Lauryn Hill

Who is Lauryn Hill?

Lauryn Noelle Hill is a famous rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. She is best known for her album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,’ which received 10 nominations at the 41st ‘Annual Grammy Awards,’ winning five awards. It is regarded by several critics as one of the greatest albums of all time. Hill was born into a musically oriented family and was encouraged by her parents to pursue music. She was known for her singing talent in her school. While in high school, she formed an amateur band named ‘Fugees’ with Pras Michel; they were later joined by Wyclef Jean. She then started doing Off-Broadways, which got her into Hollywood movies. Thereafter, she released her first professional album with her band. Over the years, she has also released many solo albums and singles. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including ‘Grammy Awards’ and ‘American Music Awards.’ She is known as the ‘mother of hip-hop invention.’ This famous singer is also known for her turbulent relationship with Wyclef Jean, which is said to be the reason behind the disbandment of the band. In 2012, she was charged with three counts of failing to file taxes, for which she served a three-month prison sentence in 2013. She has five children with Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley; the couple never got married.

Career

In 1991, Hill made her first appearance in an Off-Broadway called ‘Club XII,’ which was a hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night.’ She was noticed by an agent, and soon landed a recurring role in the soap opera ‘As the World Turns.’

In 1993, Hill appeared in the musical comedy film ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ alongside Whoopi Goldberg. In the film, she performed two songs: ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ and ‘Joyful, Joyful.’ She also appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s ‘King of the Hill.’

In 1994, after changing their band’s name from ‘Translator Crew’ to ‘Fugees,’ they released their album ‘Blunted on Reality.’ Although the album was not a commercial success, Hill gained a lot of popularity for her ‘rapsy alto voice.’

In 1996, the band’s second album ‘The Score’ was released. It peaked at No. 1 on the ‘U.S. Billboard 200.’ It won the ‘Gammy’ for ‘Best Rap Album.’ The single ‘Killing Me Softly’ won the ‘Grammy’ for ‘Best R&B Performance by a Duo.’

In the same year, Hill founded the ‘Refugee Project,’ a non-profit organization aimed at bringing changes to the lifestyle of troubled urban youth. She also raised money for Haitian refugees.

In 1997, Hill left ‘The Fugees’ to work on her solo projects. She also appeared in movies like ‘Hav Plenty’ and ‘Restaurant.’ She recorded her first solo album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’

In 1998, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was released. The album was nominated for 10 ‘Grammy Awards.’ Apart from the songs from her album, her song ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ from the movie ‘Conspiracy Theory’ was also nominated.

In 2001, after a long gap in her music career and staying away from the public eye, Hill came up with an album titled ‘MTV Unplugged No. 2.0.’ It received mixed response from the critics.

In 2004, she performed songs like ‘The Passion’ and ‘So High’ with John Legend. She also sold her song ‘Social Drugs’ on her website, along with her autographed posters. She performed with ‘The Fugees’ at Dave Chappelle’s ‘Block Party.’

In 2005, ‘The Fugees’ went on a European tour, but the band could not hold itself together as differences between the band members, especially Hill and Jean, resurfaced and they could not record an album.

In 2007, Hill came up with her new solo album ‘Ms. Hill,’ which included featured cuts for ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ The album also featured compilations which she had accumulated over the years. She also performed a song titled ‘Lose Myself’ for the movie ‘Surf’s Up.’

In 2010, Hill performed in the ‘Raggamuffin Music Festival’ and also appeared at the ‘Harmony Festival’ in Santa Rosa, California. The same year, her single ‘Repercussions’ was leaked on the internet.

In 2012, Hill performed at the ‘Warner Theater,’ Washington D.C., where she performed a new song titled ‘Fearless Vampire Killer.’ She also went on a tour called ‘Black Rage’ along with rapper Nas.

In 2013, Hill released her single ‘Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix).’ The following year, she narrated an award-winning Swedish documentary titled ‘Concerning Violence.’

Apart from having a successful career in the music industry, Hill has also appeared in TV series and films like ‘As the World Turns,’ ‘ABC Afterschool Specials,’ ‘Restaurant,’ and ‘Hav Plenty.’