"The Score," the second and final studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, made its global debut on February 13, 1996, under Columbia Records. A pioneering work in the realm of alternative hip hop, the album showcased a rich tapestry of samples and instrumentation that would go on to shape the hip-hop landscape of the mid- to late-1990s. Produced primarily by Fugees themselves, "The Score" also boasted additional production contributions from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. Featuring guest verses from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté and Diamond D, the album offered a diverse sonic journey for listeners. Most editions of the album included four bonus tracks, including remixes of "Fu-Gee-La" and a solo track by Wyclef Jean titled "Mista Mista."
 
Upon its release, "The Score" soared to commercial success, claiming the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and dominating the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart for a remarkable eight weeks, setting a record as the longest-running number one for a hip hop group. Singles such as "Killing Me Softly," "Fu-Gee-La," and "Ready or Not" achieved significant chart success, propelling the album to become the third best-selling album of 1996 in the United States and garnering worldwide acclaim for the group.
Receiving widespread praise from critics, "The Score" earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 39th Grammy Awards, making history as the second rap album to receive such recognition and the first from a hip hop group. It also clinched the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, as well as Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Killing Me Softly." In the years since its release, "The Score" has solidified its status as a seminal work in hip hop, with numerous critics and publications hailing it as one of the greatest albums of the 1990s and a cornerstone of the genre's legacy. It has been enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of 200 Definitive Albums and secured a spot on Rolling Stone's prestigious "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list (2020), further cementing its enduring impact on music history.