The documentary is currently in production
Mark Wahlberg is making an unprecedented documentary exploring the extraordinary legal saga of Pras Michel, founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees.
The project promises an unfiltered look at Pras’ journey through one of the most complex and politically charged cases in recent music history, a story that has captivated audiences with its intersection of hip-hop culture, international politics, and the American justice system.
With Wahlberg’s production prowess and Archie’s visionary storytelling, the film aims to reveal the man behind the headlines, an artist navigating an almost unbelievable chapter that has transformed from courtroom drama into a modern American tale of resilience, loyalty, and ambition.
Prakazrel Samuel Michél, known professionally as Pras, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is best known as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Fugees, which he formed in 1990 with Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill.
The trio’s second album, The Score (1996), was a critical and commercial success, selling multi-platinum and featuring major hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “Ready or Not.” Pras, who is Haitian-American, attended Rutgers University and Yale University, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Psychology, before and during the Fugees’ early career.
Following the group’s success, Pras launched a solo career, releasing his debut album Ghetto Supastar in 1998. The title track, “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are),” featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Mýa, was a Grammy Award-nominated hit. He also collaborated with Wyclef Jean and Queen on a 1998 remix of “Another One Bites the Dust.”
He has also worked as an actor, appearing in films like Turn It Up and Higher Ed. In 2006, he created the documentary Skid Row, Los Angeles, which chronicled his nine-day experience posing as a homeless person in downtown Los Angeles.
In 2023, Michél was found guilty of ten criminal counts in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The charges included conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering, and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power.
The conviction stemmed from a back-channel lobbying campaign to influence the U.S. government to drop an investigation into Malaysian businessman Jho Low and the 1MDB investment company, and for conspiring to make and conceal foreign campaign contributions during the 2012 U.S. presidential election.
He is facing a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but is currently free on bond pending appeals.
In 2025, his sentencing was delayed after he underwent emergency surgery for colon cancer removal. He is recovering and focusing on his health and legal appeals.
