PRAS FROM THE FUGEES CLOSET REPUBLICAN???

You wouldn't think a world famous African American rap star would vote Republican ... but most rap stars don't owe a favor to George W. Bush and Bob Dole ... like Pras from the Fugees.

Pras was outside Cafe Entourage in L.A. last night ... when we asked about his pal John Forté -- a former Fugees producer who was convicted for cocaine possession back in 2000 and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Forté caught a serious break in 2008 ... when Dubya commuted his sentence and released him from the slammer ... after some hardcore lobbying from Pras, Bob Dole and Republican Senator Orrin Hatch.

Pras tells us he was supremely grateful for all of the G.O.P. help ... so it was only natural we asked the question ... "Are you a Republican now?"

Ya gotta see Pras' answer -- it's pretty awesome.