Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill, born May 26, 1975 in Newark New Jersey, is a musical pioneer, setting the stage for not only African American artists, but all musical artists. She innovates her unmatched lyricism through rap and intertwines her melodic soulful singing. She is producer, actress, songwriter, rapper, singer, and has broken many records and barriers in the industry. She made her debut at the Apollo Theater as a child not fairing too well but came back and touched the hearts of movie watchers in her role as Rita Watson in the 1993 film, Sister Act II: Back in the Habit, with Whoopi Goldberg. Hill wowed the audience with her ability to offer soulful riffs and a powerful vocal range.

In high school Hill joined with Pras Michel and Wyclef Jean to form the hip hop group, the Fugees. With the group she was able to release two albums where the fans were graced with her unique rap flow showcasing her own intellect and ability to educate and invite us into her art of storytelling. When the Fugees remade the hit song, “Killing Me Softly,” using Hill’s vocals, this talent became a household name and many covers of her rendition of the song are continuing to be uploaded to many internet platforms even today. The body of work that the group provided to the world is a true representation of the art of Hip Hop and the Fugees went on to sell millions of copies and win Grammys. This also set the stage for Lauryn to write and collaborate with many prominent artists, including the world-renowned Aretha Franklin.

When I first listened to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, I heard someone singing the growing pains of my life. This was her only studio album and through sweet rhythm and prose she spoke the experience of growth, love, and light of every girl around the way where everything is everything. This album is the essence of reminiscence and allows the listener to revisit their own miseducation. As Lauryn paints pictures through storytelling, you take a trip through childhood angst, school rivalries, and comfort foods where commonalities can be felt by every ghetto and every city. She croons us through lessons in love where we can feel the harsh emotions in falling when it can hurt so bad, and the empowerment of rising again when we doo wop that thing. Lauryn’s sweet vocals allows us to live in the peaceful moments of love when nothing even matters.

She shares in the strength and joy of motherhood like she is marching to Zion and will keep you listening until the final hour. At the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill earned 10 nominations, winning five awards, and made Lauryn Hill the first woman to receive that many nominations and awards in one night. Watching her power and humility on the awards show motivated me to be great. It showed me that you can be young, but still have a powerful voice that can uplift others through a powerful message. In that moment I knew I wanted to use my gifts to empower other young girls and women. She showed me that you can embrace yourself, love yourself, and achieve even when others count you out. I was able to see Lauryn live on stage during her 20th anniversary tour for the album and it was kismet. I had gone full circle in my own life, and it was only meant that I be in that moment, at that time living the music that motivated my existence.

While Lauryn did not record another solo album, she did participate in an MTV Unplugged performance where she debuted the hit song, “Mystery of Iniquity.” In this live performance Lauryn allowed the audience a peak into her creative process and genius. She engaged fans in an acoustic performance with just her, a guitar, and her raw works of art. While the performance opened to mixed reviews, “Mystery of Iniquity” still won her a Grammy nomination. While there have been ups and downs, and dramatic headlines attached to her name, one thing is certain. Lauryn Hill is a musical genius and an international icon. In 2021 Lauryn became the first female to have a hip-hop album certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. She has sold over 10 million albums and continues to touch hearts around the world with her lessons in lyrics. There have been many greats in music, but this queen has definitely left her mark.