*Wyclef Jean was named goodwill ambassador to Haiti by its President Rene Preval during a ceremony Thursday in New York City.      

The rapper-musician, formerly a member of The Fugees with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, was issued a red diplomatic passport before hundreds of fans and well-wishers, including music mogul Russell Simmons and Miami City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, reports the Miami Herald.      

Jean received the official honors from his uncle Raymond Joseph, Haiti's ambassador to the United States.      

Jean promised to represent Haiti to the fullest, stating: "I promise never to make you ashamed.'

He joked that NYPD should take notice because he's an official diplomat now.       

"Life has changed for the rapper,' he said, "If it were not for hip hop I would not be standing here tonight.'

After the ceremony, Wyclef gave the crowd a sample of his upcoming album "Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant," due Dec. 4.