The Fugees Nearly Lost “The Score” Over Uncleared Enya Sample — How a $3 Million Settlement Saved a Classic

In 1996, The Fugees dropped their groundbreaking second album, The Score, an instant classic that redefined hip-hop’s global reach. But behind one of its most iconic tracks—“Ready or Not”—was a legal storm that nearly pulled the album from shelves altogether.

The issue? The haunting instrumental that introduced “Ready or Not” was sampled from Enya’s ethereal track “Boadicea”—without her permission and without giving her credit.

At the time, The Fugees—comprised of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras—were still navigating the business side of the industry. According to Wyclef, the group didn’t fully understand publishing and copyright clearance, and using the sample without clearing it was an honest, albeit major, misstep.

Initially, Enya considered suing the group, which could’ve led to the track being removed entirely from the album. But after hearing The Score and realizing it was not gangsta rap, but rather thoughtful, socially conscious music, she chose a different path.

Enya agreed to a reported $3 million settlement and was finally given proper sample credit on the track. In a 2016 interview with Forbes Magazine, she reflected on the situation with grace and clarity:

“Oh absolutely, I think they’re wonderful musicians. We were both fans, but the way it just happened was the wrong way and I just felt I had to make a stand for what I believed in musically... All we expected was just a call to say ‘will you listen to this song?’”

Enya pointed out that with other artists like P. Diddy, who sampled “Boadicea” for Mario’s “I Don’t Wanna Know,” the process was simple and respectful—a phone call and a request.

For The Fugees, the situation became a valuable lesson in music publishing and intellectual property. As Wyclef Jean later put it, it was a learning experience that shaped how they approached their craft and business going forward.

Despite the controversy, “Ready or Not” remains one of hip-hop’s most haunting and beloved tracks, with Enya’s sample adding a timeless mystique that fans still rave about.

Today, both The Score and “Ready or Not” are celebrated not just as cultural milestones, but as reminders of the importance of respecting artistry—both past and present.

In the end, what could’ve been a disaster turned into a story of mutual respect and creative integrity—and it saved a song that continues to inspire listeners worldwide.