THE CULT OF LAURYN HILL: An Alternative View

The Cult of Lauryn Hill: An Alternative View
By Tola Ositelu

laurynhill_znMy first introduction to Lauryn Hill was way back in the mid-‘90s. In hindsight it was a rather late one. Most people were already familiar with her 1993 appearance in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, which for some reason had escaped my attention up until then.

I remember first hearing Ms Hill’s name early 1996. I was half-way through my GCSE’s, a new girl had joined my class; a true R&B/Hip-Hop head fresh from Nigeria. I kept hearing her talk about this group called the Fujis (as I thought it was spelt then), which she explained was short for ‘Refugee.’ I asked my best friend at the time – Maggie, who was a bit of a Hip Hop connoisseur – if she had heard of them. Of course she was very familiar with the Fugees debut Blunted on Reality, the singles, at least.

It was also around that time I recall listening to Kiss FM 100 (when it actually cared about things like diversity and credibility) and hearing one DJ getting excited over the release of the follow album The Score, name-checking ‘The Girl from Sister Act who can really sing’. Assuming he was talking about the first film, I thought he referred to the timid little ginger nun; I was shocked to think she was making forays into urban music. Maggie soon corrected my mistake.

Shortly after that the Fugees released ‘Fugee-La’, their cover of ‘Killing Me Softly’ followed by ‘Ready or Not’ (with it’s crazy-good remix) and like the rest of the world I got caught up in the Fugees storm of 1996. I would stand up and defy anyone cheeky enough to accuse them of being a glorified covers band, as some detractors were fond of saying at the time. I think Lauryn’s mellifluous form of soul lured me into a false sense of security vis-a-vis the album. I remember borrowing a copy of The Score from a schoolmate and although I really liked the remixes of Fugee-La, I was also reminded that I didn’t enjoy listening to Hip-Hop records in their entirety.

lauryn_hillHowever just as important to me as the music at the time, was how Lauryn was recognised universally as being one hell of a pretty lady. At the time I was unhealthily pre-occupied with the fact that so many music videos featured only women of a lighter hue whilst females of my complexion were severely under-represented-with few notable exceptions; those being Maxwell videos (God bless him) and Lauryn Hill. It meant the world for me to see a dark-skinned woman celebrated in the mainstream for her beauty as well as her talent. I had to wait for the advent of Michelle Obama to see anything like it again.

Some solo and guest features by Lauryn were to follow the release of The Score such as the duet with Nas ‘If I ruled the World’ and ‘Sweetest thing’ from the Love Jones soundtrack. Up until this stage I was very much still riding the Hill gravy train. I would always maintain that Lauryn has one of the prettiest, most effortless voices of her generation. That now famous rendition of ‘Ode to Joy’ at the end of ‘Back in the Habit’ bears witness to that and in my mind, still remains Hill’s best vocal performance.

With the exception of India Arie and perhaps Lisa McClendon, very few female vocalists of Lauryn’s ilk have emerged in recent years to match her vocal beauty. Indeed I was still rooting for Lauryn on the first release ‘Doo-Wop’ from her debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I bought the ‘Doo-Wop’ single. I thought she looked sensational in the innovative, now-classic video. It remains one of the ultimate feel-good party jams. I have a few good memories of that song including one not so long ago, skipping down the streets of Loughborough with my sister (whilst visiting her at University) and some mutual friends rapping and singing the whole song from start to finish at the top of our voices, perfectly sober.

When I first heard The Miseducation… album in full I intended to like it. Indeed, after so much hype I initially convinced myself I did like it. But it didn’t take long for me to realise – and vocalise – how much Hill’s pontificating and whingeing on that record really grated me. Musically, I felt Miseducation… was not saying anything new. Looking back the interludes were the best thing on that album for me. Most of the songs, at least lyrically, were derivative; sounding like a pastiche of any neo-soul song you ever heard. I appreciated the simple, gritty and effective approach to Hill’s harmony arrangements but it wasn’t enough for me to regard the album as this seminal contribution to music that others tried to convince me it was.

lrohanIt was clear to me from her solo outing that Wyclef Jean was truly the one behind the sound of the Fugees and the most accomplished as a producer. And that was the other thing that really got on my nerves. Hill’s bitching about her affair with Mr Jean. OK so he’s no saint… but it takes two to tango. It’s not like Lauryn wasn’t aware he was a married man so why make out like Wyclef was solely culpable? On top of that Lauryn had the cheek to lecture us with bible passages and prophecies of doom when she hardly lived an exemplary Christian life. At the time she was having lots of pre-marital nookie with a certain Mr Marley, hence the quick succession of offspring.

Nonetheless by this time Lauryn had been hallowed in so many people’s imagination that you rarely heard a bad word about her except the odd snide remark in Pride magazine or some New York based-shock jock DJs pointing out that Ms Hill’s didn’t live the squeaky clean lifestyle she preached. In short, I felt The Miseducation… was overrated and over-exposed and Lauryn had started taking herself too seriously. There was something slightly self-deprecating about the Fugees – they took the music seriously but they also knew how have a laugh. I detected no such good-natured humour when Lauryn went on her own and it was badly needed.

By the time Lauryn released her follow up MTV Unplugged album I really had no affinity to her music, which according to my sister is a shame. When I told her about this article she was surprised to learn I wasn’t a Lauryn Hill fan and implored me to check out the Live album, as it would surely change my mind. As of yet, I have not done so, partly because unlike the first album, I refuse to be persuaded by hype this time around. And perhaps because I fear it would be a bit hypocritical to change the whole tone of my article based on me listening to this one record, no matter how much I might like it in the end.

189681jpegHowever this brings me to another interesting point. Sister dearest isn’t the first person to tell me that Hill’s sophomore record deserved much better than the lukewarm reception it got. A close friend once explained to me that subsequent to her solo debut, Hill has seen the error of her self-important ways. Some have even said that Lauryn…Unplugged is every bit as worthy of attention as The Miseducation… if not more. It remains for me find that out for myself.

Whatever my reservations about Miss Hill’s solo work there’s no denying how influential she has been, vocally if nothing else. Until Beyonce Knowles came warbling onto the scene, Hill’s was the definitive R&B sound that so many young girls – and boys -tried to emulate. What is more, Hill’s voice stands the test of time and that is something even a Lauryn-sceptic like myself would not even try to deny.

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25 responses

  1. Juliet Avatar
    Juliet

    Miseducation was phenomenal – ‘ex factor’, ‘tell him’, ‘lost ones’…how many women kept their babies after ‘zion’…you say it’s whiny and bitchy…the album still makes me exhale and the older I grow (when I was listening to it at 12 I didn’t know anything) the more I feel it. ‘It takes two to tango’..that’s besides the point..the point is the breadth and strength and gulf of the emotion and it’s expression. ‘War in the mind’ off the unplugged is a perfect example of this breadth but I can accept the delivery was basic on this album..but even Ms Hill said she wasn’t a performer anymore by the time this album came out.. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if it doesn’t move you then it is what it is.

  2. I got nothing but love for Soul Culture (ya’ll know this) so please excuse my bluntness here. Coz, erm…

    w.h.a.t?

    Lauryn Hill’s debut album was “was overrated and over-exposed” you say? Seems like she’s not the only one smoking that crack.

    Being nominated for 10 Grammy Awards and winning 5 in one night is not someone you necessary gain from an album that is overrated. And hey, I’m not saying the Grammy’s are the most credible beacon for talent and artistry, but I am saying that feat must stand for something.

    Furthermore, to think that “The Miseducation…” is anything less than exceptional makes me question your real knowledge of soul and hip hop music. Of course, we’re ALL entitled to our opinion, and I respect anyone who stands up and says something that most people wouldn’t (for whatever reason), but saying something isn’t good for the sake of saying so – is not a good look.

    Hill’s debut album signifies a defining point in Hip Hop. It marks a era where the female emcee stood up and proved their place in the spotlight. Hill can single headedly rap better than most rappers and sing better than most singers. Those songs, were written to near perfection – you find me one phony, cheesy lyric, find me something that isn’t meaningful and just. And the instrumentaion? You kidding me?

    And wait, you’re telling me “Ex-Factor”, “To Zion”, “When It Hurts So Bad” – you’re telling me these aren’t some of the best Soul-Hop songs ever written? You say they were full of “pontificating and whingeing” and that they “grated” you? Do you got soul? Man! It hurts me to think that you don’t understand. You don’t understand the importance and beauty of these great, great songs.

    And yo, I hear you when you say she wasn’t necessarily preaching what she was singing, but hell what singer does? Did Ray Charles sing about shooting up? Did Whitney Houston croon about jumpin the junk with Bobby? Hell no! But what they did do, is produce good music that people (their audience) could relate to. You can’t hate on that.

    Just realised, I could go on and on with this – but I won’t. I say you & I go for a coffee and discuss this more lmao! Much respect to you still, the article was beautifully written, albeit misguided.

    Soul Culture – you KNOWS I got nothing but love. Keep strong.

    Speeakz

    P.s Thanks for inspiring another listen to one of the great albums ever made. muuuahahah!

  3. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    This is the first time I’ve been compelled to respond to an article such as this one. Not only is The Miseducation one of the best albums in my lifetime, it has left such an impression that has yet to be duplicated. It’s true that the subject matter wasn’t anything new, but it was presented in a way that no one had ever heard before. The whole album concept of missing school the day they taught about love was one of those unspoken, yet universal feelings that people never want to admit to. Her unplugged album was definitely more political but it still left you with that feeling of gratitiude that someone was daring enough to speak out on issues no one else seemed to want to address. I miss her voice, I miss her style,and I only hope one day to hear it again.

  4. Thanks to all those who posted a response. It’s great to get a reaction good or bad.

    Danielle. Thanx for being grown-up in your response. It’s fine to agree to disagree.

    Mmmm,Speeakz, wow I find it so patronising to describe me as ‘misguided’ because I don’t share the same opinion as you on ‘Miseducation…’. And to say I smoke crack because I don’t rate the album? How offensively juvenile. You know nothing of my soul credentials and I refuse to list them because I have nothing to prove but if you’re ever in London town and want to go for that hot drink let me know.

    I didn’t want to make the article too long so there was much I didn’t mention but since you brought it up I’ll respond to some of your points. As a rapper I can’t fault Lauryn, I also felt she was very accomplished and intelligent in her delivery but then again I am not a rap expert so I would take my own opinion with a pinch of salt in that regards. I like ‘Everything is everything’ and that is one of the songs I think has aged well. I don’t mind Lost Ones either. At the time I liked the D’Angelo duet but perhaps Ive heard it too much now so really doesn’t do it for me. I found songs like ‘Ex Factor’ to personal to her and I couldn’t relate to it. I didn’t like any of the other songs enough for them to really make an impression on me. There are other great soul albums that have since been released that IMO out-do Miseducation but have not had the exposure.

    As for Ms Hill not living what she preached…listen the comparisons with Marvin et al are not valid here. They weren’t walking around in a self-righteous haze. People talk about the rawness and realness of Lauryn’s album but somehow she’s exempted from practising what she preaches just because you like what she does? I agree no one is perfect, least of all me but one shouldn’t put themselves on so high a pedestal and flagrantly live a hypocritical life.

    I can understand your passion because I get riled when I see something as a masterpiece and someone else is so dismissive of it. However variety is the spice of life and we cannot all see things the same way. I didn’t say ‘Miseducation…’ was a terrible album, I just don’t think it was as worthy of the adulation it received and I stand by that opinion. I still don’t think it was all that groundbreaking considering that this was the height of the Neo/Nu-soul era. What made it different was Lauryn’s voice. Lauryn is a talented singer, very much so but that doesn’t mean IMO that she is as equally gifted in all other areas she tries her hand (the exception being ‘A Rose is still a Rose’ which she wrote and produced for Aretha Franklin).

    So many underrated artists and their work fall under the radar and I’d rather champion those.

    Shalom, Tola x

  5. LOL

    Firstly, thank you for your kind email (and thanks for the checking the site too, course).

    Secondly, my reference to you smoking crack was actually intended as a joke. I’m sorry you missed that.

    Thirdly, variety is the spice of life – you’re right and don’t get it twisted, I respect your opinion, but I really do feel they were misguided. I find it hard to fathom a person who loves soul (and/or Hip Hop for that matter) who could so…easily completely miss the point of an entire, era-defining album. That’s what surprises me. I am not saying that “you must love this album” or should you pretend to – but I mean c’mon! I just watched the video Soul Culture put together of some of the dopest (soul) artists around saying how much she inspired them, how classic that album was AND how important/instrumental that project has been to soul and it’s culture – I can’t imagine we’re all wrong here? And again, I’m not asking you to conform to our views – but as I have said repeatedly, this makes me question your musical knowledge, your objectivity and simply put…Your credibility as a critic.
    But eh, that’s just me init.

    Oh also, in reference to your email – Never once have I said Beyonce was a soul artist, in fact if you frequent my blog, you will see that I have said on many occasions that she does lack a certain ‘soul’ – however, vocally – ain’t no one around at the moment in contemporary pop-R&B music who comes remooootely close to her. Standard. And…I kinda love her. Ha!

    Much love as always.

    Respect

    Speeakz (ingenuously, not my real name btw)

    P.s And on award shows: never said you should take them seriously, I just said – it must count for ‘something’. Eh, Stevie Wonder’s only won like 22.

  6. LOL … after reading the first paragraph I KNEW this would cause some major discussion/disagreement.

    First things first, the article is extremely well written so congrat’s there.

    Now onto the subject matter – we have already agreed to disagree on a couple of other artists so i’m not gonna attack your POV, it’s ‘yours’ and you are entitled to it 😉

    That said, I have to agree with Speeakz about ‘The Miseducation…’ being a) a classic soul/hip-hop album and b) it being an era defining album.

    Back when this album was released I wasn’t really ‘into’ music like I am now. Sure i bought CDs and listened to stuff but it was more of a passtime than a passion. However, this was one of THE albums that changed all that. For me every single track could be used as a definition of waht soul music should be – fantastic writing (OK I agree it wasn’t original in terms of content … but whose music is nowadays? As they say there ‘aint nothing new under the sun’), fantastic vocals, great concept and great production.

    As for her not practising what she preaches … ok so im not as much of a fan of Ms. Hill the person as i am of her music, but which artists do live by their songs … not many i’m guessin (unless you count the drugged up, thugged out ‘rappers’ we’re subjected to).

    To finish: 1) well done on a well-written, opinionated piece of writing. You put your thoughts/ideas across extremely well. 2) we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one ;). 3) please give it another shot … you might just like it this time 😉 lol.

  7. Speaakz, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, because I don’t regard ‘Miseducation…’ as highly as others do, does not call my ‘credibility’ or love of soul music into question. Also I never referred to myself as a Hip-Hop fan and I am very careful not to do so for various reasons. Oh yes, and IMHO both Jennifer Hudson and Christina Aguilera wipe the floor with Beyonce vis-a-vis pop-R&B vocals, but again just my opinion.

    Soul UK, as I said the not practising what you preach thing…I’m yet to hear an artist of recent years who came over as sanctimonious as Lauryn Hill and she shouldn’t be excused because people like her album so much. I have always been into soul music, long before ‘Miseducation…’ came out and it did not have the earth-moving impact on me as it did you. In regards to innovation…I don’t expect every artist to do something groundbreaking but ‘Miseducation…’ was heralded as something new and exciting and I failed to see it that way. I have however played with the idea of listening to it again. It’s been about six years or so since my last listen. My opinion hadn’t changed then and I doubt it would now but hey…you never know 😉 Thanks for the positive feedback.

    Shalom, T x

  8. First off, I am going to disregard what Tolita just said about Jennifer Hudson and Christina Aguilera because I could care less about either one of them LOL but Lauryn Hill definitely changed the game in 1999 with her unique vocal ability and heartfelt songs and I do agree with Speekz and SoulUk. I don’t get into the political or biblical views of another human beings because those are mere opinions and put out there for people who give a damn. I wouldn’t let what Ms. Hill said on her Unplugged album bother me, if I were you. The point is that Ms. Hill and D’Angelo who dropped a year after changed the game and were so different from any other music that was coming out at that time and if you are as old as I am and was paying attention to r&b music in general, you would notice that it was a lot of CRAP getting signed to labels. They told beautiful stories and sung them well. As far as Beyonce, I do not hate on her. She has a beautiful voice. I will not say she doesn’t have soul because that’s not true at all. Her songs lack soul and not of any sense to me but when it comes to her singing, she is good.If she would switch up her style into something more serious, maybe I would like the music more but,hey, you can’t please everyone. We don’t know what really went on in her life so I can take the word of media because they twist and turn everything around to cause drama and keep people interested. I’m more into her music and what she has to offer. I think people are concerned about the wrong things and this is why everyone is just angry right now and coming out with bullshit. Let’s focus on the music and what the message and intent behind it. I wouldn’t ask you to give her another shot because that’s how you feel cause you can BEST believe that if someone asked me to give Keyshia Coles,Ashanti,Christina Aguilera,Keri Hilton,and Soulja Boy another chance, I would tell them to go to hell.

  9. Tolita, I just don’t think you ‘get it’ lol. Sorry.

    Agree to disagree man, this is long ting now. Your article, if nothing else, sparked debate – that’s sometimes all we can hope our work achieves.

    Never meant to patronise you, I’m just naturally arrogant like that. Ha. *Also, pretty damn funny, if I must say so myself*.

    Much love,

    Speeakz

    P.s I’m not in the business of comparing singers coz that literally is an endless debtate…Mariah…Whitney…Mariah….Whitney….Pfffffffft!

  10. OK obviously this article has divided opinion … which was probably its intent. Surely it’s better to express an opinion (whether or not it be the one held by the majority) rather than blindly follow the crowd because that’s what’s ‘cool’. Surely it’s better to question our firmly held beliefs so that we ourselves can question why we believe what we do. Reading this article has simply reaffirmed what I had previously thought, ‘The Miseducation Of…’ is, in MY opinion, a classic. However just beacause I believe it to be true dosn’t mean that a) it is, and b) anyone else who disagrees is simply ‘wrong’.

    I don’t think Tolita has expressed this opinion just to be ‘different’, it’s obviously what she firmly believes and if that is the case nobody has the right to dismiss her opinions as ‘misguided’ or ill-informed.

    There are many soul albums that are viewed as classics that i personally cannot stand listening too. I’m not going to list them here as that isn’t the point of the discussion. Basically this boils down to the fact that everyone has their own opinion on things and they are entitled to that opinion. By all means disagree with it and state your reasons why in a respectful and adult manner, but do not simply dismiss it if it isn’t in line with your personal POV. It comes across as arrogant, ignorant and narcissistic.

    (NOTE: the last line above is NOT directed at any person/individual who has commented here. However, im a regular reader of many blogs/sites it and amazes me how quickly people overly criticise or simply dismiss the opinions of others)

  11. RasheedTheAfropean Avatar
    RasheedTheAfropean

    Tolita, that article was harsh, lol, damn, surely nobody can be perfect, & knowin right is one thing, but doin it is another & HARDER, & it’s HARDER for all of us, therefore, such huge expectations from a person, who’s bound by desire just as every other human is just crazy, lol, plus some folks can see right/wrong in scripture & decide what’s right for them to heed & discard what isn’t with their free will, so that article, was unnecesarily harsh, not too welll analised & for those reasons alone a likkle wack, lol…….. & surely seein imperfection in the life choices of someone tryin to do right would make them more human afterall & therefore more relatable right? <<<< there goes another reason why the article’s wack, lol

  12. Zimbo Avatar
    Zimbo

    To be honest i think the article is highly ‘miseducated’ so to speak. No point raising further points as they have already been said via Soul UK & Speeakz.

    Love a healthy debate.

  13. Just to make it clear, I wasn’t trying to attack you because I know that you are entitled to your own opinion 🙂

  14. Damn. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard someone say anything like that about Lauryn. But, having said that, that doesn’t mean that the writer is just having a mindless rant. After all, music is subjective, is it not? We should not just band about comments that are futile in the sense that they do nothing to add to a debate.

    So, here I shall defend Lauryn… in hopefully the most intellectual way my feeble brain can.

    First things first, after all is said and done, Lauryn, like many others, is an artist trying to be human. Lauryn has come under the spotlight many a time for her personal life. There were reports that when Zion was born, Wyclef thought it was his kid. What does that say about what she was getting up to as we know it was Mr. Marley’s child? Nonetheless, what we must understand is all this is REALLY none of our business. Now we’re going to into another argument about people in the public eye and their privacy. YES, we should be able to criticise and of course, we all have our own opinions on how others live their lives. BUT, that doesn’t mean we should focus on it. Furthermore, the Unplugged album goes a long way towards being an apology for any riff raff L. Boogie has been involved in, and is perhaps the most intimate look into this artists life and shows a human through her vulnerability and open approach. With regard to how righteously she lives her life by the scriptures, is again, neither here nor there to me. Although, I do take slight issue with her being a hypocrite, however, I don’t feel she’s shown me anything to call her that, as I can’t recall one song where she’s talked about it being wrong to have sex before marriage or having affairs with married men. Religion, is a personal thing. In actual fact, it seems Lauryn’s references to Islam at times would show she is/was an open minded person who didn’t really live her life by any particular reason. Although I will be quick to add, this is just an assumption. And of course, artist integrity is a big issue for many music lovers, but in truth, anything that’s backed by a huge label, with lots of clout and money, is gonna take the direction required to push units.

    Now, to the music. Let’s concentrate on The Miseducation… This is a phenomenal piece of work in my very humble opinion. The problem we are faced with, is how much of it was the REAL Lauryn Hill. Let me start by saying, the interludes alone are worthy of an album alone. Throughout the album- musically- we find ourselves in a world that is not only light years ahead of it’s time, but so familiar, with so much depth, that 10 years on it still is a listening experience in which we feel we’re listening to it for the first time. This is probably one of the hardest things to achieve over 60 odd minutes of music.

    So the problem here lies with the issue of the band (New Ark) that were not even partially credited for their not so partial (it seems) involvement. The truth of the matter is they co-wrote and co-produced some of the album. Now we’ll never know exactly how much involvement they had, but, it seems from the $5 Million out of court settlement, they had quite a bit of involvement. Of course the album probably had (and still) makes a lot of money, and that amount was a drop in the ocean, but New Ark got their point across. And left a lot of questions about the album itself.

    The Grammy hype, well thats something else altogether. The Grammys at times reward the best people for some great works and at other times, overlook some geniuses (i.e. India.Arie and Jazmine Sullivan deserves at least ONE!) So the whole Grammy thing, is not really the most reliable of sources. What we have to understand is the politics that go on behind the scenes, and obviously, whatever label you’re on and how hard your album has been pushed has to be taken into account. The FACT is that she was the first female (black or otherwise) to achieve this feat, and opened the doors for Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse’s sweeps. So the whole Grammy thing kind of cancels itself out.

    So, let’s look at the album itself. On it, Lauryn tackles many social and political issues and it has the spectrum (albeit on a smaller scale) of Songs in the Key of Life. It is an album that you can pick up to, listen at any period in time and be relevant to you on that very day. Everyone can co-sign with one song or another, from ‘Zion’ to ‘Tell Him’ to ‘Nothing Even Matters’ and to my favourite (and probably so many others) the title track. What I think nobody can deny, is the wonderful artistry Lauryn has in her rapping and singing. Although it has been stated, let me say it again. The woman is better than many male rappers, let alone female. Her singing style and voice has the technical abilty, depth and soul unmatched by many others today. As a lyricist, she deals with topics in a mature, profound and very intellectual manner, yet one which can be understood by the dumbest of people in society. What we have in Lauryn, is the most influential black female in the last 10 or so years. Credit where credit is due.

    From the viewpoint of the writer of the article, I can see her point when she says ‘Musically, I felt Miseducation… was not saying anything new.’ She was drawing on the old musical influences and putting them in a modern context. Stevie, Donny, Marvin and all the regulars were all heard on that album through and through. However, Lauryn got the mix of modern old right on many tracks on that album. ‘Doo Wop,’ ‘The Ex Factor,’ Everything is Everything’ and ‘Zion’ to name but a few. These songs, are not only so well written and produced, they manage to incorporate the blend of old and new, drawing on many influences and put them in a context that re-defined the genre she worked in. Whether she was self indulged, took herself to seriously or not, is really neither here nor there to me. The music speaks volumes. She, above many people, has the right to take herself seriously, because, she was a hell of a lot more serious than a lot of artists at the time. She stepped out of her Fugees phase and took what she did from there best, and expanded on it. Developed it. Progressed. She broke down boundaries, standing up as a black female and saying to the world, ‘You better take me seriously.’ If she was taking herself to seriously, it seems she was leading by example.

    Lauryn and more specifically ‘The Miseducation…’ remains one of the most revered albums of our time. I wasn’t an avid listener at the time of it’s release. Recently, a friend copied it from my iPod as their version was scratched. I began listening to it again. And, 10 or so years on, Lauryn Hill is still the finest vocalist of my time and high up there as one of my favourite voices of all time. The best female rapper and at least in my top 5 of all time. One of the most profound and eloquent lyricists and poets in the limelight. The title track counts high up in my top 10 songs of all time. The album the same. Never has a comeback been so eagerly anticipated (apart from D’Angelo or Maxwell) by myself, nor the pain of the likelihood it’s not gonna happen hurt so much. Lauryn is the one who’s album will be played generation after generation. She will be a pillar of black music and the album in question will be the bar that is too high for many to achieve.

    Let me re-iterate that the author is not just someone who is out of their mind and absurd, but these points raised should be taken in and should encourage us to look further into them, critically evaluating what we think about the things we love. It’s a healthy way to live. After all, if I was to start flying off the handle with everyone that disagreed with my musical tastes, I would have many battles to fight! I say this in reference to my friends mother who said Stevie Wonder didn’t have a good singing voice. Another debate altogether.

    Peace. \/

  15. I love the fact that someone could actually be ballsy enough to say that Lauryn Hill is “overhyped” or “overrated” in any way. I personally do not agree. However I would hope that if you hatin on Lauryn you would also do an article on these so called “artists” that are industry made pre-packaged products *cough Rihanna* Real recognize real…so when you attack realness..please attack fakeness!!

  16. lauryn hill´s miseducation is a classic:

    1. It´s the first female Singer/rapper album to see the light of day in a major label/mainstream scene

    2. Classic production – eclectic as a rainbow but still homogenous, in a sense that no matter what pop, reggae, soul, doo wop feel the track had it always had irrefutable hiphop flavour, whether the appeal came from boom bap beats or beat boxing or groove. One of the best albums ever produced in the genre, arguably only “back to black” can match it and took how many years? moving on

    3. Lauryn Hill is a genius. Why? There are many reasons. the first is consensual, she has one of the most amazing natural voices ever. It´s effortless, like nina simone you can see or i mean, feel it´s not forced, it´s visceral, pure, diamond, it´s something only a few are born with, and can´t be taught, it´s not falsetto or whatever the fu*k. I love Maxwell and D´Angelo these men are geniuses, but they´re professional singers who have learned to instrumentalize and adapt their voices through technique. Lauryn is a different case. I can parallel it to Amy Winehouse, it´s theirs, one in a million, but to compare Lauryn to Amy no matter how much talent the crackhead musters, is blasphemy.

    4. Lauryn is still the Best out of the Neo-soul/hiphop/r&b genre, will continue to be for many years and already secured legendary status and I say this as a fan, a stan and cult follower because Lauryn is androgynous:
    Her voice is robust, masculin, powerful and yet, frail, pure and profound. This duality is felt, not only in her vocal chords, but in her delivery, melody and thoughts. She was a better rapper than wyclef and Pras, lol, it´s not everyday that we see a female become hegemonic in the male and often mysoginistic world of rap, matter of fact it was unprecedented, and still is.

    5. Lyricism – The Evaluation between Lyrics of singer/songwriters can´t be the same as the analysis of Rap lyrics it´s a different world. The impact and relevance words play in rap are much more than in the “conventional music” realm. Thing with Lauryn, is that she was phenomenal at both. There has never until now, male or female, a more competent singer/rhyme slinger. Shit I don´t even know if in the “singer” category if there has been a better female singer, no disrespect to India Arie, Jill Scott, Mary and Badu. I don´t think so. And in the rap department as I said the rules are different and the females spitting are rare, unfortunately, due to male set rules and clichés that are fascists in the game. For a female rapper to get a major label deal has to be a sex symbol or advocate for dance music. But that´s no excuse, no matter the lower competition in number, the cadences, profound themes(political, espiritual/holistic, love even philosophical subject matter on the unplugged) and stylistic prowess of Miss Hill is unmatched. The only female MC to have dropped an albums that is a better MC than Hill, and I´m talking about MCing not ability to make better records or singer, is Jean Grae.

    6. The Image/Style – What Hill represented to the black community. She was the only black female sex symbol/intellectual. Up until today she´s still the most iconic and for the larger audiences the only one there ever was. I´m not talking about the mulato, mixed and light skinned black women – Badu, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Mariah etc…These women are black, yes, but not like Hill. There are millions of black kids like Hill that want representation in the world of Flash and Camera, but unfortunately in fascist media, white,light skinned women are the standard…But our Rasta was so incredibly beautiful and unique that even in this department she broke the barriers.

    7. It was a conceptual album, an eclectic universal sound but with the typical hiphop song index. Never before had anyone tampered with that idea.

    That´s what makes “the miseducation of lauryn Hill” a classic and Lauryn Hill a legend.

    Hugo Salvaterra

  17. I’m a music journalist and critic, if you can’t see the genius of that album, the icon that Lauryn could have been, the influence that album had and its brillance, your credibility absolutely, unequivocally needs to be called into question.

  18. Mars Avatar
    Mars

    I really don’t think one’s position as a music journalist and critic makes your experience of the album definitive. (!)

    Art is subjective.

    The writer wasn’t denying the album’s influence, just expressing her personal experience and feelings on it.

    Whilst I personally don’t agree with the viewpoint of the article, I think it’s small-minded to dismiss one person’s opinion – however much of a minority it may be.

  19. Felicia Avatar
    Felicia

    @ Tola- As previously noted by others, this is a well written piece, particularly the contextual stuff, so kudos on that.

    I respect your opinion, and for me some of your points were to a degree- fathomable. That was, until you said you hadn’t listened to the album for SIX years.

    Never mind the fact that you haven’t heard the Unplugged album, since that’s not the focal point (still, you probably ought to for informative purposes @ least).

    Now, it’s very difficult to deem your points valid, when in actuality your whole thesis is based on essentially how the album made you feel at first listen.

    Yes, this is an opinion piece, but in order to deconstruct such an iconic piece of music, it’d make sense to know it inside out. Listen to that album ’til it makes you sick, and then come back… concretely, please.

  20. Felicia, I listened to the album when it first came out in 1998 and then again a few years later so I’m not talking about isolated incidences here. Even with a gap I still wasn’t moved, but point taken.

  21. Funmilayo Avatar
    Funmilayo

    I love Lauryn and loved the Miseducation.

    Tolita’s views her hers – which I found a mix of interesting and amusing.

    Speekz – Beyonce had 5 for a very very overrated album.

  22. ForwardI Avatar
    ForwardI

    Wow, folks getting really serious about their Ms. Lauren.

    Being critical of an artist doesn’t mean you don’t like or respect them.
    I means your smart enough not to drink all the Kool-aid you’re
    served…

    Personally, I never loved “Miseducation”, but I can see why others
    did. It’s got a couple songs, but I never really felt it like the
    Fugee joints. Yeah, she can sing, but that’s not in question. Some of us just didn’t love it. nuff said.

    The record that is terrible to me is the “Unplugged” album. I’m not even sure where to begin. Insipid lyrics, uninspired chord progession…Perhaps this is illustrated best by her live performance at the time at the Hollywood Bowl. She could barely play guitar and sounded like she was working out a coffee shop gig in the middle of the gig– reading songs off napkins and then being surprised that she was losing the audience– many of whom gave up on and started walking out.)

    All this to say, yes, she’s a talented artist in her own right, but not everything she touches is gold, nor should it.

  23. Listen to Unplugged, sometimes you wonder what the fuck she talkin bout and then other times you realize wow this is dope. Who cares if falling into the “hype” brought you to listen to the album, it’s not what’s going to keep you listening to it if you do like it.

    Lauryn’s dope, I think cats over-analyze her too much. However self-righteous or “crazy” Lauryn may appear to people, take her words and music for what they are or mean to you and keep it movin.

  24. Nah…not definitive by any means. But if you’re gonna be a professional and have the viewpoint of the minority, particularly in a situation where you are facing overwhelmingly strong opposition to your opinion, then you definitely need to come better than “overrated and overexposed.” The audience needs to understand your position somewhat. The fact that this thread has garnered so much attention and emotion is a testiment to how important Lauryn’s album was to the musical landscape at the time. Her voice, her lyrics, her beauty, her righteousness, before she got a lil’ self righteous and nutty makes us nostalgic and kind of sad that she she didn’t make anymore music. I think the writer should have taking more into account when writing the piece. Maybe read the lyrics in the album jacket with out the music and the snippets of the kids in the class room with the album. I honestly don’t think if she had deconstructed just a little more that she wouldn’t be able to see why she deserved all the exposure…the Grammy’s….the mag covers…the millions…the breakdown. It’s all there.

  25. The Last One Avatar
    The Last One

    I think those that say Lauryn is mentally unhinged should think again. Unless you have been in the music industry in such a strong position…then you have NO idea what you are talking about….I have no idea what it was like for here either…but I have learnt alot. Things aren’t always what they seem to be…and yes Lauryn probably wasn’t no angel…she made mistakes just like the rest of us. However she was a brave lady who spoke up in the face of opposition, she never compromised her integrity in the name of fame and fortune…..something that was her downfall in the industry but her salvation for her own peace of mind. She will be back this I know for sure….when she feels the time is right!

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