Lauryn Hill the most influential rapper in the world.
Lauryn Hill, a 5 time grammy winner and inspiration to many, not only has she broken barriers in female rap but continues to make an impact in feminism through her music.
So why was Hill so influential in so many different ways, not only did she break barriers for black female artists, but also sold 420 thousand copies of her first album in the first week, Hill also sold 17 million copies world wide. All of this does not answer the question, why? Bu allows us to see her wholesomeness and down to earth nature creating herself to be someone her audience can look up to. Being more than the copy and paste female artist more well known for sexualising herself then the immensity and meaning of their music. Hill creates music people can relate to which is why she’s done so well in her career. Although her career does not span for that long the amount of music she has is extravagant and somehow all different with different meanings. Lauryn Hill will forever impact female rap and rap all together for that matter.
“I find it hard to say (rebel)”
This song is taken from Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged album which was a raw, unfinished anatomy of Hill's personal struggle since the release of her first solo album “The miseducation of Lauryn Hill ''. This song in particular holds a lot of emotion and holds a lot of meaning, Hill states that this piece is made for Amadou Diallo, a young man aged 24, shot by police officers Edward McMellon, Sean Carol, Keneth Boss and Richard Murphy. Police fired 41 times after Amadou had reached for his wallet, he was shot 19 times, and died february 4th 1999. A quote from Hill herself says
“It was such a hot time in the city at that point, I was afraid that if I put the record out, people would misunderstand what I meant by “rebel” and take it to the streets.”
This piece's genre is a mix between reggae, pop and rnb/soul. The lyrics mix together like poetry but often get very repetitive. Although the repetitive nature of the music builds up the chord changes, the first chord change happens 2 minutes and 44 seconds into the song; it's small but gives the song more depth and passion. The second chord changes occurs 4 minutes through the piece, it changes the whole tone of the piece. The piece can drag on for people who don’t genuinely listen to music but for people who enjoy hearing the emotion and intensity of their favourite artists music, it's an incredible song.
“Tell him”
“Tell him” comes from Hill's first album release “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill '' this album talks about Hill's struggle with fame, a declaration of independence or a breakup letter to the routine of dealing with men who can stop hurting women who love them. This song is dedicated to Hill's love of Christ, Laden with biblical references.
“See what we know is nothing compared to the love that was shown when our lives were spared.”
This song makes references to needing “him” or loving “him” but the grand thing about this piece is that it could have millions of different meanings, individual to each listen but also being able to relate to Hill as an artist. This song is pop more than anything, that's what makes it different from most of her other music which is more r&b or rap than anything. This piece is not for everyone, lot’s wouldn't enjoy its repetitive nature but I think it contributes to the piece and makes it a worthwhile listen.
“Doo Wop (that thing)”
Lauryn Hill's most streamed song, why? With over 366 million streams on Spotify is one of Hill's most life changing pieces. The piece comes from the album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill ''. Written, recorded and produced by Lauryn Hill's alone this song made the most extreme impact on Lauryn Hill's career as a whole. This piece addresses Hill’s difficulty of being on the wrong path, also while offering guidance for healthier relationships and expectations. The genre of this song is more rhythm and blues rather than pop or r&b creating a whole different vibe drawing more people into listening to more of her music. The lyrics depict what it's like to be a woman in this new generation of modesty or the lack thereof, it also talks about “hookup culture” with the chorus “girls you know you better watch out some guys, some guys are only about that thing”. The piece is unique and special to not only to the listener but also to Hill herself. For the listener the music is obviously showered with different lessons and meaning, some about Christ other about new generations' intention with love. All around the song is rightfully her best song and is continuing to grow.
An outlook on Lauryn Hill herself
Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Hill was always fascinated by music. Her brother played multiple interests and parents were extremely musical, setting her up for a successful music career. Hill had started her music career with The Fugees (short for refugees). In highschool Hill had met 2 immigrants Haiti and Micheal who invited her to join their hip hop group, Hill became the groups songwriter, vocalist and rapper. Formed in 1993 and ended due to the relationship between Micheal and Hill. Hill then explored making her own music, shortly after releasing her only album “The miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. Although after this release Lauryn did her MTV unplugged show and then disappeared from her fame completely saying she didn't feel any support from her label to release another album after the success of her first one.
So why was Hill so influential in so many different ways, not only did she break barriers in black female artists, but also her album sold 420 thousand copies in the first week, Hill also sold 17 million copies world wide. All of this does not answer the question, why? Bu allows us to see her wholesomeness and down to earth nature creating herself to be someone her audience can look up to. Being more than the copy and paste female artist more well known for sexualising herself then the immensity and meaning of their music. Hill creates music people can relate to which is why she’s done so well in her career. Although her career does not span for that long the amount of music she has is extravagant and somehow all different with different meanings. Lauryn Hill will forever impact female rap and rap all together for that matter.