What Makes The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill So Special?

We explore the incredible legacy of one of Hip Hop's most iconic figures: Ms. Lauryn Hill. Join us as we delve into Hill's journey as a singer, songwriter, and rapper, and examine the unique talent that propelled her to become one of the greatest artists in Hip Hop history.

Together, Arthur "LA" Buckner and Linda Diaz, take a deep dive into Hill's history, from her early days in the Fugees to her groundbreaking solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," which continues to inspire and influence artists today. We'll also hear from Nadirah, the founder of The Gumbo, a magazine that celebrates and features women in hip hop, as she discusses the impact Hill has had on the industry and the role she continues to play in empowering women in rap.

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00:00 How did Ms. Lauryn Hill accomplish so much with only one studio album?
00:45 The beginning of Lauryn Hill's career
01:30 The formation of the Fugees
02:22 Fugees release The Score
03:50 When the Fugees broke up
04:20 Ms. Hill gets to work on her debut studio album
04:45 Understanding the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
06:40 Nadirah from the Gumbo talks the blues influence in the Miseducation
08:00 The success of the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
09:00 Why has Lauryn Hill only released one album?

We like music. You like music. Let’s break it down. Sound Field is a PBS Digital Studios web series produced by Twin Cities PBS. #SoundFieldPBS #laurynhill #hiphopmusic #hiphophistory #miseducationoflaurynhill

[LINDA-de-JNG]

She doesn't draw criticism for only producing one album, she draws it for not paying musicians who worked for her, for not showing up for gigs that people saved and went through trouble for, etc. I just hope that she heals from what she went through, future music or none. Preferably lots, but health is the most important and that seems a way away still. But no one is mad at her for only putting out one record, she's still lauded for it and rightly so, what a miracle. Classic among classics.

[Tonia]

To have been a young black woman at the time of this album was special. This album spoke to many of the women I knew.

[cinemaocd]

You are living in a house with three other women with three unplanned pregnancies and a variety pack of baby daddy drama, it's 1999 and the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill plays in a loop. This record was about something, it spoke to so many women then and now. A forever classic.

[shiningce]

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is my favorite album ever. It's perfect.

[rafaelaptroot]

Lauryn Hill is one of my favorite artists of all time.

However when I saw her live and she was around an hour late, performed a 25 minute set and was done.

It made it even worse that this was at a festival and I’d had made the decision to see her over seeing other artists I liked.

Doesn’t take away from what she accomplished in the studio but it’s sad she doesn’t seem to give the respect back.

[petermcateer]

Old white guy here.... I 'discovered' this album recently thanks to PBS Sound Field. I'll say this...Thank you!! This is one of the most spectacular albums ever recorded!! How I missed it when it was new is beyond me, but I'm thankful it finally made its way to my ears. A singular, generational talent.

[Skeletor]

Her personal issues aside Miseducation just hit all the right notes at the right time. She is amazingly talented. And although this is her only solo album her work with the Fugees can’t be overlooked. Easily too 10 female MC.

[earthshaker]

I think it is a good point to bring up how there probably was a great deal of pressure to recreate the success of her debut album. At the same time, one great piece of musical work is fine too. I just hope Lauryn Hill is happy.

[nickmarshall]

Her arrival at Dave Chapelle's Block Party brings a lump to my throat every time. Incredible voice.

[BdCgWgLover]

This album is a timeless classic and will forever been one of my favorites. If she never makes another album she's still a legend.

[pat_almighty]

This is truly a piece of art that provides a mirror to your personal development each time you listen to it.
I tend to come back to it every 4-5 years or so and each time I have been a different person listening to it.
A true evergreen. 🎓

[PuffinPass]

This album was a complete anomaly when you think about it. Back when CDs were still a thing I remember looking at friends collections and regardless if they listened to punk, metal, rap, hip hop, soul, RnB or whatever this album was almost universally in their collection somewhere. People always ask why she never made a second album and I always answer with, "Does she really need to?" Sure for selfish reasons it would be nice to have another album, but I feel all the external pressure would end up damaging the new work in some way, making it less authentic and pure to her vision.

[amandaredd]

I use to play that album on repeat. Every single song on that album is super-fly. It's timeless ❤

[BigPurp]

I remember as a kid my big sister played this album non stop and I was sick of it. We haven’t spoken in years and I finally listened to the album consciously last year and it brought me to tears. Such a beautiful album and it made me think of my big sis❤😭

[Elias_Truth]

I love Lauryn. She’s been through a lot

[nicolesherman]

One of the best to ever do it. Her and Missy does the rap singing so well ❤️.

[MrGringissimo]

Miseducation was such a sensational, and I mean that literally it was a sensation, album at the time. Really an incredible talent. Hope she is at peace and having a good life.

[Roadrunner]

“Zion” is one of the greatest ballads that hardly anyone ever mentions…

[Winniegirl]

Lauryn hills unplugged album is my favorite album of ALL time amongst All GENRES.

[jams]

Was literally listening to lost ones, yall are psychic…