Highbrid Nation columnist S Dot Stylus and Dos Un took to the streets again Thursday to bring you one of the most interesting stories we’ve reported to date.  We met up with Wyclef Jean and Pras, former members of the once broken-up then revived and now defunct Fugees as Clef prepared to record a track with rock band Cartel.  However there was a twist, the Grammy award winning artist would be recording the track with the band while suspended over Manhattan’s East River…in a bubble!?

For the last week and a half, Dr. Pepper, KFC and a bunch of other corporate yohans have been sponsoring the band’s ambitious goal to spend 20 days isolated from the world inside a bubble located on New York’s Pier 54 while they write and record their new album, due July 24 on Epic Recordings.

 
Inside the Bubble.  (Taken through the glass)

Wyclef was stopping by to collaborate on a track entitled “Wasted.”  Pras was not actively involved in the project and was there to support Clef.  Please understand with the lack of fans and work over the last few years any public appearance for him is a good one even if it’s just to chill.

Cartel which is on day 15 had already collaborated with The Boys Choir of Harlem and a host of New York street musicians but Wyclef is by far the most notable cameo on the project.  I’d love to say that there were droves of fans screaming all day however it was more like a casual afternoon at the park. 

Prior to Clef’s arrival there were a handful of young supporters on the pier, many whom were casual fans of Cartel, there to get an autographed T-Shirt that they gave to the band through a galvanized steel two-way draw reminiscent of what you’d see at a late-night gas station attended kiosk.  Fans shared gifts for the band and exchanged pleasantries through the glass via a two way microphone that was mounted for that purpose.  The crowd doubled in size as Wyclef arrived but that was mostly due to the influx of local and trade press, corporate sponsors and record label executives that showed up politic. 

Clef’s interview with MTV. 

Most of the Fans, not surprisingly, were more interested in the band doing chores inside their makeshift living room than Wyclef’s arrival.  So much so that MTV sat with the star and did an short interview without many of the autograph seekers even realizing who he was.  (Different genre I understand) After his interview and just prior to going into the bubble, Wyclef played a quick point with fans on the makeshift volleyball court that was set up on the pier. 

You can check out more on Jean’s appearance at DrPepperbubble.com.  Cartel will leave the bubble June 12 and celebrate with a concert on the pier.

Screens were set up so you could see inside the bubble.  The suns glare made it difficult to see inside.  The bubble glass had to be replaced with a plexyglass following last weeks storm that shattered the original encasing.  No one was hurt. 

Clef signs an autograph for a “fan”