Introduction
Ghetto Supastar is the launching solo studio album by Haitian-American rapper, Pras Michel. Released on October 27, 1998, the album includes a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae affects. Pras Michel was a member of the Fugees which dissolved in 1997, so Ghetto Supastar serves as an opportunity for him to make his mark as a solo artist. The album is best known for the title track "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" which includes vocals from R&B singer Mýa and rap artist Ol' Dirty Bastard. The tune ended up being an international hit and made Pras Michel a recognized name in the music market.
Production and Collaborations
Ghetto Supastar was mainly produced by Pras Michel and Wyclef Jean, another former member of the Fugees. Numerous other producers added to the album, consisting of RZA, Jerry 'Wonder' Duplessis, and Salaam Remi. The album likewise features visitor looks from various artists, such as Canibus, Most Wanted, and the Reepz.
The album's lead single, "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" was produced by Wyclef Jean and samples the 1983 hit "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The appealing, sing-along chorus helped the song become a substantial hit, charting at second on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number fifteen on the United States Billboard Hot 100. The song was likewise featured on the soundtrack for the 1998 film "Bulworth".
Reception
Upon its release, Ghetto Supastar received combined reviews from critics. Some applauded Pras Michel's special noise and design, in addition to the album's varied series of influences and partnerships. Other critics, however, felt that the album was unfocused, with some tunes being forgettable in comparison to the hits. The album was an industrial success, peaking at number fifty-five on the United States Billboard 200 and number nineteen on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart.
"Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" stays the standout track from the album and was chosen for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999. The tune has actually continued to be popular, with it being covered and sampled in numerous forms throughout the years.
Tradition and Influence
Despite Ghetto Supastar's combined reception, the album stays a crucial release within the late 1990s hip-hop scene. As a solo artist, Pras Michel was able to break away from the shadow of the Fugees and continue his music profession on his own terms. The title track's infectious chorus and remarkable video made a substantial effect on popular culture at the time, and its tradition continues today.
In addition, the album showcases Pras Michel's flexibility as an artist by including various musical designs and cooperations. This variety in sound likely paved the way for future artists looking to explore traditional hip-hop and R&B categories.
Conclusion
Ghetto Supastar is an ambitious and varied album that played a significant function in Pras Michel's career as a solo artist following the disbanding of the Fugees. Though not without its defects, the album's distinct noise and memorable partnerships, especially the title track "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)", serve as a testimony to Pras Michel's skill and creativity. Almost twenty-five years after its release, Ghetto Supastar remains a distinct and influential piece of late 1990s hip-hop history.
Artist: Pras Michel
Pras Michel, co-founder of the Fugees. Explore his biography, quotes and impact made in music and philanthropy.
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