From a very young age we are taught what love is. As babies we don't know much, but we all still cried when we were separated from our mother or father. We didn't know why they meant so much to us, yet we still knew that we wanted their care and affection more than others. As people grow, that love that originally was just reserved for our families can be put into other things whether its sports, music, or even a significant other. Love is the thing that drives people to do the things that they do and be with the people that they may end up spending their lives with. The idea of love and its many forms is the focus of Lauryn Hill's legendary The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Through a dazzling mix of tightly written raps and angelic melodies Lauryn Hill put that music world on notice that she was not only one of the most talented artists of all time, but also one of the most introspective voices in the industry.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, an album by Ms. Lauryn Hill on Spotify

Before this release, Lauryn Hill was mainly know for her work as a vocalist for the Fugees. The group consisted of her, Wyclef Jean, and Pras. They managed to reach commercial success with their 1996 release The Score, which featured hits like “Ready or Not”, “Fu-Gee-La”, and “Killing Me Softly” throughout which Lauryn was able to display her talent both as a rapper and singer. After the project there was reported drama between group members, especially after rumors that Wyclef and Lauryn had been in a relationship that eventually fell apart. She was now dating Rohan Marley and was pregnant with his child during their tour for the album. These events are what eventually pushed Lauryn to want to put out a solo album. She decided to place multiple skits throughout the album set in a classroom where the instructor is teaching young kids what love is. Lauryn proceeds to use her life experiences, feelings, and beliefs to guide the audience in a lesson of love and the many forms it can take and all of its effects and consequences.

The singles released leading up to the album were “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-factor,” “Everything Is Everything.” Each of these revealed a little bit as to what interesting mix of sounds and themes Lauryn would explore on this project. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” was Lauryn stepping out and calling out both men and women and the faults each gender has when it comes to relationships, and the importance of self love. The beat is infectious and bouncy, and that uplifting sound is able to make a song that could potentially come off as preachy into an anthem. Aside from “Ex-Factor” being sampled by Drake and becoming one of the biggest songs of 2018, back in 1998 it was a beautiful ballad about being stuck in a relationship that is deteriorating before your eyes and the struggle of trying to escape it. The song closes with a slick and powerful guitar solo that puts an exclamation point on the iconic cut. It is also rumored that the inspiration for this song was Lauryn’s failed relationship with former Fugees’ groupmate Wyclef Jean. “Everything Is Everything” was the final single to be released before the album. This song is an inspiring hit about persevering through struggles until you reach greatness. The song features incredible pianos in the background throughout and is a perfect mix of Lauryn's beautiful singing and captivating word play as a rapper.

Overall The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill has proven it is great enough to endure the test of time. Today, even 21 years after its initial release, its content and social awareness still remain spot on and relevant. Its songs are some of the most sampled throughout rap music since the turn of the century but it is very unfortunate that this is the first and only solo Lauryn Hill album to be produced. After this masterpiece she decided to step away from the industry and focus on her family life and spirituality. She reportedly has had very frequent struggles with mental health, and has gained a reputation for being unreliable when it comes to live shows. Despite this she still does tour and perform her work sporadically these days. When she does step on the stage, class is in session and Lauryn uses the magnificent content of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as her lesson.

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