Credit: Fugees

Fugees rapper Pras was scheduled to appear in court last week. However, the hearing was postponed due to emergency surgery for cancer removal.

The 52-year-old was convicted on illegal foreign lobbying and conspiracy charges in 2023, with the hearing surrounding how much he must forfeit to the government.

In a filing, Pras’ lawyers stated he had “experienced a significant medical concern” that would stop his appearance.

Pras’ spokesperson, Erica Dumas, revealed he had been diagnosed with colon cancer during a regular check-up.

In a statement to Billboard on September 1st, she said, “Pras missed Friday’s sentencing hearing while undergoing emergency surgery for colon cancer removal. We stand with him and his family and wish him a full recovery as he addresses this serious health matter.”

She added that Pras is “recovering right now until he is in the clear and focused on spending time with his family ahead of sentencing. He still remains hopeful for his future.”

Federal prosecutors agreed to the postponement of the hearing, with a new date now scheduled for October 3rd.

Pras was convicted of conspiracy, witness tampering, failing to register as an agent of China, and other counts. Prosecutors claim he “betrayed his country for money” and are pushing for a decades-long prison sentence.

The rapper is best known as a member of legendary hip-hop trio Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. However, he quit the group early last year.

“I’m done with that,” he said. “They’re going to Europe [to tour]. I can’t go, so It’s what it is. You can’t give people that kind of energy. So you could be frustrated, you could be disappointed, but I really believe in my path and in my journey, and I believe what’s mine, no one’s going to be able to take it away from me.”