Besides being influential artists of the 21st century, Beyonce, Adele, Kanye and Drake have another thing in common: they were influenced and inspired by Miss Lauryn Hill. The name that might not be as well known as when she dropped her first and only album 25 years ago, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”
The album sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time, the best-selling album by a female rapper and the best-selling neo-soul album of all time. In 2017, NPR ranked it No. 2 on “The 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women”.
According to the Hiphop Archive and Research, “It transformed the face, voice, body, feeling, space, and destiny of not just Hiphop music, but all popular music- It made room for women in Hiphop music and culture, and for women and men to perform emotional freedom through Hiphop.”
When asked “Why the album was so groundbreaking,” Berklee professor Danielle Scott stated three reasons: “Black woman presented herself as a multifaceted, complex human, which is something that still has to be fought for by women in general…Two, the album demonstrated hip-hop culture beyond rap…And three, the subject matter of this hip-hop album was love — I think the subject of love as expressed through hip-hop culture made hip-hop accessible to a broader audience.”
Beyond her musical talents, Lauryn Hill shattered barriers as a female artist in the male-dominated hip-hop world. In 1999, she became the first female to win five or more Grammy awards in a single night. Her success as a solo artist and member of the Fugees paved the way for female artists. Her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire and empower female artists such as SZA, Beyonce, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj.
Equally notable is Hill’s steadfast commitment to addressing social and political issues through her music. Her songs often serve as powerful platforms to discuss identity, racism, social justice and empowerment. Her thought-provoking lyrics remain as relevant today as they were upon their release, inspiring discussions and movements that strive for positive change. “ Lauryn Hill’s lyrical themes broke the silence of black feminist issues in hip-hop and claimed unprecedented power and space,” according to the Medium.
In the ever-evolving music landscape, Lauryn Hill is a beacon of authenticity and artistic integrity. Her influence on modern music is omnipresent, shaping the creativity, style and substance of countless artists who continue to draw inspiration from her groundbreaking legacy.
Without realizing it, you might have heard Miss Lauryn Hill’s voice being sampled in popular songs today, such as Drake’s “Nice for What” or Kanye West’s “All Falls Down.”
In examining the remarkable career of Lauryn Hill, it becomes evident that her contributions to music extend far beyond chart-topping hits; they represent a transformative force that continues to resonate and influence hip-hop and R&B, ensuring that her legacy remains timeless.
