Raised by his aunt and uncle in Haiti from ages 2 to 9 after his parents immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of a better life.
Moved to Brooklyn with his parents when he was 9.
Father was pastor at Newark's Good Shepherd Church of the Nazarene.
Played bass for his high-school swing choir.
Formed the Tranzlator Crew, a rap group, with his cousin Prakazrel ("Pras") Michel and Lauryn Hill in the late '80s; they eventually renamed themselves the Fugees.
Released his first solo album, the triple-platinum Carnival, in 1997.
Wrote and produced hits for Destiny's Child, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Shakira.
Bought his parents their dream home with his first major paycheck.
Began taking classes at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2009.
Founded the Yéle Haiti charity to benefit the people of his native Haiti.
Counts Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin and Yes among his favorite musical acts.