Wyclef sings; guests rap

Ever since the Fugees more or less disbanded after the release of The Score, Wyclef Jean has been proving himself time and again as a solo artist. In fact, it now seems that traditional bounds of rap are a format Wyclef finds too limiting.\nWith The Preacher's Son, the first album produced by Clive Davis's J-Records, Jean has avoided rapping almost completely in favor of singing. When there is rap to be found on the album, it's almost always provided by one of his many high-caliber guest stars. \nThe lead single "Party to Damascus" features Missy Elliott. Other hip hop artists include Redman, Rah Digga, Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Scarface. In typical "Ecleftic" fashion, Jean has also brought together guests from a wide range of the musical diaspora. Patti Labelle, Carlos Santana, Buju Banton and Monica join the mix.\nThe only thing that's really debatable about The Preacher's Son is not whether it's a worthwhile album; it's whether Wyclef can be called a rap artist any more. The question about what hip hop music is will rage on, but meanwhile Wyclef Jean, the son of a preacher man, will keep on jamming with spirited, soulful songs.