the draft of a published work

The Reeducation of Lauryn Hill

8/15/15

It’s been 18 years since fans were first exposed to the inner workings of Lauryn Hill’s psyche.  Her debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” is a collection of knowledge that seems more relevant now than it was in 1998. 

Though artists like Janelle Monae and Rapsody have fed the hunger for positive female role models in the hip-hop industry, Ms. Lauryn’s ability to bridge the gap between spirituality and self-empowerment has not been duplicated since her musical departure. 

Her ability to be completely open and honest allowed her story telling ability to act as advice, offering alternative solutions to dealing with love, social injustices and personal struggles. 

In songs like “Everything is Everything” and “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Hill depicts the internal and external struggles African Americans face daily. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” focused more on the perception young African Americans have about themselves, encouraging fans to realize their self worth.  “Everything is Everything” voice the struggles African Americans face in their communities, urging them to use hip-hop as an outlet and not to give up hope on a better ending. 

The soulfulness and honesty that came from her lyrics offers strength to a generation that has experience the darkness of police brutality and self-worthlessness. Though nostalgic, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” explains the reality the millennial are currently facing, providing a much-needed voice for their struggles.