Fugees (/ˈfuːdʒiːz/) are an American hip hop group formed in South Orange, New Jersey, in 1990. The trio of Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and Lauryn Hill were known for their fusion of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and funk; their socially conscious lyrics; and use of live instrumentation during their performances. Their sound stood apart during the gangsta rap-dominated era, as they became one of the most significant alternative hip hop acts. Their name, derived from "refugees", referenced Jean's immigrant background, Michel's Haitian heritage, and themes of resilience in their music, which occasionally incorporated Haitian Creole.
After signing with Ruffhouse Records, an imprint of Columbia Records, in 1993, Fugees released their debut album Blunted on Reality (1994). Initially met by modest sales, it gained traction as they built a reputation in local clubs and talent shows. Producer Salaam Remi remixed their songs "Nappy Heads" and "Vocab", with the former charting on the Billboard Hot 100, helping them gain underground recognition. Their second album, The Score (1996), was a massive commercial success, spawning the hit singles "Fu-Gee-La", "Ready or Not", and their reimagined version of "Killing Me Softly", which topped the charts in over 20 countries worldwide. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, was certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, making it only the second rap album to receive the honor. According to The New York Times, its success placed the Fugees "at the forefront of pop music".