CD2
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-winning Haitian-American rapper, actor, film producer, and member of the hip hop trio The Fugees
The Fugees
Fugees were a Haitian American hip hop group who rose to fame in the mid-1990s. Their repertoire included elements of Hip hop, soul and Caribbean music, particularly reggae. The members of the group were rapper/singer/producer Wyclef Jean, rapper/singer/producer Lauryn Hill, and rapper Pras Michel...
.
Early life
Born and raised in BrooklynBrooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York, Pras cultivated an early interest in music. When he was 15, Pras met Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.Early in her career, she established her reputation as a member of the Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of...
. In 1988, Pras introduced Lauryn to Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian musician, record producer, and politician. At age nine, Jean moved to the United States with his family and has spent much of his life in the country...
. Pras Michel, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill began to rehearse under the guidance of Kool and the Gang's producer, Ronald Khalis Bell, and subsequently they formed a musical group called The Rap Translators in 1989 (also known as Tranzlator Crew).
Music career
In 1994, before and during the time that The Fugees were recording their first album Blunted on RealityBlunted on Reality
Blunted on Reality is the debut album released by hip hop group The Fugees. The album was written and recorded by the group in 1992, however, following a long dispute with their record company, the album was not released until February 1, 1994. Most versions of the album contain seventeen tracks,...
, under the supervision of Ronald Khalis Bell, Pras attended Rutgers College and Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Psychology.
In 1996, The Fugees achieved historic crossover success with The Score
The Score
The Score may refer to:* The Score Magazine, a Chennai magazine* The Score Television Network, a Canadian sports channel* The Score , a 1996 album by Fugees* The Score – An Epic Journey, a 2005 album by the symphonic metal band Epica...
, which went multi-platinum. Pras has also forged a successful solo career, beginning with an international hit single from his first full-length solo LP, "Ghetto Supastar
Ghetto Supastar
Ghetto Supastar is Pras' debut album released in 1998. The chorus of the title track is a reworking of the 1983 Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit "Islands in the Stream", which was written by The Bee Gees - Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb...
(That Is What You Are)", featuring Mýa
Mya
-A person:* Bo Mya , Chief Commander of the Karen National Union* Mýa , American R&B singer-songwriter and actress** Mýa , a 1998 album by Mýa-A code:* Burmese language, ISO 639-3 code is mya* Moruya Airport's IATA code...
and Ol' Dirty Bastard
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Russell Tyrone Jones was an American rapper and occasional producer, who went by the stage name Ol' Dirty Bastard or simply ODB...
. "Ghetto Superstar" became a top ten single in 1999, and the #8 most played single; it was received with critical acclaim and earned Pras a performance at the World Music Awards
World Music Awards
The World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 that annually honors recording artists based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . John Martinotti is an executive producer and co-founder of the show...
. The hit single was included in the soundtrack for the film Bulworth
Bulworth
Bulworth is a 1998 American film co-written, co-produced and directed by the film's star, Warren Beatty. It was loosely based on the life of Beatty's friend, Tennessee political figure John Jay Hooker. It co-stars Halle Berry, Oliver Platt, Don Cheadle, Paul Sorvino, Jack Warden, and Isaiah...
. "Ghetto Supastar" spent eight weeks in the UK Top 5, peaking at number 2 in July 1998, and reached US #15 a month later. "Blue Angels", from the same album, was acknowledged as a UK Top 10 hit, reaching #6 in November of the same year.
Pras also featured on the track "Turn you on" by Swedish artist DeDe which was released in fall 2007. "Turn you on" is also written and produced by Pras Michel. After nine weeks on Sweden's single chart the single went #2. Pras and DeDe has been touring/ promoting "Turn you on" around Sweden and Europe fall 2007 and July/August 2008. He also featured "Pushin'" from the album Equalize
Equalize
Equalize is an Urban Desi album by the UK band Swami released on September 24, 2007.Their two previous albums were DesiRock in 2004, and So Who Am I in 2005...
by acclaimed Brit-Asian electro-pop band Swami
Swami (band)
Swami are a critically acclaimed British Indian pop/alt/bhangra band from Birmingham, England. It is also the pseudonym of the band's lead performer, producer, DJ and guitarist Diamond Duggal , who founded the band with his brother Simon Duggal...
, which was released in fall 2007.
Pras has won numerous awards—including two Grammys, a Billboard Award, multiple Brit Awards, a World Music Award, a Top of The Pops Award and a Video Music Award.
Other work
After his cameo debut in the 1999 film, "Mystery MenMystery Men
Mystery Men is a 1999 comedy film based on a Dark Horse comic book series feature in Flaming Carrot Comics by Bob Burden, directed by TV commercial director Kinka Usher. It stars William H. Macy, Ben Stiller, and Hank Azaria as a trio of lesser superheroes with fairly unimpressive superpowers who...
," Pras gained an interest in Hollywood. In 2000, Pras starred in the New Line film, Turn It Up
Turn It Up (film)
Turn It Up is a 2000 drama–musical film. It was directed by Robert Adetuyi and stars Ja Rule, Pras, Faith Evans and Jason Statham. The film grossed $1,247,949 during its brief theatrical run.-Cast:*Pras as Diamond*Ja Rule as David "Gage" Williams...
. In early 2002, he appeared in the Sony/Urban World release "Higher Ed," and "Go for Broke
Go for Broke (2002 film)
Go for Broke is a 2002 urban comedy film, written by Jean-Claude La Marre, who also directed and co-produced the film, which stars Pras, Michael A. Goorjian, LisaRaye, Kira Madallo Sesay, and Bobby Brown. The movie was made in 3 different languages: English, French, & German...
" in which he starred and produced. He is co-starring in three 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation — also known as 20th Century Fox, or simply 20th or Fox — is one of the six major American film studios...
films, to be released in 2007–2008 (he is planned to receive producing credit on two of those films). Pras recently finished the film, The Mutant Chronicles.
In 2006, Pras created "Skid Row," a documentary account of his nine-day experience posing as a homeless person living in downtown Los Angeles
Skid Row, Los Angeles, California
Skid Row, officially known as Central City East, is an area of Downtown Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the population of the district was 17,740.-Description:...
. Using a hidden camera, Pras captured the devastating reality of homelessness. Skid Row was released in August 24, 2007. The film was produced by Teryn Fogel.
The experience of living on the street inspired Pras to launch prAsperity project in May 2007. prAsperity project is a non-profit organization that jump-starts awareness and solutions for intractable problems affecting the human condition. The organization takes on humanity "projects" as distinct crusades that need attention, working on behalf of established community groups to inject energy and progress towards issues ranging from homelessness to social injustice.
In 2008, Pras launched a new media marketing company called Platinum Brand, a global provider of Internet video
IPTV
Internet Protocol television is a system through which television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.IPTV services...
solutions and services. He publishes and distributes a weekly video blog available on the site.
Private life
In January 2010 the New York Daily News quoted Pras as having said he, "Personally would try to assassinate [former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand AristideJean-Bertrand Aristide
Jean-Bertrand Aristide is a Haitian former Catholic priest and politician who served as Haiti's first democratically elected president. A proponent of liberation theology, Aristide was appointed to a parish in Port-au-Prince in 1982 after completing his studies...
] should the twice democratically elected President return to his home country of Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
". In an exclusive interview with Reema Kumari Jadeja from MOBO
Mobo
Mobo can refer to:*Shorthand for the motherboard in computers and other electronic equipment*Shorthand for a mobile [network] operator or MNO *Shorthand for a mobile bohemian, a person who embraces mobile technology...
Pras spoke of his support for Michel Martelly in the Haitian elections.
Albums
- 1998: Ghetto SupastarGhetto SupastarGhetto Supastar is Pras' debut album released in 1998. The chorus of the title track is a reworking of the 1983 Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit "Islands in the Stream", which was written by The Bee Gees - Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb...
- 2005: Win Lose Or DrawWin Lose or Draw (album)Win Lose or Draw is the second studio album released by American rapper Pras. The album was released in 2005. Only one single, "Haven't Found", was released from the album.-Track listing:# "Win Lose or Draw"# "Dreamin'"# "Light My Fire"...
Singles
"Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)
"Ghetto Supastar " is a Hip-Hop song by American rapper Pras, featuring rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard and recording artist Mýa. The track was produced by Wyclef Jean and Jerry 'Wonda" Duplessis for Pras' debut solo studio album, Ghetto Supastar. It also features on the soundtrack for the motion picture...
"
- "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" (Main Version)
- "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" (Instrumental)
- "Don't Be Afraid"
"Blue Angels"
CD1
- "Blue Angels"
- "Blue Angels" (K Gee Remix)
- "Blue Angels" (Seani B Remix)
CD2
- "Blue Angels"
- "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" (The Black Apple Remix)
- "Murder Dem"
"Another One Bites the Dust
Another One Bites the Dust
"Another One Bites the Dust" is a song by the English rock band Queen. Written by bass guitarist John Deacon, the song featured on the group's eighth studio album The Game . The song was a worldwide hit, charting number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100, number two on the R&B charts and...
"
- "Another One Bites The Dust" (New LP Version)
- "Another One Bites The Dust" (Team 1 Black Rock Star Main Pass)
- "Another One Bites The Dust" (Team 1 Black Rock Star Radio Edit)
"What'cha Wanna Do"
CD1
- "What'cha Wanna Do" (LP Version)
- "What'cha Wanna Do" (Bang Your Head Remix)
- "What'cha Wanna Do" (Seani B Remix)
CD2
- "What'cha Wanna Do" (LP Version)
- "What'cha Wanna Do" (Instrumental)
- "Blue Angels" (K-Gee Lo Phatt Remix)
"Avenues"
- "Avenues" (Radio Mix)
- "Avenues" (RNG Funk PH Mix)
- "Avenues" (RNG Vocal Mix)
- "Avenues" (Instrumental)
- "Avenues" (Album Version)
"Haven't Found"
CD1
- "Haven't Found"
- "Dreamin'" (Remix)
CD2
- "Haven't Found"
- "Haven't Found" (Shake Ya Cookie Remix)
- "Light My Fire" (DJ Swami Remix)
- "Haven't Found" (Video)
Featured Singles
- 2001: "Miss California" (Dante Thomas featuring Pras)
- 2007: "Turn You On" (Dede featuring Pras)
- 2007: "Pushin'" (SwamiSwami (band)Swami are a critically acclaimed British Indian pop/alt/bhangra band from Birmingham, England. It is also the pseudonym of the band's lead performer, producer, DJ and guitarist Diamond Duggal , who founded the band with his brother Simon Duggal...
featuring Pras and Ishmael) - 2008: "Le Blues" (Melissa M featuring Pras)
- 2008: "My Man" (AnggunAnggunAnggun Cipta Sasmi is an Indonesian singer-songwriter. She has released 12 studio albums and one soundtrack album , and her songs have also been included on various compilation albums. Her musical career began in childhood, and she achieved commercial success in Indonesia when she was 12 years old...
featuring Pras) - 2010: "Watch Out" (Jennifer MilanJennifer MilanJennifer Milan is an Italian R&B and Pop singer.-Career:In 2008 Jennifer took part at the Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi. She has been compared to Beyoncé and Joss Stone....
featuring Pras)
Acting and producing career
- Mystery MenMystery MenMystery Men is a 1999 comedy film based on a Dark Horse comic book series feature in Flaming Carrot Comics by Bob Burden, directed by TV commercial director Kinka Usher. It stars William H. Macy, Ben Stiller, and Hank Azaria as a trio of lesser superheroes with fairly unimpressive superpowers who...
(1999) – Tony C (credited as Prakazrel Michel) - Turn It UpTurn It Up (film)Turn It Up is a 2000 drama–musical film. It was directed by Robert Adetuyi and stars Ja Rule, Pras, Faith Evans and Jason Statham. The film grossed $1,247,949 during its brief theatrical run.-Cast:*Pras as Diamond*Ja Rule as David "Gage" Williams...
(2000)- Denzel/Diamond (credited as Pras Michel) (co-producer) - Higher Ed (2001)- Ed Green (credited as Pras Michel) (executive producer)
- Go For BrokeGo for Broke (2002 film)Go for Broke is a 2002 urban comedy film, written by Jean-Claude La Marre, who also directed and co-produced the film, which stars Pras, Michael A. Goorjian, LisaRaye, Kira Madallo Sesay, and Bobby Brown. The movie was made in 3 different languages: English, French, & German...
(2002)- Jackson/Jackie (credited as Pras Michel) (producer) - Nora's Hair SalonNora's Hair SalonNora's Hair Salon is a 2004 independent comedy-drama film, written by Chanel Capra and Jean-Claude La Marre, and directed by Jerry LaMothe. This film stars Jenifer Lewis, Tamala Jones, and Tatyana Ali.-Plot:...
(2004) - Careful What You Wish For (film)|Careful What You Wish For (2004) – Zen Salesman (credited as Pras Michel)
- Feel The Noise (2007) – Electric
- First NightFirst NightFirst Night is an artistic and cultural celebration on New Year's Eve, taking place from afternoon until midnight. Some cities have all their events during the celebration outside, but some cities have events that are hosted indoors by organizations in the city, such as churches and theaters...
(2006) – himself (producer) - Skid Row (2007) – himself (producer)
- The Mutant Chronicles (2007)- Captain Michaels (producer)
External links
- Pras' MySpace page
- Platinum Brand and Pras' video blog
- Rolling Stone page
- MTV artist page
- iMusic Urban Showcase artist page
- Pras Michel's interview with Tavis Smiley on PBS, August 20, 2007 – Pras discusses Skid Row the movie, homelessness & the possibility of a Fugees comeback
- PrAsperity Project
- Pras Michel's filmography at the Internet Movie Database