Grammy-winning rapper Pras reports to prison to begin 14-year sentence
By AP, May 2, 2026Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees has reported to federal prison to begin a 14-year sentence following a conviction over illegally funnelling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
Michel reported to prison on Thursday, April 30, 2026, a spokesperson said, with federal records listing him as an inmate at a low-security correctional institution in Arizona.
“Today is a painful day for Pras, for his family, and for everyone who believes in a fair system of justice. Pras honours the legal process as he reports to begin his sentence,” said Erica Dumas, a spokesperson for Michel, adding that his legal team is still contesting his charges.
“This chapter is difficult, but it is not his final one,” Dumas said.
Michel, 53, was convicted in 2023 on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He was sentenced late last year.
Prosecutors said he obtained over $120 million (Ksh 15.48 billion)from Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, and steered some of that money through straw donors to Obama’s campaign.
Michel also tried to end a U.S. Justice Department investigation of Low, tampered with two witnesses and perjured himself at trial, prosecutors said. Low has maintained his innocence.
Michel rose to global fame as a member of The Fugees, one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s. Alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, the group released the landmark album The Score, which earned critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide, selling tens of millions of albums.
The trio won two Grammy Awards and became known for hits such as Killing Me Softly and Ready or Not, helping define an era of hip-hop and R&B crossover music.
His 1998 solo single Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are) also became an international hit, cementing his place in global pop and hip-hop culture before his later legal controversies.