Review: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Album)
This classic 1998 album released by the controversial artist, Lauryn Hill, is what I decided to review next. In a time where we hear stories about women who are trailblazers, I wanted to also highlight women who redefined a genre. Lauryn Hill's single studio album did just that. Despite the qualms that many of her fans have with her as an artist, her talent is still recognized. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill remains one of the most timely hip hop and neo soul albums; and is still considered among the greatest albums ever recorded regardless of genre.
Before it was a mainstream discussion, Lauryn Hill was already speaking out about systemic racism and injustice. While she was a member of the hip hop group Fugees, she established herself as a key vocalist that often harmonized and created the iconic sound of the band. The Fugees were a popular group whose sound and tunes were catchy as well as meaningful. They sang about the disparities they saw between those who were caught in America's urban areas v. those who were living in the suburbs. In her solo breakthrough album, Hill went deeper. While the Fugees were not shy about the songs they sang that highlighted the struggles of immigrant Caribbean communities, homelessness, crime, and the disproportionate impact of policing...Hill used her insights as a Black woman to highlight the struggles of women and children living in these communities. This was in a time where it was frowned on for women to step in as leading voices in the music industry. It was also in an era where hip hop had already established itself as a sound that frowned on vulnerability and anything associated with the feminine that didn't relate to servitude or childbearing.
The album opens with "Roll Call," in which an inner-city high school teacher calls out the names of several students (many of whom have names that are traditionally viewed as belonging to Black Americans). When Lauryn Hill's name is called, her voice is noticeably absent. What follows is a poetic and moving tribute to those youth growing up in concrete jungles and the challenges they face every day, as well as those faced by women in these environments and the hip hop industry.
"Lost Ones" serves as a nameless diss track against former band mate, Wyclef Jean. Sampling from Sister Betty, it was written as a counter to Jean's narrative when he said that Fugees dissolved because of Lauryn Hill's pregnancy. According to Hill, what caused the fallout was the hypocrisy from Jean-- with whom she had been having an affair with during their time performing together despite his marriage. "Ex-Factor" is a further analysis of the tensions between her and Jean. During the time of their affair, Hill was as supportive of Jean and his work. She even supported his desire to release a solo album by providing vocals. After their band dissolved though, she did not receive the same generosity from him in her career ventures. Instead, she received the blame for the affair and later her pregnancy with her (now former) long-term partner, Rohan Marley. The song is a contemplation on how women are vilified for cheating on men and meanwhile it is to be expected or even dismissed for men.
Most of the other songs are noted and recognizable successes in their own right. "To Zion" is a reflection and letter to Lauryn Hill's newborn son and references his namesake. While Zion was a name she had given her child, it is also a state of mind and a physical space that Lauryn wanted to create for herself, her family, and community. The song itself is loaded with many spiritual references. Lauryn sees the future of her community in her son...and she is asking God for strength as she steps forward into motherhood. She also asks to be a guided down her own road to redemption and freedom. Influences from the Rastafari religious tradition and various alternative Black traditions can be seen here. Meanwhile, "Killing Me Softly" looks at the impacts of toxic relationships and extra-marital affairs and how pleasurable they are for those enduring them despite the paradox of grappling with guilt, scrutiny, and shame both within and without.
Another song that definitely made Hill one of the icons she is today is "That Thing." The universe does not take it easy on anyone because they are marginalized. Hill reflects on how the spiritual nature of sin thrives in disenfranchisement and how easy it is to lose your way. The song is a warning to boys and girls to be critical of sweet words and to guard themselves against temptation and bad intentions. "Everything is Everything" meanwhile is more hopeful. It is a reflection that even dark times, periods of doubt, and trials all come to an end. It is a reassurance that good harvests come as long as they maintain and nurture the seeds with time, dedication, and intelligence.
One of my favorite lines actually comes from "Everything is Everything"
Now everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually
While there are several influences out there that can easily lead children and youth astray, while there is power and influence in collaborating with bad actors...it is up to all of us to maintain our dignity and to set an example. This is more true now than ever. As our world hurdles to destruction that we wrought and the fabrics of our society continue to get upended by social division and pervasive technology, we can maintain our vision for a better tomorrow by remaining true to our voice.
A separate article can be written about how Lauryn Hill may stand to take her own advice. But the power of her artistry is still sound and her impact on the hip hop industry is still felt. Even those who redefine an industry are human.
Creating her solo album was one of the most difficult ventures that Hill underwent. She received criticism from her former bandmates and from fans alike. Hill is not shy about expressing her lack of support and understanding that she received during this time. It was also a period where she was pregnant and many individuals thought that she was ruining her career. Hill was also facing tremendous pressure from her former label to reconsider not only her album but also her desire to start her family. In spite of these challenges though, Hill came out the other side of the journey having redefined an entire genre of music. Even now-- for better or worse-- she is a household name and still awes fans to this day.
You can listen to the full album here.
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