Spotlight: Lauryn Hill – "The Miseducation of Lauren Hill"

Yesterday [August 25th 2008] marked the 10 year anniversary of one of the greatest albums ever made. Lauryn Hill stunned the world with her remarkably perfect solo debut “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. The ground breaking, five time Grammy award winning album has become one of the most adored LP’s in Hip Hop/Soul.

In one album, Lauryn Hill accomplished what most artists fail to do in an entire career. She produced an album that history will remember, an album that people will pass down for generations. Hill displayed her artistry with such precision, even today I discover new things I hadn’t previously heard – be it an instrument I had missed or a lyric that I didn’t realise.

She sings better than most singers, raps better than most rappers and writes better than most song writers. This concept album not only set new precedence for female hip-hop artists but artists in general. The albums title references Carter G. Woodsons book The Mis-Education of the Negro and the album’s cover pays homage to The Wailers historic “Burnin’” album – references that again, displayed the genius of Lauryn Hill.

The flawless blend of Hip Hop, Soul, R&B along with the creation of the Neo-Soul movement and her mastery for integrating new and old made for a truly historic and landmark album. The 16 track deep LP takes you on an educational ride through reality, spiritually, life, love and loss. You are offered a unique insight into the world of Lauryn Hill.

I can’t list in order my favourite albums, but if I had to compile a list (in no order) it would have to include“Songs in the Key of Life”, “Purple Rain”, “Off The Wall”, “Illmatic”,  and most certainly “The Miseducation of Lauryn HIll”…

Songs like “To Zion”, “Superstar”, “When It Hurts So Bad”, “Final Hour”, “Nothing Even Matters” and of course “Ex Factor”, “Everything is Everything” and “Doo Wop” are easily some of the best songs ever written and recorded. And of course, those sweet, innocent and insigntful class room interludes! Again, genius.

We all know how the Lauryn Hill story ends. No follow up, crazy reports about her personal life and state of mind etc. And while many wait for a comeback album, I am not among them. I think when you create an album like “The Miseducation…” it is impossible to live up to it. I honestly believe the memory of Lauryn Hill should be of this album and not of some disappointing follow up. How can you ever produce a better album? Just as Michael Jackson could never top “Thriller”? , the same is of Lauryn Hill and this album. But unlike Michael Jackson, we have no bad examples to compare “The Miseducation…” to and while many may say that’s sh*t, I think it’s the best thing.

Of course, Hill did record an MTV Unplugged album back in 2001, which many were very excited about, but then disapointed when it aired and we all realised she wasn’t doing any ‘classic Lauryn’. However, I gotta say, after revisiting that album a few years later, I realised how truly beautiful, albeit tragic, it was.

Despite her personal state of mind, Lauryn Hill will go down in history just as she should. As a talented artist who produced one of the greatest albums of all time. I am thankful I was around when this album was released and am able to remember (clearly) the very first time I heard it (10 years ago yesterday!). I still reference this album on a regular. I still go back and relish in it’s wonder. Doper than dope, higher than high, this album is historic. Like many others, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” will be an album that I will pass down…

…I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years though!

Peace, Love & Lauryn Hill

Speeakz

After the jump, watch Lauryn Hill’s iconic music videos and some live performances!

“Doo Wop (That Thing)”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE6Qcc6VDo8]

“Ex-Factor”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSQq_mU7jUg]

“Everything Is Everything”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGUsF-Whb1g]

“To Zion” – Live at the Grammy’s 1999

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwJ3u2wk0Ko]

“Doo Wop” – Live at the MOBO Awards

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6blU2csrUHU]