“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide.”
So, the Fugees warned us, ever so fiercely, on “Ready or Not,” one of the classic hip-hop bangers on “The Score,” the 1996 smash that went seven-times platinum and won them two Grammys.
But as the Fugees and Ms. Lauryn Hill were about to set out to celebrate 25 years of her historic solo debut, 1998’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” — which became the first hip-hop LP to win the Album of the Year Grammy in 1999 — they were not ready.
Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras — the groundbreaking, genre-busting trio born out of the streets of Maplewood, NJ — pulled the plug on The Miseducation Anniversary Tour just three days before it was supposed to start at the Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa, Florida, on Fri., Aug. 9.
“With difficulty, the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates,” Hill said in a statement on Instagram. “The shows in the UK ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned.”
The two-month trek — which was scheduled to hit Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on Sept. 20 before heading to the UK on Oct. 12 and wrapping up in Amsterdam on Oct. 22 — was slated to receive opening-act support from YG Marley, child of Hill and Bob Marley son Rohan.
It has been a tumultuous time for the Fugees — even as they began celebrating the silver anniversary of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which was released in August 1998, and their own reunion last fall.
But her 2023 fall tour with the Fugees went on to have problems, as Hill experienced vocal strain, and some dates were rescheduled for 2024. Those same voice problems that have caused this latest setback.
“Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” Hill said in her Instagram post. “Regrettably, some media outlet’s [sic] penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.”
“The audiences in the UK and Europe not only haven’t seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance yet, they also haven’t see the Fugees perform together in over over 25 years!” she added. “Performing for my fans, is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time. Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love of music. I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am.”
A defiant Hill — who has long been criticized for her live performances, not being punctual, and for her concerts not receiving as much support as a result — continued: “Know that I am not only grateful for those who appreciate and support my art, but that I FIGHT and push through all kinds of resistance to put together experiences that mean something for all of us. I love being able to bring these performances to you!”
The 49-year-old singer-rapper ended her post by saying “for our fans in North America, when these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we’ll be back in full force… With Love, Respect and Honestly, MLH.”
The celebratory tour began promisingly at the rain-soaked Global Citizen Festival on the Great Lawn of Manhattan’s Central Park last September.
Hill looked every bit the hip-hop queen that she is as she majestically took the stage with a full band — and even fuller energy.
From a blistering “Lost Ones” to an epic “Ex Factor,” she schooled the masses on her “Miseducation” legacy before ending her solo set by turning “Doo Wop (That Thing)” into a joyous jam in the rain.
But that wasn’t it for Hill, who then brought out her Fugees fam Wyclef Jean and Pras — who is still awaiting sentencing after being convicted on conspiracy charges last year and faces up to 20 years in prison.
By the time they finished with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and a bit of “Fu-Gee-La,” Hill — with a little help from her friends — had slayed the 2023 Global Citizen Festival before the actual Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage.
Still, it wasn’t meant to be for the legendary crew — and yet another tour was tanked, at least temporarily.
However, Hill and the Fugees are in good company for summer tour cancelations.
Bigger arena tours by Jennifer Lopez and the Black Keys were also canceled for this season.
“I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down,” said Lopez in a statement released after her “This Is Me … Live” tour was torpedoed in June. “Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary.”
But the reason is typically low ticket sales — no matter how you want to spin it, J.Lo.