Grammy-winning rapper Lauryn Hill has reportedly paid more than $900,000 to settle debts on the eve of her publicized federal tax evasion sentencing appearance.
Lauryn Hill, on the eve of her scheduled sentencing on federal tax evasion charges, has paid off the balance of more than $900,000 she owed in back taxes and penalties, her attorney said on Sunday.
The Grammy-winning musician is scheduled for sentencing on Monday in U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey on three charges she failed to file tax returns on more than $1.8 million between 2005 and 2007. She faces up to a year in jail for each charge, but the final sentence is expected to be adjusted based on her repayment of the money, her attorney said. She owed at least $504,000 in federal back taxes as well as state taxes and penalties that brought the estimated total to more than $900,000. (amNY)
Hill's attorney also spoke on the hefty legal case and how she has fulfilled all outstanding debts. "Ms Hill has not only now fully paid prior to sentencing her taxes, which are part of her criminal restitution, but she has additionally fully paid her federal and state personal taxes for the entire period under examination through 2009," her attorney, Nathan Hochman, said in an email. (amNY)
Rapper/producer/musician Wyclef Jean took a hiatus from music to take care of some very important work. Just over three years ago, an 7.0 earthquake shook the tiny island ofHaiti, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving millions homeless. When news of the earthquake broke, Wyclef headed back to his home country to help out. The former Fugees member was very vocal about the rebuilding process and even threw his hat into the political arena to run for president in Haiti. Although he his presidential hopes were dashed, Wyclef still does what he can to help out his fellow Haitian brothers and sisters in the slow, pain-staking process of putting their lives and country back together.
Fast forward a couple years later and Wyclef, who also released an autobiography while taking a break, is back on the music scene with a brand new mixtape. Taking all of hip hop artist to school. Giving the heart of hip hop and music new life. Titled, April Showers, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer makes a triumphant return with a solid mixtape filled with club bangers, soulful hits and freestyles.
To mark the release of April Showers, Wyclef held an exclusive listening party for industry insiders and VIP guests. Held at The Spot located on the first floor of the luxe Trump Sohoin lower Manhattan, the Haitian native moved the packed crowd with tunes from his latest project.
On hand were several artists featured on April Showers. Including Atlanta Georgia Rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
In addition to giving everyone an exclusive listen to April Showers, 'Clef spoke about his return to music, working with some of the newer artists in the industry and how he still plans on helping his homeland. During an impromptu performance.
Wyclef grabbed a guitar and wowed the crowd with an acoustic performance of "Please Call 911." At one point during the night, a classic cypher broke out with Waka Flocka, Maino, Uncle Murder and Wyclef taking turns to freestyle.
Haitian-born American singer Wyclef Jean will perform in Ghana in June. Jean will be making an appearance at Michael Essien's Charity Game on June 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The deal was made possible by Essien's former mate at Chelsea Florent Malouda.
Also expected to attend, are a host of football's big names including Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
"After the game there is a big concert, featuring Wyclef Jean as well, which Florent Malouda has helped with, and that will also be in the stadium," Essien has revealed.
The charity game is themed: "the Michael Essien Foundation Game of Hope and Inspiration" and is aimed at raising funds for five African charities.
Wyclef spreads a positive message for the displaced youth roaming the city of Chicago committing violence and the young people living in its maelstrom on 'Bang Bang.
Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill has finally stepped forward to speak out in light of her publicized tax-related case and confirmed speculation of signing a Sony Music deal.
Hill penned an open letter to fans Thursday (April 25) night and explained exactly what is going on with her.
"It has been reported that I signed a new record deal, and that I did this to pay taxes. Yes, I have recently entered into an agreement with Sony Worldwide Entertainment, to launch a new label, on which my new music will be released. And yes, I am working on new music. I've remained silent, after an extensive healing process. This has been a 10+ year battle, for a long time played out behind closed doors, but now in front of the public eye. This is an old conflict between art and commerce... free minds, and minds that are perhaps overly tethered to structure. This is about inequity, and the resulting disenfranchisement caused by it. I've been fighting for existential and economic freedom, which means the freedom to create and live without someone threatening, controlling, and/or manipulating the art and the artist, by tying the purse strings. It took years for me to get out of the 'parasitic' dynamic of my youth, and into a deal that better reflects my true contribution as an artist, and (purportedly) gives me the control necessary to create a paradigm suitable for my needs. I have been working towards this for a long time, not just because of my current legal situation, but because I am an artist, I love to create, and I need the proper platform to do so." (Ms Lauryn Hill Tumblr)
Lauryn also hinted at the misperception of how much money has landed in her pockets considering the amount of records she has sold.
"The nature of my new business venture, as well as the dollar amount reported, was inaccurate, only a portion of the overall deal. Keep in mind, my past recordings have sold over 50,000,000 units worldwide, earning the label a tremendous amount of money (a fraction of which actually came to me). Only a completely complicated set of traps, manipulations, and inequitable business arrangements could put someone who has accomplished the things that I have, financially in need of anything. I am one artist who finds value in openly discussing the dynamics within this industry that force artists to compromise or distort themselves and what they do, rather than allowing them to make the music that people need. There are volumes that could (and will) be said." (Ms Lauryn Hill Tumblr)
Earlier this week, Hill received additional time to get her finances in place before being sentenced in her tax case. Lauryn Hill just bought herself a couple weeks of freedom. The R&B legend was to be sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to blowing off her 2005-2007 tax returns ... but the sentencing was moved to May 6 to give Lauryn a chance to repay a chunk of her $968,000 tax debt. Hill's attorney said the singer recently signed a million-dollar recording deal with Sony ... she was also planning to take out a $650,000 loan to put toward the bill. Hill faces several years in prison ... but her attorney is hoping for probation. (TMZ)
Last week, reports claimed Lauryn wanted leniency in her tax evasion case.
After pleading guilty to tax evasion last June, multiple Grammy winner and former Fugee Lauryn Hill is making one last ditch effort to avoid jail time. In advance of her scheduled sentencing this Monday, April 22, Hill filed legal documents requesting that her sentence be limited to probation, as it would make it easier for her to pay back the bill she owes for the three years--2005, 2006, and 2007--she did not file taxes. Over those three years, Hill earned a reported $1.8 million, but the documents explain she did not pay the IRS because she "withdrew from society at large due to what she perceived as manipulation and very real threats to herself and her family." (Entertainment Weekly
Wyclef talks with Boss Lady about Lauryn Hill's legal woes and how Dave Chappelle got the Fugees to reunite for his television special almost 10 years ago. Clef expressed his sadness about Lauryn's situation and said his door is always open and is willing to do whatever it takes to help her avoid a jail sentence.
Ms. Hill's legal situation with the IRS has been widely reported as she worked out a deal to straighten out her tax debt to avoid jail time.
Wyclef spits true life events on "Open Letter" and drops a few jewels for the unenlightened. Clef goes in over Hov's beat to give us an appetizer before he drops April Showers at the end of the month.
Brooklyn emcee Maino is taking his talents and hitting the stage but it's not one he is known for. The "That Could Be Us" rapper is set to star in the upcoming hip-hop musical Freedom. The play is...
With the Haiti flag posted behind him, Wyclef takes us back to his humble beginning and how he made it to the top. Great cover on Drake's song. Be on the look out for Clef's album April...
Hip Hop superstar Wyclef Jean is working overtime! After shooting the video for his hit song 'Mid Life Crisis' and taking over the online scene with his "Sosa" Freestyle (Creole Version), Wyclef has now teamed up with Brooklyn's own Unlce Murda for Vlog #6 of the "April Showers" Chronicles. In this weeks vlog, music lovers get a sneak peak of Wyclef in the studio working on his newest release 'Pop Ya Belly Ring' featuring Uncle Murda and All Handz On Deck's upcoming artist Hannah Eggen. 'Pop Ya Belly Ring' is sure to be a crowd pleaser and is produced by Wyclef, All Handz On Deck and Ric Atari. April Showers is scheduled to be released late April
Refix Kingz, Edley Shine and DJ JButtah, continue their run with refixing the hottest songs out. Their latest refix is "Freaks" with Nicki Minaj and French Montana. The Refix Kingz teamed up with DJ Suss One, Wyclef and Elephant Man to add their touch to a classic dancehall track.
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