Twelve years ago, before what my wife calls "Beyonce fever" began in America, there was a brilliant CD released called "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". It was the breakthrough recording all hip-hop and music heads in general had been waiting for. Lauryn had sung her "you know what off" on the Fugees breakthrough CD and was showing up solo on recordings by Nas and others, as well as on the soundtrack to everybody's favorite urban black love story, "Love Jones." Our appetites were wet for a Lauryn Hill solo CD.
Who thought... who knew that Wyclef would be the breakout star? Everybody knew it was going to be Lauryn. Everybody said that those "other two guys" (Pras and Cleff) would go the way of The Commodores without Lionel, The Blue Notes without Teddy, and to some extent, The Jacksons without Michael.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won multiple Grammies, Lauryn won "Best New Artist of the year", and then... and then... nothing. Lauryn has barely been seen or heard from since 1999. Despite universal accolades, she only released one album after 1998's Miseducation... 2002's "MTV Unplugged". Some wondered whether the erratic artist, who demands to be addressed as "Ms. Hill" (if you're nasty), had a nervous breakdown.
But, Lauryn (now 35 years old), finally explained her mysterious absence to National Public Radio's Zoe Chace, who scored a interview with the artist following a rare performance in Santa Rosa, CA. How come she stopped recording? "There were a number of different reasons," Lauryn explains. "But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place. There were things about myself, personal growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth it." she said.
Lauryn didn't miss a chance to take a shot at the music industry. An industry that she says didn't nurture her with enough care or patience. She says, "Often times, the machine can overlook the need to take care of the people who produce the sounds that have a lot to do with the health and well-being of society. And, it's important that people be given the time that they need to go through, to grow, so that the consciousness level of the general public is properly affected."
"I don't know if you know this, but I have five children," she tells NPR. (We knew it!) Her children's father is Lauryn's longtime love Rohan Marley, son of the late reggae legend Bob Marley. "The youngest is 2 years old now, so she's old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she's going to be okay. I think it's just time to start performing again", she says. "I'm starting to get excited again. Believe it or not, I think what people are attracted to about me, if anything, is my passion. People got exposed to my passion through music and song first. And, I think that can be infectious."
Of course, we've heard all of this before (a few years ago), along with the rumors of a Fugees reunion. This time, I hope it's true. I'm praying that L-Boogie is returning.
Who thought... who knew that Wyclef would be the breakout star? Everybody knew it was going to be Lauryn. Everybody said that those "other two guys" (Pras and Cleff) would go the way of The Commodores without Lionel, The Blue Notes without Teddy, and to some extent, The Jacksons without Michael.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won multiple Grammies, Lauryn won "Best New Artist of the year", and then... and then... nothing. Lauryn has barely been seen or heard from since 1999. Despite universal accolades, she only released one album after 1998's Miseducation... 2002's "MTV Unplugged". Some wondered whether the erratic artist, who demands to be addressed as "Ms. Hill" (if you're nasty), had a nervous breakdown.
But, Lauryn (now 35 years old), finally explained her mysterious absence to National Public Radio's Zoe Chace, who scored a interview with the artist following a rare performance in Santa Rosa, CA. How come she stopped recording? "There were a number of different reasons," Lauryn explains. "But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place. There were things about myself, personal growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth it." she said.
Lauryn didn't miss a chance to take a shot at the music industry. An industry that she says didn't nurture her with enough care or patience. She says, "Often times, the machine can overlook the need to take care of the people who produce the sounds that have a lot to do with the health and well-being of society. And, it's important that people be given the time that they need to go through, to grow, so that the consciousness level of the general public is properly affected."
"I don't know if you know this, but I have five children," she tells NPR. (We knew it!) Her children's father is Lauryn's longtime love Rohan Marley, son of the late reggae legend Bob Marley. "The youngest is 2 years old now, so she's old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she's going to be okay. I think it's just time to start performing again", she says. "I'm starting to get excited again. Believe it or not, I think what people are attracted to about me, if anything, is my passion. People got exposed to my passion through music and song first. And, I think that can be infectious."
Of course, we've heard all of this before (a few years ago), along with the rumors of a Fugees reunion. This time, I hope it's true. I'm praying that L-Boogie is returning.
12 comments:
I wonder if Rohan did a number on her head that caused her to doubt herself. Being that his roots are in music, it's possible that he was attracted to but also unsupportive of her dreams and aspirations.
I miss her!!!!!!
Much Love to L-Boogie!
I sure hope she comes back too!
Playing catch up over here..You've been writing some good stuff.
Rohan probably did put her through something...I hope she can come back in spite of that and give us some good music.
You don't know how long I've been waiting for Lauryn to make a comeback.
@Reggie-I miss her too!
Come back L-boogie!
I hate to go against popular opinion here, but I think this is another false announcement just like all those numerous Fugees reunions..I'll believe it ,when I see it.
Lauryn was always fabulous...I hope she comes back.
For my part everybody ought to glance at this.
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