Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on 2026-10-16
Today, two International, GRAMMY Award-winning musical icons Wyclef Jean and Carlos Santana join forces for a timely, anthemic new track “Freedom (Carlos Santana Remix)” and accompanying music video. United by a shared vision for social change, and humanitarian outreach, the two join forces on a signature rhythmic anthem that challenges our understanding of freedom in today’s world, asking “you’re sure this is freedom?”
The original version is off Jean’s Quantum Leap project, Clef Notes - Quantum Leap, Vol. 1 via Megaforce and The Orchard.
Delivered with a level of passion and soul equal to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar, the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. For more than four decades, Carlos has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries. One of Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” Santana has sold more than 100 million records. To date, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won 3 Latin and 10 GRAMMY Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project. One of those GRAMMY Awards was a recognition for “Maria Maria” written by Wyclef Jean. This hit introduced a timeless guitar lick to the musical pantheon that has defined entire decades, in part thanks to a revival in DJ Khaled & Rihanna’s “Wild Thoughts.”
LISTEN TO “FREEDOM (CARLOS SANTANA REMIX)”
Quantum Leap, Volumes 1 & 2
Wyclef’s ambitious Quantum Leap project will see the prolific songwriter, producer and performer release seven albums consecutively over the next year. Each album has seven tracks, narrowing in on a genre he has mastered over his three decade and counting career. Leaping from Hip Hop to Jazz, and on to Reggae, Gospel, Country, R&B, and celebrating global beats like Haitian Kompa and beyond. Much like his globally celebrated and 3x Grammy Nominated debut album The Carnival. Just a year ahead of the 30th anniversary of the album’s anniversary, Wyclef’s indelible impact on the music industry continues to be a force. The Carnival is widely regarded as an early triumph of a more global hip-hop sound. Before cross-cultural fusion became commonplace as it is today, Wyclef seamlessly blended Latin, Caribbean, Country and folk influences into a single groundbreaking record.
A fitting place to start, Clef Notes - Quantum Leap, Vol. 1 - a reawakening of the Fugee co-founder’s Hip-Hop genesis. Moving through time, each track unravels a chapter of his journey. From his immigration, to finding his footing in the early days of hip-hop. He wrestles with spirituality, tracing the lines between where he’s been, who he’s become, and what the future still holds. Features include Lil Wayne, Andra Day, G Herbo, Rapsody, Theo Croker & more.
His newest offering Q Theory - Quantum Leap, Vol. 2 marks the birth of Rara Jazz, a fearless fusion inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Hispaniola, and sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and Brazil’s favelas. With 90% of the album presented as instrumental compositions, Wyclef’s first strictly jazz album is named in honor of one of his greatest musical mentors, the late Quincy Jones. Features include Robert Glasper, Harvey Mason, Yussef Dayes, Theo Croker and more. Wyclef is set to join Robert Glasper for a presentation of Q Theory at the Blue Note NY on October 22 and 23. Tickets are available here.
We’re just at the beginning of Wyclef Jean’s Quantum Leap, both sonically and spiritually. Learn more on the TODAY Show, Noochie’s Front Porch, LA Times, SPIN and Genius. Read his SUCCESS Magazine Nov/Dec 2026 cover story. He will be the headline performer at the British Museum Ball this weekend.
