The Fugees, an influential American hip-hop group, emerged from South Orange, New Jersey, in 1990, consisting of members Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and Lauryn Hill. Known for their innovative fusion of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and funk, the Fugees distinguished themselves during an era dominated by gangsta rap, establishing themselves as a significant force in alternative hip-hop. Their name, derived from the term "refugees," reflects the immigrant backgrounds of Jean and Michel and resonates with themes of resilience that permeate their music.

The group signed with Ruffhouse Records, an imprint of Columbia Records, in 1993 and released their debut album, Blunted on Reality, in 1994. While the album initially garnered modest sales, it began to gain traction as the Fugees built a reputation through local clubs and talent shows. Producer Salaam Remi played a crucial role in their early success, remixing their tracks "Nappy Heads" and "Vocab," with "Nappy Heads" charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and enhancing their underground recognition.

The Fugees' breakthrough came with their second album, The Score, which was released in 1996. The album became a monumental commercial success, featuring hit singles such as "Fu-Gee-La," "Ready or Not," and their acclaimed rendition of "Killing Me Softly," which topped charts in over 20 countries. The Score peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, achieved 7× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, making it the second rap album in history to receive such recognition. Its success positioned the Fugees at the forefront of pop music, as noted by The New York Times.

During their peak, the Fugees collaborated with a range of artists, including Simply Red on "Angel" and released the single "Rumble in the Jungle" featuring Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and John Forté, both of which reached the top five on the UK Singles Chart. Their collaboration with Bounty Killer on the rap opera single "Hip-Hopera" further showcased their versatility. In 1997, they performed a historic concert in Haiti, which became the largest staged concert in the nation's history, solidifying their status as a major musical act.

Despite their success, internal conflicts led to the disbandment of the Fugees later in 1997, prompting each member to pursue solo careers. However, the group has reunited on several occasions for tours and live performances, including a notable appearance in Dave Chappelle's Block Party in 2005. Over the years, the Fugees have received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for International Group, and the Medal of Honor from Haitian President René Préval. They are frequently acknowledged among the greatest rap groups in history, with Billboard stating they contributed to the diversification of Black identity in popular culture through their impactful lyrics.

Today, the Fugees remain a celebrated name in music history, with The Score included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums, while "Ready or Not" holds a place among the Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll as recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their legacy endures, continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.