The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Really cool album, even tho a bit long, i think it had a great artistic value.

Fundamental

Ive listenend to this before and its a classic

This is the perfect blend of R&B and Rap. Lauryn Hill has a lovely voice and better bars than most rappers. Front to back, this album is loaded with great songs. It’s a fantastic record, but that being said, I think it might be the most overrated album ever. Apple making this the album of all time is insane to me. I’m a big fan of the album, but I think there’s quite a few better rap albums out there let alone albums from all genres.

Gotta be top 3 most influential albums in hip hop. I heard a lot about it before listening and it did not disappoint

Yet another hip-hop album, 3rd in 10, but one that I have listened to, and like, a lot. It has recently been voted best album ever by Apple Music, it’s not that, but it is very, very good. I can hear a direct line from ‘70s soul like Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley too. Strange that she never made another but perhaps Miseducation said everything she needed it to…

This is a landmark record. So good. It's interesting and sad that Lauryn Hill only made one studio album. She kind of dropped the mic and exited the building.

It had been a while since I listened to this, so I was wondering "is it really as good as I remember it/the critics say?" And was expecting to be disappointed. But, nope. Just really solid album with nearly no missteps.

Genre-breaking classic. Ripping out of the gate by telling us precisely what she's about--and maybe signalling why fame and acclaim were never going to work for her: It's funny how money change a situation My emancipation don't fit your equation I was on the humble, you on every station ...then juking every expectation by following up this hip hop track with the lovesick 'Ex-Factor'...before juking again to the gospel-inflected ode to her first born son, 'To Zion.' & that's just the first 3 tracks. It's weird to almost think of her in the same veing as Amy Winehouse since Amy is gone - but it seems like maybe fame did a similar number on Ms. Hill, making it impossible for her to put anything else on this level out. I guess we should be grateful we got this album at all.

Outstanding album but I think understanding the context behind the songs and the general hip-hop/rap landscape at its time of release is crucial to fully appreciating it.

This was one of the albums that was bought as part of my high school CD buying / sharing group - I always loved it when it was my turn! 'I used to love him' and 'Everything is Everything' are two personal faves, I'm not so big on 'Doo Wop' and a few other tracks - but this album still stands up well today and I loved having it on all day today. This is an awesome album for Hill to put out after the success of Fugees The Score (which I also love) full of passion, heartbreak, self love and female power. I have always enjoyed the little skits between tracks in albums, and I remember this one coming out while I was in high school, so I think I really connected with the concept. This album is very nostalgic for me, so this will probably influence my rating - though to be fair I think it is an amazing album of a powerhouse performer (even though sounds like she might be a bit problematic as an individual)!

é o único album dela. imagina ce fazer UM ALBUM SÓ e ser a maior pedrada do r&b/hip-hop das últimas 3 décadas. que absurdo. é, tem jeito não. vou te falar que eu conhecia o album mas nunca tinha escutado absolutamente nada dele. achei lindíssimo e singelo, a lauryn hill consegue ser vulnerável, direta e até agressiva quando precisa, sem medo nenhum. muito bem produzido, super bem feito. nem quero parecer precoce, mas acho que esse é um dos melhores da lista, de verdade. no mais, fiquei hypado. dois dias seguidos com 5 estrelas tô animado.

Fantastic

My review disappeared.

I gave this 4 when it topped the Apple Music list because I don’t think it’s the best of all time. It’s definitely really a 5 tho.

Another game changer. A brilliant album that changed the world. ‘That thing’ is a stone cold lay down misere classic. The sketches are decent. The album flows. It’s perfectly sequenced. It opens the game wide open. Still hugely influential. 30000 stars. Genius only has to be genius once. So with no follow up (so far) her position is secure. If her next album is Happy birthday in A quarter flat minor with Lauren intoning the ingredients of a dog food can in monotone she’s still a genius.

I mean, does it deserve anything less?

oh come on. no contest. 5 stars

Estoy enamorado de este disco, del concepto, de que se oiga pasar lista en la clase, de todo. Un disco perfecto ejemplo de esa época y de todo lo que me gustaba del hip-hop/rap o lo que sea.

This is a modern classic. It transcended boundaries at the time and brought forward a new wave of femal hip hop stars that followed in her trail. The soul, the voice, the composition and songs are all top tier. Having the balls to leave Everything is Everything to the second last track of an album lasting over an hour is amazing for the time. Its a shame she is now as mad as a bag of cats as id have loved to have witnessed what she could have gone on to do

Outstanding

classic

Now this is an album that I had high expectations for. I mean, how could I not? Between Apple Music calling it the greatest album ever made, the overwhelmingly high praise I've seen for it online, and my own experience with Lauryn Hill's former group Fugees, there was a lot of high pressure for me to like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. So, did this album meet my expectations? Of course it did. This album's phenomenal. Would I call it the greatest album of all time? No. Absolutely not. However, aside from that one list, this album is properly rated. It truly is as amazing as people have said it is. Lauryn Hill was my favorite part of that Fugees album, so hearing her get to shine on her own here was great. Her singing and rapping is impeccable. Of course, she isn't totally alone. The features on this album are quite strong. The skits actually add to the theming of the albums, which is something that they kind of need to do. The actual songs are all great too. I especially love "Doo Wop (That Thing)." The themes of the album are also nice. The focus on things like love, spirituality, and gender are very welcome in an album like this. Despite lasting for 77 minutes, this album really doesn't drag. It's a bit long, but the time is spent well. Overall, this is a wonderful album that serves as an excellent showing of talent from Ms. Lauryn Hill. This album is truly one of a kind. Literally! She only released one album. I guess that technically makes this her worst solo studio album too. Let's not think about that. This album's amazing. 5/5.

I've been waiting for this one. And it delivers.

A highlight of the 1990s that holds up very well. I would love to see an unauthorized Lauryn Hill biopic - seems like a real character.

Ok i remember this album and it was one of my Moms favorites. Going to listen again as an adult and see how it holds up. I’m actually older than my mom was when she bought this album. Should be interesting. Ok it still holds up. To Zion was always top track and still is

This is one of the flagship R&B/ Soul / hip hop albums. It's personal, focused, and has a lot to say and a story to tell. I don't love all the 90s/ 00s R&B where it's a lot of singing without real hooks and this does fall into that sometimes but those moments are relatively far in between. The way these tracks are big and grand yet still catchy is always impressive. I haven't listened to this in a while and it's crazy how much hip hop and r&b after extensively sampled and in some case, just ripped off tracks on this. Drake's 'Nice for what' samples so much off of Ex-Factor it could be considered a remix. All in all it's timeless and as for R&B there isn't anything in the lane that comes close in quality.

gem

This album was excellent from start to finish. She's a great rapper, the reggae sounds worked in really well and I liked the beats, plus thought-provoking lyrics. Rating: 5

If I could give this 6 stars I would Ridiculously iconic Favs: literally every single song cannot pick one

One of the best albums of all time. Standout tracks (all of them are, but these have been my faves for years, all 5/5): - Ex-factor - Final hour - I used to love him - Nothing even matters - Everything is everything - THIS is the song I heard in Paperchase, I typed the lyrics on my phone (before Shazam), found this album on Spotify and I ended up not listening to anything outside of this genre for the next two years LOL

Iconic rap/R&B album.

This album was an absolute game changer, I first listened to it when I was a teenager and I feel like it gave me so much perspective and understanding of the world. The miseducation of Lauryn Hill was actually my own education

Loved having more than just a series of songs for the train ride to start my week - we got an interesting concept too! Had me turning up the volume to hear those classroom scenes, the atmosphere was great. A genre I'm totally at sea with and yet I can tell the songwriting is brilliant. Thoughtful lyrics and lovely voice to listen to

A bit long, but man are there a lot of reviews here that are unfairly negative. This is an amazing album with incredible range. I would drop the interludes/skits. Far too many and the album would probably be under an hour without them, and it would be easier to put some of these on playlists. My god, though, so many of you chuds are so incapable of enjoying female artists or rap of any kind.

All time classic for a reason

What an amazing album. Lauryn blends hip-hop and neo-soul with touches of reggae, and does it all perfectly. Her voice is absolutely incredible, the lyrics are deep and thought provoking, and the music production is top tier. This albums deserves all the praise that it has received over the years.

One of the only double albums with a justifiable length. One of the only album to use interludes in an original way that doesn’t feel forced or time padding. The songs themselves are fantastic, introspective, and beautifully executed. Writing and lyrics are thoughtful to the point of researched while also remaining unique to only Lauryn. Production and arrangement are both great. I own this album and always enjoy finding new things upon another listen. Truly phenomenal. 5/5

I mostly enjoyed this but it felt like it could have been two albums. Just a bit too long. This would have been two albums in the vinyl era and I think it would have a stronger presence if it was split up and tighter. By the middle of the album I had already forgotten how the first few songs went. That said, pretty much every song on their own are great. Lauryn’s voice is just full of emotion without being over the top and the music has some great grooves. Lots of soul inspirations, throwbacks to Stax and Motown. Good stuff.

Un gran álbum y un clásico, que pena que no sacó más música en solitario

Lauryn Hill was one of the first concerts I went to independently as a teenager, and I found energy and life in this album that I couldn't find anywhere else. The phrase "Consequence is no coincidence" from Lost Ones has become a mantra for me throughout my life as an inspiration to continually show up and be an active participant in my own life, and to be an advocate for myself. I think she was truly one of the great voices of the 90's, and although its sad her personal choices have kind of marred her reputation as an artist now, this album will always stand out to me as one of the greats. 10/10

I remember when this album first came out, producing some serious hit singles, seemingly keeping Lauryn Hill heavily featured on MTV's rotation in the late 90's. And rightfully so. 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' was an absolute banger that still holds up today with its catchy brass section, bouncy piano, phenomenal lyricism and rapping, and an infectious chorus to top it off. The soulful 'Ex-Factor', truly showcasing just what an amazing vocalist she is. And 'Everything Is Everything', with its unbelievably engaging orchestral backdrop only adding to the song's addictive melody. This album has everything you would want from a hip hop/soul album. The more rap based tracks like 'Lost Ones’ and 'Final Hour', where Hill hits you with great, hard hitting, bars that are up there with some of the best of the genre are definitely worth highlighting. But it's the slower tempo soul tracks where 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill' truly shines: 'To Zion', 'Superstar', 'When It Hurts So Bad', 'I Used To Love Him' (which, in all honesty, should have been a single), 'Forgive Them Father', and 'Nothing Even Matters'; tracks that are backed with beautiful instrumentation, absolute pitch perfect vocals with that rare raw edge quality, and autobiographical lyrics that you can totally get lost in. It's all quite simply a trifecta that is executed beyond perfection. I have always thought that Lauryn Hill is a great "what if" of the music industry, seeing as she never released another studio album after this. This is a case of the art becoming larger than the artist, and I would completely understand the fear of not living up to this album's massive success. 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill' is an easy 5/5. It's not just a great hip hop/soul album, it's literally a gold standard of those genres. It feels a little cliche to give it such a high rating, but I do genuinely think it deserves it. There's not a single bad track to be found and it showcases Lauryn Hill firing on all cylinders as a top class vocalist, an underrated rapper, an engaging lyricist, and a surprisingly good producer. It's just a damn shame we never got a follow up.

Great album, grew up on it. She deserved every Grammy she got and it’s a shame there isn’t more follow up to this thoroughly performed masterpiece

Love this album. A lot of great songs and would definitely listen to over and over.

All I can say, it is a breath taking album. No flaws, beats are amazing Lyrics are amazing Music is unreal!

One of the greatest rap albums of all time, highly recommend for anyone

one of the GOAT albums

This is just excellent front to back. Unlike the interludes on most hip hop albums that feel so contrived and don't serve the music, these fit a n album theme and often times directly speak to the track while coming across as completely genuine and candid recordings. The music itself is just good hip hop and r&b. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but it's a serious winner for me.

i mean

Algjörlega frábær plata sem eldist svona líka vel.

I love this album. Haven't listened to it in awhile. So, so, so good.

🐐

fantastic album added quite a few songs to my playlists

Loved it. 90s classic

absolutely brightened my day up! felt like having an hours long, very insightful conversation with a fellow girlie. <33 lost ones, to zion, and tell him are my favourites. i’ll definitely be blasting them on the regular. the album also has such rich history. i think it’ll take me a while to get done with reading about it lol. don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem. MWAH 5/5

it took a decade but i finally fully love this thing this thing this 10/10

A wonderfully crafted album that really speaks to a specific time and place, and it was groundbreaking for the genre when it came out. Would listen any time and any place

To make an album that stands the test of time must feel so special. Everything about this album is a five, the overall theme of being in a classroom learning about real world things. The classic songs that will never get old, and I mean never. The B Sides that you don’t hear too often but they make this project so well rounded. The lyrics that hit you deep and help you step into her world, her perspective. Just a phenomenal project and the true definition of a classic album.

it is exactly what people say about it. i was ready to hit a peter griffin godfather moment, but nah it really is fantastic. i still dont agree with apple musics placement of it on their list, but it isnt unfounded. this record is front to back fantastic in production, vocals, and storytelling.

Another one I know by heart. I've listened to it about 100 times but always happy to listen again. Still one of the best albums of all time, every song is uniquely good and a classic. 5

This white boy likes her music!!!!

Always liked this. Great songs.

One of the best albums everrrrr When it hurts so bad is me today

Classic from my high school days

Understandable how, despite everything, people will still risk a no-show to buy tickets to a Lauryn Hill concert. When she's on, she's unbeatable. Feels like this is one of those rare albums that basically everyone on the planet agrees on— I don’t even really mind the skits!

Classic

This is arguably one of the greatest albums of all time, hitting home on just about every level. It opens with a school register being taken and the theme continues with a young woman figuring out life, love and everything, drawing from diverse musical influences and producing something that sounds almost effortlessly perfect. This was Hill’s only solo album but it stands as a genre defining achievement for all time.

Liked the Caribbean sounds and the overarching theme of love. Favorite song: Doo-Wop.

Whoa, what a great album! It just keeps giving. It really is all killer, no filler. I'm glad to learn of this one. It only took me 25 years. :-D

El inicio esta increible Los interludios entre canciones complementan cada cancion y el ritmo es excelente, lo volveria a escuchar

yet another album that's frankly a contender for a perfect example of a genre. everything from hill's voice to the production value is immaculate, her songs often involving real-life stories and lamentful tales about heartbreak and convictions. the bouncy and lowkey beats weave a collection of songs that feels like a fairytale.

Thank you 1001 for reminding me to listen to this classic again. Imagine dropping this fucker and then never putting out any music ever again. Queen shit right there 👑 9/10

This album is one of the best (if not the best) album of all time. Lauryn's vocals are beautiful and the songs are just so good. Of course there's "Doo Wop", "Ex Factor" and "To Zion", but even the deep cuts are amazing. She really devoured with this one.

Already listened.

one of the easiest 5s you'll come across everyone knows its good, but then you get to that guitar solo in Ex-Factor, those beautiful vocals. Incredible. It earns it's length and its just increase, what an unbelievable talent

The interludes have gotten old, but musically there is not a single miss on this album.

10

Very good

You're just too good to be trueeee

This album really exceeded my expectations. I was unaware of how thought-provokingly beautiful this record was gonna be. Lauryn's voice, the superb production, and the discussion of various social topics within the music all come together nicely. From start to finish, it was a joy listening to it all. The rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You was fantastic. The song ending off the whole event that was this album was incredible and probably my favorite out of all I've heard. Nothing but positive things to say about this album. My ears were blessed today. Best - Lost Ones, Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop (That Thing), Superstar, Final Hour, I Used To Love Him, Forgive Them Father, Everything Is Everything, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Tell Him (MPF) Worse - Absolutely no bad songs on this whatsoever 5/5

Great album.

hyvä, muutama hajuilija. Isämme, joka on taivaissa, jotta sinun nimesi tuhoutuu tullakseen. Meillä on myös tekemistä kanssamme Sluk Sinun nimesi on tulla sinun valtakuntaasi, jotta sinun tahtosi on maan päällä, niinkuin taivas, anna meille päivämme parasta Olemme olleet niin, että olemme paenneet pahaa sinun tahtoasi niin maan päällä kuin taivaassakin, anna meille meidän velkamme anteeksi, niin kuin mekin olemme antaneet anteeksi velallisillemme kiusaukseen, mutta päästä meidät pahasta, sillä sinun on valtakunta, voima ja kunnia iankaikkisesti, amen. NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! final hour

Absolutely Solid.

FUCK YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

An incredible album from front to back, full of hope and anger.

oh my! one of the greatest albums EVER, let alone in hip-hop, or the late 90's! Amazing!

Amazing album! I'll be honest, I only knew Lauryn Hill as the girl from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit... yeah. As a Stevie Wonder tragic, I particularly liked the apparent homage, both lyrically and instrumentally, to "I Wish" in the clavinet-heavy "Every Ghetto, Every City". The framing device of a high school teacher encouraging his student to talk about love was also a very cute way of tying the album together. Will definitely listen again.

Disco esencial. Lauryn deja The Fugees, 2 años después del tremendo bombazo que fue The score, para tomar el control de su carrera y publicar un álbum que deja una profunda huella, al margen de excelentes canciones: Ex-factor y Doo Wop entre otras. El resultado es un tremendo éxito de crítica y ventas (más de 20 millones) que la lanzó aún más a un estrellato (5 Grammys) al que voluntariamente renunciaría. Como bonus una estupenda versión del Can't Take My Eyes Off You de Frankie valli. Todo el disco escrito (alguna canción coescrita), arreglado y producido por ella misma, además embarazada, y con tan sólo 22 años (su hijo sería Zion, al que le dedica un tema). Grabado en los estudios Tuff Gong de Jamaica (la portada es un claro homenaje al Burnin´de Marley) , entre sus colaboradores estuvieron D’Angelo, Mary J. Blidge, John Legend o Carlos Santana. Con samples de Bob Marley (Forgive Them Father) , Wu Tang Clan (Can It Be All So Simple) o Boogie Dowhn production (Lost Ones, que además contiene partes del Bam Bam de Sister Nancy que luego usaría Kanye West) El título es un guiño al libro The Mis-Education Of The Negro y deja claro que se trata de una obra tan personal como agradecida de escuchar con atención. Al nivel de What´s going on o cualquier disco de Curtys Mayfield, pero con la música actualizada al final de siglo. Una obra muy completa que abrió el camino a otras cantantes como Beyoncé (y Solange), Alicia keys, Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse o tantas otras. Después publicó una estupenda versión del Turn Your Lights Down Low (de la excelsa cara B de Exodus) de Bob Marley antes de cometer un suicidio comercial en forma de disco unplugged que apenas tuvo repercusión (es difícil de escuchar: mezcla canciones desnudas o apenas esqueletos de ellas, con spoken word) y despareció del mapa salvo algun escándalo (con paso por la cárcel al evadir impuestos) hasta su reciente reaparición con sus compañeros The Fugees. Su obra no solo ha envejecido estupendamente sino que se ha erigido como una de las mejores de la historia. Otros discos de 1998: Mercury Rev: Deserters Songs, Massive Attack: Mezzanine, Manu Chao: Clandestino, Air: Moon Safari, Black Box Recorder: England Made Me, REM: Up, The Afghan Whigs: 1965, Calexico: The Black Light, Belle & Sebastian: The Boy With The Arab Strap, Beastie Boys: Hello Nasty, Royal Trux: Accelerator, Placebo: Without You I’m Nothing, Pulp: This Is Hardcore, Fun Lovin’ Criminals: 100% Colombian, Portishead: Live Roseland NYC. Ash: Nu-Clear Sounds, Eels: Electro Shock Blues, Madonna: Ray Of Light, Jack: The Jazz Age, Tricky: Angels With Dirty Faces, Lambchop: What Another Man Spills, Manic Street Preachers: This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours, Make-Up: In Mass Mind, Elliott Smith: Either Or /// XO, Neutral Milk Hotel: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Boards of Canada: Music Has the Right to Children, Air: Moon Safari, Fatboy Slim You’ve Come a Long Way Baby’ , Garbage: Version 2.0, Gomez: Bring it on, David Gray: White ladder, PJ Harvey: Is this desire?, The Smashing Pumpkins: Adore.

Pencils down, ears open: Miseducation contains no misinformation on subjects of the heart or neo-soul.

Wow - can't believe I'd missed this one first time around. Amazing.

The one that started it all. Perfect!

This one is worth the hype!

Easy 5 stars. Absolute banger and classic.

Yeah. This is a good album. I'm surprised how young she sounds and the lyrics themselves. I suppose that's the theme of the album, but it just felt really fresh and new even 25 (!) years later.

One of the greatest albums of all time. Hard to argue against it, really. Its that fucking great.

I knew this album would be great going in, it’s considered one of the best of all time for a reason - it is. The rapping and singing, both at such high levels, is endlessly impressive. The content is really powerful and surprisingly relevant too, even 26 years later.

ho oscillato tra 4 e 5 stelle per tutto il tempo. Ms. Lauryn, che voce. si sapeva da quando ha fatto la protagonista di Sister Act 2 che sarebbe stata una superstar. se fosse stato un album intero di lei che vocalizza e fa quello che le pare con quella mina di voce che si ritrova, sarebbe stato un cinque senza pensarci due volte. le parti conversazionali e il rap in generale mi sono piaciute un po' meno, e l'album è lungo, ma santo cielo che carisma e che progetto. poi penso che ha Mary J. Blige come feature su una traccia, ma allora come si fa a non darle cinque stelle. poi arriva la fine e c'è la cover di Can't take my eyes off of you, che mi ha conquistata senza prima portarmi fuori a cena, ma allora come si fa a non darle cinque stelle. poi ripenso ai vocals, ma allora come si fa a non darle cinque stelle. e allora cinque stelle siano e crepi l'avarizia. mi sono proprio divertita, grazie Ms. Lauryn.

This is a perfect album. Every single song is a bop, I cried multiple times, the message is absolutely amazing, the themes on love are perfect, the rapping ability is unmatched, and her vocals are also unmatched. This is by far the best album we’ve heard so far, and will stay that way for a long, long time.

Even though it isn’t my favorite rap album of all time, it games damn near close. Not a thing about the album that should ever be changed. 10/10

If you got a handjob in a girl’s dorm room in 1998, this album was playing.

Classic. No notes.

What a great album! For sure one of the best hip hop / r&B albums of the 90s. (maybe all time?) I love how this album flows from rap to singing with spanish guitar accompanying throughout. The synths are fun, but not overbearing. And the lyrics are real, important and visceral. I also really love the rasta / Zion elements intermixed with reggae. I really like how she never straight up samples other songs, but she homages them "Bam" "Light My Fire" "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." It's fun and creative. The only knocks for me are that the drum machines kind of sound dated. I get it for the time, and honestly, the beats are cool. But I think this album could be recorded today, it would be still be relevant and good. We'd probably just do something for the beats.

always down for a re-listen, just fuckin great really. 4.85

Meditation on love lost, love spurned, love of community PLUS an absolute collection of dance jams? I will be relistening over and over again.

album exqiuisito Cancion Fav: Ex-Factor

This was incredible. Moving lyrics and the music is pretty much perfect. I never really delved into her stuff but damn. New fan here

I recently saw a list that had this as the greatest album of all time. I don't agree with that, but this is still amazing. 5.0/5.0: Iconic

Woot fucking wooooooooot!!!!!!!!!!!

Classic.

this one isn't new to me but it's been a long time. Fantastic album, she can sing, she can rap her ass off. The beats are timeless, the message is still just as relevant. This album will never fall off. definitely a 5/5

À very good one !

It's just so good, man. What more is there to say?

I knew I was giving it a 5, I just… ugh. Wow. It’s so good. I haven’t heard it in full in a bit, but it’s so goddamn good. There are some songs where the repetition becomes too noticeable to ignore at times, but when this album clicks, it clicks deeply. Her lyricism is great, her vocals are spectacular, and the instrumentals are really fun throughout, especially when they lean into live instrumentation. The biggest knock I have on this album is its length (it’s a little long), but it just doesn’t matter that much to me. It’s not a perfect album, but I love it regardless, and I really wish Lauryn Hill had tried to top herself, but if she never does, she left an absolutely stellar project here, and it’s so highly recommended. Easy 5.

If you don't like this album you're an idiot or you just really hate great hip hop

Genre-Defining

Ex-Factor es la canción

very cool sounds.

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You. A 90s classic.

she slays

This was an amazing album. I loved it and then once I learned she was from Maplewood, NJ... That was the cherry on top.

A classic, some really good tracks in here, could repeat and not get bored for a long while.

I loved this album; Lauryn Hill beautifully blends hip-hop and soul (while sprinkling in a little bit of Reggae, which I love) while also employing some incredible storytelling. I had heard of this album before but never listened to it before, but I understand its legendary status.

Didn't know Ex-Factor was the sample in Drakes song Nice for What. The slowed down original sounds really good. The R&B songs were absolute heat but some of her rap songs were iffy. Specifically Lost Ones I thought was honestly really tough to listen to, however forgive them father was really good. Great features. Favorite Song: Ex-Factor

Lauryn Hill has such a beautiful voice. This album is amazing!! I think she is the GOAT of female rappers. ❤️❤️

Fantastic and influential album

Great vibe, great voice

I really loved this album.

Awesome album!

Well absolutely, yes yes yes, yes yes yes yes!

I had a lot of big feelings listening to this today.

While this isn’t squarely in my wheelhouse, it is a really impressive album that definitely belongs on this list. It was a really great listen today.

Some say the best rapper of all time was Biggie. Some Tupac. I would have to argue that it’s the triple threat Lauren Hill: singer/rapper/actress. This album is a masterpiece that successfully tells the soul of an artist. There’s some R&B like Ex-Factor. There are songs of faith, like To Zion and Forgive Me Father. There are amazing collaborations with Mary J and Santana. My favorite: Everything is Everything: it creates a perfect tapestry of everything she is. I have listened to this album many times and will do so many more. Side note: the book Hail to the Queens is an amazing look at women in Rap from the beginning and explains the miseducation we all received about Lauren Hill. Strongly recommend both.

This was HUGE upon its release and I think it has held up incredibly well. Very introspective and philosophical themes that even venture into religious territory at times. Musical influences ranging from Motown to Reggae. The sampling on this album is really intriguing. I also love the interludes between songs discussing "love". Oh, and nothing tops To Zion.

Really enjoyed this. Clever and with wit and style throughout.

A hip hop classic for many reasons. Killed it her first (and last) solo time out.

Classic! some fillers on here but the good songs are bangers that make you nod your head.

Sad she never did another one.

Such a banger. A classic record what a banger.

Thank you miss Lauryn Hill!!

This album has insane range and flow, with Hill at the center of all of it. Her debut solo album still stand up to today’s standards of the hip hop and R&B genres, and the soul and reggae influences soul, reggae, and gospel come out clear. This is one of the easiest listens out there, both due to Hill’s lyricism/vocals and the music backing her throughout. Superb work.

This is one of those classic albums that I had heard about many times before, showing up on many greatest of all time lists and as a cited influence for many of my favorite hip-hop artists, but had never actually listened to before. After listening I can see why it is considered a classic. The sound on this album is a beautiful blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul, and Reggae all held together by Lauryn Hill’s killer voice. The beats are barebone but slap, the vocal harmonies make each track sound rich and lively, and the bars when Hill does flex her rap skills are tight. The album is thematically rich as well, touching on love, loss, healing, and faith. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by all accounts deserves its place in the pantheon of great albums 5 (you really think I’m gonna give Ms Lauryn Hill anything less than a perfect score during Women’s History Month?) Fav Songs: Lost Ones Ex-Factor To Zion Doo-Wop (That Thing) Final Hour When It Hurts So Bad Everything is Everything

Ms.Lauryn Hill you will always be famous!! Happy 25th anniversary to this masterpiece of an album. The way this woman and this album are still impacting music today, through samples and being an inspiration to so many artists, speaks to the true genius of a then 23 year old MOTHER. I really enjoyed bopping around to this album yesterday. The kids talking about love was so sweet and fit in so well with the theming of the album. It was also announced yesterday that this album would be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame!! Faves: Ex-Factor, Doo Wop (That Thing), Superstar, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Rap-soul fusion. I'd heard of this album but as I'm not a fan of rap I'd never listened to it. I liked it more than I expected to. The Motown vibe underneath the rap is very smooth (also incorporating some reggae overtones in places) and fits very well. The themes and the lyrics are genuine and honest -- avoiding the braggadocio and aggression that characterizes much of the genre. If I had one negative comment, it's that the lyrics get repetitive at times. Lauryn Hill has an excellent voice but indulges in more runs than needed -- a virtuosity for it's own sake criticism I make on many jazz and heavy metal records as well.

I love this album. I think it's on a number of "Top" lists, and deservedly so.

The ONLY complaint I have for this album is that To Zion is too early in the tracklist. Besides that minor gripe, yeah this album is flawless.

Perfection Christ what a woman.

Just amazing. Some people think you can see it all if you look into a cup of tea the right way. I think you’ll get there faster if you just sit down and listen to this.

Excellent

Classic...do work that thing still makes me wanna be revolutionary

I liked it. Holds up as modern sounding, I find some of the cliche background yo's and uhhuh's irritating but this album prob was in the pioneer phase before that became annoying. I like the funk and reggae attributes, and the education sketches. Also while I loathe religious indoctrination I find it endearing when themes and parables are wielded to communicate actual just and righteous values. That is a strong undertone in reggae and feels almost unique in hiphop/rnb vs some simp for tradition type invocation that are obvs hollow and immediately contradicted. I was surprised by the can't take my eyes off you cover and really enjoyed that. The title track underwhelmed and the really slow nothing even matters kind of sucked. But I don't want to be negative, I came away liking Lauryn hill a lot more instead of perceiving as a trendy cover artist hack which fugees killing me softly made me feel even tho it's also great.

Such an amazing talent! This album is so well put together and diverse. Her ability to navigate between singing and rapping is unmatched. “To Zion” with Santana is amazing. The harp in the Doors tribute “superstar” is amazing. For 1998 this is hard to believe. The basis for so much in the hip hop/soul/now-soul world. My first 5 star album!

beautiful production. impeccable vocal arrangements. lyrically brilliant too... some of the rap could be better but overall this is so good!!! theres something so creative about it that i cant pinpoint. great listen

Really enjoyed listening to this one. Great varying grooves from Neo Soul to Reggae to Rap. Just as good a singing voice as MC. My favorites are To Zion, Doo Wop, and Everything Is Everything.

solid album ! can't believe i never listened to it front to end before standout songs for me: - lost ones: amazing - ex-factor: drake samples this - doo wop has same cadence/rap style as the fugees, love it - nothing even matters ft d'angelo so cute - can't take my eyes off of you (cover but she did great, and it was also covered again in 10 things i hate about you heath leger bleachers scene) - tell him also so cute

Classic

One of the smoothest albums ever made. Never get tired of this.

Modern Masterpiece. I understand why Lauryn Hill only has one album. BECAUSE YOU CANT TOP THIS ALBUM

This album ... it's one of three that define my misspent youth. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" might as well be "The Miseducation" of any 90s kid like myself whose high school soundtrack was the Fugees, The Pharsyde, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg (before he dropped the Doggy), De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, 2Pac, Biggie, Outkast, Naughty By Nature, Warren G. and Nate Dogg, Souls of Mischief, the Beastie Boys, and on ... and on ... and on. There's a reason they call it the Golden Age of rap. Us 90s kids, we lived through the late 60s and early 70s of rock when it comes to hip-hop. And that doesn't even include the early-90s grunge shit. Please tell me there's a more important era in modern pop music. I'll fight you. The universe, for whatever reason, aligned to create so much incredible art that we're still trying to make sense of it all. That this album is 25 years old, shit ... it doesn't feel that old. Lauryn Hill is in the same class as Tracy Chapman. I show my kids videos of her on YouTube in her prime ... just like Tracy. The power of those voices is spine tingling. It's not the same as when I saw her this year on tour ... not even close to seeing her twice on the original "Miseducation" tour when Outkast opened at Mammoth or The Roots opened at Fiddler's ... but goddamn, Lauryn Hill, thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for soundtracking every meaningful moment of my teenage years. Shit, thank you for "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit." You are the X Factor ... not the Ex-Factor ... and I will remain true to you forever.

Top Album.

always number one

spiritual experience

Great album all the way through. Don't think there's a bad song on here.

Very nostalgic. Owned the East for female rappers. Excellent blend of hip hop and soul

The world needed more from Lauryn

❤️

Love Lauryn!

incredible

Already on my rotation, love this album

Bought this when it was released and loved it from day one.amazing album, amazing artist.

masterpiece

5 stars no skips

All time classic. One of the best hip hop albums ever.

One of the best albums of all time, imo.

Outstanding album. Lauren Hill is equally great as a singer and a rapper, and the album is full of some deeper level shit that you dont get everywhere else. 5/5

Truly one of my favorite albums of all time. Brought me right back to middle school.

This was a very beautiful experience, reminded me of the recent Mr. morale & the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar. It's very personal and has very intimate personal accounts of love, self acceptance and growth. The interesting incorporation of live audience input brings a level of innocence and genuine human connection. Definitely a beautiful album

I enjoyed this album—I liked the skits (I thought they were fun, but then again, I’m a teacher, so it was kind of up my alley), I thought her synthesis of hip hop and soul was well executed, and I liked the woman-focused perspective. Just based off of listening experience alone, I would have given it 4/5 stars. The reason it’s getting 5/5 is that after reading about its legacy, you cannot deny the profundity of its impact. So many amazing artists have cited it as an influence, she uplifted women through rap, she introduced vulnerability to hip hop. The album earns that extra star off of its sheer importance—it really seems to have been a pioneering record.

Genius

she is the best

I know I’ve listened to this album before, but I don’t remember what made me seek it out. It’s probably been at least five years since then, and this is my first time revisiting it. I was 13 when this album came out, heading in to my eighth-grade year, and even though it was everywhere at the time, it was only a blip on the radar for me. For starters, any music released by a black artist after 1990, was considered rap by my parents, and if my parents had caught me listening to any rap music or anything rap adjacent, I feel certain they would have shipped me off to a religious boarding school. Even if my parents would have let me listen to music like this, I didn’t like R&B as a teenager. However, I do remember hearing “Doo Wop (That Thing)” when this album came out; I’m not sure if I heard it on the bus, or if it got some play on the local Clear Channel adult contemporary station in my hometown (did every city have one of those ‘Mix’ stations in the nineties?), but it’s the only song on this album that I know fairly well. Still to this day, this album isn’t the sort of thing that I typically gravitate towards. However, I do think it’s pretty much a masterpiece. The overall sound of the album is nothing short of incredible. It’s intricately arranged and well produced, but the album doesn’t sound over produced, and the richness of its sound can still be felt in every song. There are so many awesome details of instrumentation sprinkled throughout the album too: horns, organs, strings, and woodwinds. It’s almost tough to notice these little details though, because the whole of the sound is greater than the parts. But when you seek out those parts, they outweigh the whole. The bass guitar on Ex Factor, and Carlos Santana’s guitar playing on To Zion are outstanding as well. Vocally, there’s nothing that Lauryn Hill can’t do. She raps with delicate force and purpose, but she can still sing beautifully too. The backing vocals throughout the album are fantastic and perfectly placed as well. I absolutely love the way that Lauryn raps the word ‘champion’ on “Lost Ones,” and the way she sings ‘reciprocity’ on “Ex Factor”. Like the musical arrangements, the details in the vocals are fantastic too. I love the lyrics on this album too. The subject matter covers betrayal and regret, choosing to keep an unplanned pregnancy, lost love, and issues that affect black communities. No matter the subject, each topic is sung about a certain finesse and poetry that add to the album’s beautiful sound. The way that the line ‘See, no one loves you more than me and no one ever will,’ changes to ’Cause no one’s hurt me more than you, and no one ever will’ on “Ex Factor” is brutal, but somehow never makes the song feel any less delicate. This album is fantastic from start to finish, and as one of the objectively best albums of the nineties, it more than earns its place on this list. It's incredible to me that Lauryn Hill made one of the biggest albums of all time, and then said “that’s the only solo album you’re going to get from me,” and she’s stuck by that decision. It may go down in music history as one of the boldest and bravest decisions an artist has ever made.

queen

Banger

10/10 Iconico

I listen to this at least once per month

Great all the way through. Quintessential 90s hip /hop / r&b

Fantastic album. Gem after gem, no weak tracks, everything stands alone as a great composition. Shame she's a tax-dodging cunt, but that takes nothing away from this beautiful album.

Stephen met 5 aussi c'est validé

The Perfect Example of an Album with Sing and Rap Balance. Perfect Ratio and so influential. So Many great Songs! Definetely an 5 Star Albm for my Ears and Skin at least. Timeless Play

A record of serious soul and personal consciousness that also swings sweetly and amply entertains. It is well judged and exquisitely produced. Consider the groovy yet tasteful and highly pleasurable take on "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and the lush and melancholic closer "Tell Him," when it seems an anti-climax is inevitable – and how could it not be, given all the embarrassment of riches that's preceded. There are thoughtful and highly effective grace notes throughout – Santana's flamenco playing on "Zion;" the brief a capella harmonizing on "Doo Wop," the appropriately Doors-y keys on "Superstar;" the little Kung Fu shout-out / sound effect on "Every Ghetto;" the dreamy/otherworldly synth and organ on the late-arriving title cut. Indeed, the keyboard touches are a consistent delight. MJ Blige and D'Angelo add value and texture. Top-class cuts come thick and fast– "Lost Ones," "Used to Love Him," "Final Hours." It is perhaps a touch long (like so many records of this era) but is/was fully deserving of all the accolades – every single one. What a voice. What a vocalist. What a record.

Good album will listen to more.

She has one of the most beautiful voices of our generation. I could listen to her for days on end.

Just started, not what I expected but liking it so far. I know it’s really acclaimed but trying not to let that influence my opinion. Love that there’s some Santana on here. It feels like a really great mix of styles and genres but with an R&B thread throughout. Ex-factor was a personal favourite on the album. Feels like the album was really thought out as opposed to just a selection of songs. The gaps in the songs talking about love feels like it grounds the album.

Always amazing...

Masterpiece.

- YUP

Classic. To Zion is my shit.

Sorry for the temporary hiatus; came back to a straight banger. This album will always be amazing; love Lauren and all the instrumentals on this project. Easy 6/5

Lauryn Hill is amazing

Really loved this one

i love this album and it’s one of my favourites ever. ex factor, nothing even matters, can’t take my eyes off of you and tell him are some of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. i don’t get how this doesn’t have a higher rating. it’s clearly a 5.

4.6 Phenomenal, just wow, never gets old. Fave songs: ex-factor, doo wop, everything is everything, i used to love him

Banger , one of the greatest albums of all time . No turds at all

Timeless rap album. Great vocals, lyrics and melodies.

Excellent

No notes, undeniable.

definitively the greatest album of all time. I haven't had time to relisten since this popped up but whenever I listen I can't lie I am moved by the time it gets to tell him. the amount of love and passion in this album is palpable. masterpiece from the start to the end. listen to it

Great and beautiful album. Ex-factor is a masterpiece, just like I Used to Love Him and the cover of Can´t Take My Eyes Off Of You. Love the flow and how different it sounds from everything else. She can sing, she can rap, she can do everything! Also the fusion of sounds, r&b with soul with hip hop! It's a masterpiece.

A true classic! Phenomenal album to take a walk around the city, ride a bike, etc

IN LOVEEEEE. ON MY KNEES FOR MS.HILL.

Love this album been one of my favorites since I found it off the Drake song Nice For What. I immediately felt deep shame that I'd never listened to the whole through before

I'm a rock guy, but you can't deny this is a great album. It brings back fond memories of my employees at the record store I managed back at in the 90's playing it all the time.

Awesome. Generational album

Lauryn Hill's album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is fantastic! Her blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B works wonderfully. I highly recommend this one! Favorite Song(s): "Final Hour", "Lost One", "Doo Wop", "Forgive Them Father", "Superstar"

Lightning in a bottle

🐐

Great

Oli kyl kova. Taustat meneviä ja vaihtelevia. Hyviä laineja ja asia meno.

All definitions of rock and roll should just reference this album.

one of my favs

yks kaikkien aikojen parhaista

Phenomenal album. Great vocalizing and rap. Loved the Nassau coliseum reference. Classic

Classic, loved it.

Production is glorious Vocals are perfection Can’t think of anything I don’t like about this album Favourite tracks: Lost Ones, Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop, I Used to Love Him, Nothing Even Matters, Everything is Everything

just a phenomenal album. And the recommendations from Spotify afterwards were on point too. Golden era of hip hop/r&b

One of the best of all time. Listened to this album a ton when it came out and still revisit it often. The beats and samples are outstanding. Her voice is dynamic. Love it.

I was recently driving in Malibu, California, when I saw a bumper sticker that said something to the effect of "I'd rather be listening to the soulful debut of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauren Hill." After listening to this album, you know what, I get it. This album is great.

Legendary R&B album, beautiful voice

One of my all time favorites!!!

Not sure how Lauryn Hill found the time to record an album when she was so busy paving the way for Beyonce.

Fantastic album and an absolute classic. Hadnt listened to it for a while, but glad I returned to it again.

4/5

Even nearly 25 years later, this still be flipping in the ghetto on a dirty mattress. Bonafide timeless classic, a standard Miss Lauren couldn't dare to achieve again.

Really cool. Not my usual style so a surprising album

Masterpiece of course

This is a knockout album, as far as I'm concerned with rap/hip-hop. Not all the tracks resonated with me - probably because I'm agnostic - but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying the album as a work of art.

10/10 perfect album, no notes!

🐐

4.75/5 very smooth & enjoyable listen

Excellent. Emotional. A true landscape of the world around Lauryn Hill.

Awwwwe yeah some Lauryn Hill!! I fucking loved the Fugees Score album! This album is great. The outro to Lost ones is cute. Pretty guitar in To Zion. The beats in this are so cool. And the way she flows is so cool! 5 stars for this one. Damn Final Hour hits hard!

Lauryn Hill's ode to authenticity. Legendary album albeit a bit too long

One of the best hip-hop albums of all time. 10/10

"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is the debut solo album by American singer and rapper Lauryn Hill. The musical style is described as neo soul and R&B with songs based in hip hop and reggae. That's a decent description although I didn't noticed a lot of reggae. The lyrics deal with Hill's pregnancy and turmoil with her former band The Fugees and has themes of love and God. It was one of the most acclaimed albums in 1998, received 10 Grammy nominations, winning album of the year and was inducted in the National Recording Registry for its artistic significance in 2014. Oh, and debuted at #1 in the US charts and has sold over 20 million copies. "Lost Ones" has a hip hop beat and scratching. Hill is rapping. It turns more soulful. Supposedly about former Fugee bandmember Wyclef Jean. "You might win some but you lost me." "Ex-Factor" slows things down a bit with a piano. Hill's singing now. Here's your neo soul. Female backing vocals (a key throughout this album). A nice guitar solo. Another song about Wyclef and also a love song I think. Lauryn talking opens the big one "Doo Wop (That Thing)." The music kicks in. Rapping. Singing. Layered vocals. Men and women are caught withn their own and each other's struggles. Mary J. Blige joins the party in "I Used to Love Him." It's slow with a hip hop beat. "Nothing Even Matters" is a slow R&B ballad. She duets with D'Angelo. "Everything is Everything" is dramatic with piano. And, none other than a 19-year old John Legend on that piano. It's R&B and the song builds. One of the best songs on the album. This album has a combination of R&B, soul, hip hop beats, funk and a little bit of doo wop. Hill is talking, rapping and singing. Layered vocals. The lyrics are personal. She uses guests in a few songs appropriately. They are there but this is Lauryn's album. Some hip hop albums have a slew of guests and producers. Not this one. Just taking this as a R&B album alone it's a very good album. With her multi-dimensional approach in the vocals and other musical styles, you can see why it was so influential.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is smooth and soulful, with clever rhymes. Truly an iconic and genre defining album.

Solid 9, very good album

Excellent album. Both the rapping and the vocals were excellent. I can definitely see why it was so influential even today.

One of the best hip hop albums of all time, lyrically engaging rthymically mystical a message an idea it is also a complete album from beginning to end. Only mystery is why she never made another.

Certified discazo

This is just amazing.

Heel fijn album. Luistert lekker weg

A deeply affecting album about womanhood by a complex and add troubled artist. Smooth and sensual.

Iconic album. Hints of Reggae, Soul, R&B and Rap. It’s a whole vibe. Never had a chance to listen to the whole album because I’m a rock girl but this was an great listen. Favorite tracks: To Zion, Doo Wop and Forgive Them Father. Excellent.

PERFECT! Can't wait to re-listen!! it's longer than I remembered, but it's still amazing. I guess I wonder how it gets split up on vinyl

Fantastiskt album, bland de bästa album jag hört

One of the must hear it

Wow, that is a different album. It is a bit more energetic and focused than regular R&B, thanks to the hip-hop-style beats. But most importantly, the storytelling is great. The balance between reality and a romanticized version of it is perfect - the songs talk about the ups and downs without leaning into bitterness or fantasy too much. The result is a beautifully artistic depiction of life with the right mindset. The loose conceptual framing of the album also works well - the interludes are on theme, they are thoughtful and funny - not the obnoxious stuff that plagues many rap albums.

Great album, already heard it though.

A true masterpiece.

Absolutely love this album, back to front and inside out.

Flawless album, listened to it so many times. It is my favourite album so off to a good start

She’s an amazing artist who I wish did more. This is just perfect.

A neat perfect album in my opinion 4.5/5

This album ruled. I missed it when it came out but I recognize a lot of the songs on it. Super cool.

A classic. Lauryn Hill's approach to hip hop was as fresh and insightful then as it is now. A great combination of catchy pop songs and deeper musings.

classic

Not a perfect album but there's moments of such brilliance it feels wrong not to give it the full 5.

I recall when NPR deemed this the best album of the year. I had not listened to it yet, but I was surprised by the pick given NPR's music desk at the time. So I gave it a listen. Wow. This is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time (though yes, it's also more soul and R&B). Although it suffers from 2nd-half syndrome, it's still a 5 star album.

An all-timer - aching, soulful, spiteful, angry - so wonderfully complex whilst being incredibly catchy, engaging songwriting. Fave track: Lost Ones

So dense and a total joy from beginning to end. Massive skill on top of precise production and some winners when it comes to the features. Conceptually bold and honest - a classic. Four and a half. Fave track: Nothing Even Matters

A generational mix of hip hop and R&B makes for an album that soothsays the upcoming century that was to be. Everything here is high quality. From production to lyrics to the actual foundation of the record itself.

I haven't listened to much hip hop before, but this was really good. The music and lyrics were consistently great across the album. The theming tying the whole album together was also cool. Standout Tracks - To Zion - Doo Wop (That Thing) - Forgive Them Father 3/1001 Listened 5/20/23

one word. Perfection.

Honestly... I can't make any excuse to not give this 5/5. Production value, overall theme, the flow, the beats. Everything clicks.

Heard before the challenge. Actually Own it. One of my favs

Amazing. Not something I'd normally listen to but I love it.

I loved Lauryn Hill in middle school, and I remember this album very well. Reminds me of my pre-teen years and the precipice of teenage life. I would say this album is an essential album of the 90s for hip hop.

klassieker en must listen!

9/10. Real pretty, and I liked how the skits worked to make the album feel more homogeneous.

Definitely deserves to be up there with the greats. A couple songs lasted a bit too long and that’s really my only complaint. 9/10

top 10 best albums of all time like thats mother

4.6 + Beautiful and deeply personal, and as outstanding as I remember. Listening to this record a dozen years older and somewhat wiser, I’m struck by Lauryn’s naive worldview, built from a narrow sense of right and wrong. Promiscuous women are cast off as unchristian (“Doo Wap”). Greedy money-grabbers are unrighteous (“Forgive Them Father”). It’s fascinating how this self-righteousness is such a source of strength that would also ultimately lead to her reclusiveness as an artist. All this aside, the brilliant moments on this record sound brilliant as ever. The touching ode to her baby (“To Zion”), the vulnerable closer (“Tell Him”). On some of the duller tracks, Lauryn tries to gussy things up with slabs of her fluttery glissando (“When It Hurts So Bad”). A new standout for me is her “Sir Duke”-esque tribute to her neighborhood, “Every Ghetto, Every City.”

Absolute banger. One of the best albums from the 90s. Very creative and lyrically impressive.

Helt deroppe, vanvittige rap og vokal, koncept-album

Ik luister dit album sowieso al zo vaak dus het krijgt zonder enige twijfel 5 sterren. Ik vind de teksten zo’n mooi inkijkje geven hoe een vrouw van 23 omgaat met liefde en haar eerste zwangerschap etc. (Fun fact ze was voor het eerst zwanger van de zoon van Bob Marley en daar gaat To Zion ook ober!!) Verder gewoon echt bangers van nummers en zooo vaak hierna gesampeld in weer andere bangers!!

Très bon. C'est un classique j'imagine et il y a tellement de bonne tounes et arrangements dans cet album que ca vaut vraiment la note maximale Je réécouterais volontier ce soir. 5

The personalization and intention with this albums is amazing

She just sounds so good!

This still stands up. What a record! Unbelievable that she didn't do a follow up because nobody asked her to. Everything is Everything is the best song, up against stiff competition

Pretty good.The albums like an hour long though so I can barely diffeenwtitate most of the songs.She comes off a bit preachy like Lenny kravitz in some of it.The singles are really good.I’d give it a 4.5 out of ( if I could though because I didn’t 100% like some of the songs.

A rich and serious record that's also a joy to listen to. One notices the toughness, even jadedness, of the vocals ("yo"), but also the vulnerability and sweetness of the singing which one prefers slightly to the rapping. It's the perfect balance of soul, R&B and hip-hop, with a real (and respectful) historical sense energizing the whole endeavor. Lovely beds of beats and instrumentation. Nice touches all over the place – the Santana guitar solo on "Zion," the Manzarek-y harpsichord on "Superstar" (wonderfully interpretive, too), the Ayers-y keys on "Nothing Even Matters." "Doo Wop (That Thing)" was a totally justifiable smash and there a so many other strong tracks -– "Lost Ones," Every Ghetto," "Nothing Even Matters," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"

WWWWWWWWW

If Lauryn had made more records no doubt we’d be talking about her as one of the greatest rappers of all time. And one of the greatest vocalist too. Talented, smart, impactful, proud, unwilling to play the record industry game despite releasing one of the greatest records of the era. Let’s talk misses- the school talk skits add little, some of the collaborations misfire and perhaps the covers are superfluous. But the hits? Ex Factor is incredible, one of the most emotional tracks I’ve ever heard, Doo Wop is an absolutely beautiful and evocative track with a great singalong section, Everything is Everything is hard hip hop echoing Stevie Wonder, as does Every Ghetto, Every City with a playful look back at childhood. With the world at her feet- Hill faded into the background (MTV Unplugged absolutely not what any fan was expecting to hear). Quite an artist.

Had this one stuck in my head and really enjoyed it

Great Album! Mellow HipHop

Didn't finish this because of illness, but I don't really need to. Giving it 5 stars, the thing is so solid, such amazing vibes on the tunes

Classic. Love the mix of styles at play.

obviously great album. I wanted to groove, bang, and drive in my car with all the windows down all at the same time (jk hahah). good vibes with this one. Classic bops. Would be a great RECORD to have just to always play when doing .. life stuff in the apartment ya kno? Just thinking 🤔 It’s wild that she didn’t make another studio album after this one, but this one feels like a perfectly packaged gift. Ok!!

I’ve listened to this album probably more than any other album this year so was a nice little treat to see it as the album of the day. Lauryn Hill is one of the best MC’s ever. Not only is she an above average rapper but her singing voice is top notch. It’s that versatility that really makes her and this album shine. One second she’s rapping and the next she’s BEEELLLLTING behind Santanas latin influence guitar and yet somehow it still feels so cohesive. Thematically it’s a nice exploration of love in all the different forms. Maternal love, romantic love, heartbreak, young love and so much more. The little school skits are sweet and serve to ground. It’s a sweet realization that kids, adults and all sorts, opine on the same topics in not all that different of ways. Fav songs: To Zion Ex-factor Doo Wop Nothing Even Matters

At this point it feels trite to constantly say "oh my god, finally, and this will make up for all the past week". But Thank God this album is on this list because it is making up for the past week. It's sad that this list, almost inarguably, could have been 500 albums to listen to before you die and cut out a ton of the fat of live albums and UK bombs. Maybe pepper in more albums like this, and you'd have a stew going! I'm pretty sure my brother recommended this album to me when I was trying to get more hip hop/R&B albums under my belt. I found the CD at 2nd and Charles and it's been history ever since. Jamming to this while driving in the car, and listening to it now, it is such a great album. This was a big deal at the time being a female rapper of sorts and if I'm right, this was her debut album as well. There are so many songs on here that I love, but this is one of those albums that I just listen to all the way through. Favorite Tracks: Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop, Final Hour, Forgive Them Father, Everything is Everything Classic Cover, and copied well on the Marvel Comics variant cover for Ms Marvel.

Damn. Imagine being an artist as unique and talented as Lauryn Hill, putting out an album like this as your solo debut, and then never releasing another album. She's a very interesting character: she went into a sort of self-imposed exile for many years, and there was rumor of another album in the early 2010's, but then she was charged with tax fraud and sent to prison for a brief period. I would love to hear another album from her in our lifetime, but really, who knows? If not, this one is strong enough to stand on it's own. If I were trying to be objective, this is a five star album. It's so lively and so intricate, and it holds up extremely well some 25 years after it released. All the acclaim and status is deserved, especially for a woman in hip hop. On a subjective level, I don't know, I just haven't connected with it to the extent that I'd like to. It could not under any circumstance get less than a 4.5 star, it's a bona fide classic album and deserves a placement on this list more than most of what we've had over the last few weeks. But you know what, dammit, it's time for a vote of confidence. I recognize the value of this album, and my esteem for it can only grow. I'm closing out the album for a second time, and just hearing the richness of her voice on "Tell Him," it's on it's way. Favorite tracks: Lost Ones, Ex-Factor, Doo Wop, Tell Him, I Used to Love Him, Everything is Everything, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Album art: Iconic. No two ways about it. Face carved into a desk I think. Just perfect. Also, reminds me how great the opening skit is, just a teacher calling roll and getting stuck on her name. Beautiful stuff. 5/5