Wyclef Jean Flips the Script, Drops Financial Anthem 'Paper Right'

Rapper Wyclef Jean, 54, ventures into a new domain — financial literacy — with the release of "Paper Right." Collaborating with Pusha T, Lola Brooke, Capella Grey, and Flau'jae, Jean seeks to emphasize the importance of building generational wealth and financial acumen.

"Paper Right is about building a financial legacy for future generations and the reward and gratification this brings. The most important thing I hope people take away from the song and my partnership with TIAA is that saving earlier can set you and your family up for long-term success," said Jean, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees, in a statement about the release. "As a father, when I look at my financial legacy and impact, I want to make sure my daughter is taken care of and has the tools needed to understand why saving early and preparing for the future is crucial."

This musical endeavor transcends mere catchy beats; it represents a strategic partnership with TIAA, a financial services giant and advocate for its ongoing "#RetireInequality" campaign. TIAA's focus on cultural relevance aligns with Jean's mission, evident in its previous initiatives like "The Dre$$," a couture gown symbolizing the retirement gender gap.

However, partnering with Jean raises eyebrows for some, casting a shadow from his past financial controversies. His Yéle Haiti Foundation, co-founded in 2001, faced investigations by the New York Attorney General over concerns about financial mismanagement and potential misuse of funds exceeding $9 million.

While specific claims of misappropriation haven't been proven in court, reports detailed significant expenses on travel, salaries, consultants, and related costs, raising questions about how donations were allocated. Haitian lawsuits seeking to recover unpaid debts from Yéle vendors and contractors further add to the cloud of uncertainty.

TIAA, however, views Jean's past as an opportunity for a relatable narrative. By partnering with an artist who has navigated financial complexities, TIAA aims to offer a story of overcoming adversity and achieving financial security.

"We're doubling down on keeping culture at the core of creativity," Danny Robinson, Chief Creative Officer at The Martin Agency, told Fast Company. The collaboration, he states, tackles the pressing issue of retirement insecurity, particularly affecting 54% of Black Americans who cannot maintain their standard of living post-retirement.

Jean acknowledges the challenge of engaging listeners, especially younger generations. "I know the message has to start with the Gen Zs and then on to my generation," he says. To bridge the gap, the song features Flau'jae, a Gen Z artist and the first millionaire in her family, Lola Brooke, a young rapper addressing social housing realities, and Capella Grey, offering his unique perspective. OGs Pusha T and Jean add experience and credibility.

But "Paper Right" isn't just about lyrics; it's an action-oriented initiative. Every stream of the song benefits First Generation Investors, a non-profit empowering underserved high school students with financial literacy tools.

Wyclef Jean's "Paper Right" transcends the typical hip-hop narrative, aiming to be a powerful financial education tool. While Jean's past with Yéle casts a shadow, the initiative's potential to inspire financial awareness and empower underserved communities offers a glimmer of hope. Only time will tell if "Paper Right" strikes the right chord, both financially and ethically.

Watch the music video for the single above.

Memphis Police Seek Suspect in Targeted Shooting That Killed Yo Gotti's Brother

Photo Credit: bigjookcmg/Instagram

The heartbeat of Memphis' music scene fell silent on Saturday when Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, brother of renowned rapper Yo Gotti, was ruthlessly targeted and fatally shot outside Perignons Restaurant & Event Center in the home of the blues.

The assailants struck during a repast service at 4:15 p.m., leaving Big Jook and another attendee with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Big Jook succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the second victim is fighting for survival in critical condition.

Deputy Chief Paul Wright, addressing the media in a press conference, asserted, "We believe the individual shot was targeted." While investigators work to unravel the details, Wright urged witnesses to step forward, emphasizing the community's pivotal role in this ongoing investigation.

The motive and identity of the assailants remain elusive, but surveillance footage capturing a white Ford Explorer with black wheels and dark tints leaving the scene is now a focal point in the quest for justice.

The news of Big Jook's untimely demise reverberated through the music industry, casting a shadow over Collective Music Group (CMG), where he played a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

CMG artist GloRilla shared a poignant Grammy Awards photo featuring Yo Gotti and Big Jook, captioned simply, 'Get your rest' with a crying emoji."

Labelmate Est Gee penned a touching tribute, posting a photo with Big Jook and recalling their connection: "Kept it real wit me I could never forget," wrote Gee.

Big Jook's final Instagram post, dated Friday, now carries an eerie resonance. A self-portrait is accompanied by a seemingly prophetic caption: "They don't want to face you they wanna snake you. Stay alert 2 stay alive watch your back at all times."

This devastating loss compounds the grief for Yo Gotti and his family, who had already laid another relative to rest earlier that day. The Grammy-nominated rapper's silence speaks volumes about the tragedy's impact, shining a harsh light on the human cost of violence within the artist community.

The Memphis Police Department implores anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 528-CASH (2274) or online at crimestopmem.org.

Watch: Usher Unleashes 30 Years of Hits in Super Bowl LVIII Trailer Extravaganza

Move aside, confetti cannons; Usher has just raised the halftime bar by weaponizing an oven door. The King of R&B dropped the trailer for his highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show today, delivering a star-studded, genre-bending spectacle that promises to redefine the halftime experience.

Picture LeBron James belting out "Yeah!" from the window of his car, BTS' Jung Kook seamlessly gliding through Usher's signature moves alongside the artist himself, and a Latin twist on the iconic synth riff courtesy of J. Balvin — all ingeniously crafted using a squeaky oven door.

This isn't just a sneak peek; it's a 30-year musical odyssey set to explode on February 11th, showcasing why Usher rightfully claims a spot on the R&B Mount Rushmore.

The electrifying trailer kicks off with a gospel-infused rendition of "Yeah!" sung by an impassioned fan chorus, instantly transporting viewers through Usher's illustrious career. James joins the chorus, belting out the lyrics from his car window. Jung Kook, drawing from their viral TikTok duet, effortlessly glides through Usher's iconic moves alongside the artist himself.

Then comes the unexpected twist: J. Balvin, the Latin sensation, brings the playful spirit of Las Vegas to life by transforming a squeaky oven door into the iconic "Yeah!" synth riff, infusing a Latin flair into the sonic tapestry. But this is no mere nostalgia trip.

The trailer expertly weaves together glimpses of Usher's genre-bending prowess, from the early days of "Climax" to the pulsating beats of "OMG." Marching bands, a lone busker's flute, and a soulful gospel choir flash by, each a testament to the artist's multifaceted musical DNA.

Usher, in declaring earlier this year, "It's an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list," has set the stage for a show that promises to be unlike anything the world has seen from him before.

Witness the spectacle unfold in the trailer below, and decide for yourself if Usher is on the brink of redefining the Super Bowl halftime experience.