What Makes The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill So Special?

Watch Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World on PBS: www.pbs.org/video/the-foundat...
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.
Watch more Sound Field!
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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?
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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

[@lindadejong1938]

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.

[@Mrnovanova]

Nailed it👆🏾💯

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

E X A C T L Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TrillyThough]

Thank you! Let's all tell the truth here. The FULL truth.

[@soaribb32]

True. She's behaved badly for a long time.

[@jaguarmartin]

Clip at the end she says thank you for being patient.. probably cuz she was 3 hrs late

[@BigPurp9]

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❤😭

[@PinkyakaAyannaj]

Love to you 🤍💙🙏🏾

[@athousandmiles1k]

call your sis?

[@BigPurp9]

@@athousandmiles1k wish I could but she cut contact with the family years ago

[@athousandmiles1k]

@@BigPurp9 that's sad to hear. hope it gets better for you and your family, her included🌷

[@thornyback]

I was in my early 20's in NYC during that exact time and it was a phenomenal time to be alive, to be young and beautiful. Badu came out a year later and kept the flow going. Shout out to Angie Stone and Jag Wright.

[@Tonia682]

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.

[@pareeshaslaughter6798]

I wish it would speak to many more black women in Atlanta.... Smh so much hate among the sisters

[@cinemaocd1752]

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.

[@joebungus3447]

Being an irresponsible adult is not something to be fond of.

[@miarrem]

@@joebungus3447 wow, way to judge

[@frizzyrascal1493]

@@miarrem He just stated facts, there was no judgement there.

[@juiciegiraffe2562]

@Chenai SABETA - BOADI stop bein a hater mate

[@YoureRightIThink]

@@juiciegiraffe2562 how is he a hater? Lol

[@shining4ce]

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

[@rafaelaptroot438]

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.

[@damienpolk7440]

When it comes to the stories similar to what you have shared, I tend to look at just what the video quoted Lauryn as saying about SABOTEURS. All of what she said started after the album is still going on times 💯 these days. Straight sabotage for whatever those reasons being.

[@yetanotherrandomyoutubecha4382]

@@damienpolk7440 "I don't show up late to shows because I don't care. And I have nothing but Love and respect for my fans. The challenge is aligning my energy with the time, taking something that isn't easily classified or contained, and trying to make it available for others. I don't have an on/off switch. I am at my best when I am open, rested, sensitive and liberated to express myself as truthfully as possible." That's what she said herself about often being late. It has nothing to do with saboteurs, it's more about her difficulty with giving 100% if she doesn't feel like it

[@RicoBanani]

happened the same to me. she was late 45mins for a festival gig pushing back all the artists going on stage after her. also, her voice was shot and it was barely audible. she barely sang for maybe 40 mins

[@RicoBanani]

happened the same to me. she was late 45mins for a festival gig pushing back all the artists going on stage after her. also, her voice was shot and it was barely audible. she barely sang for maybe 40 mins

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

@@yetanotherrandomyoutubecha4382 I see and that makes sense ngl.

[@petermcateer1354]

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.

[@nickmarshall8583]

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

[@Skeletor8]

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.

[@earthshaker1217]

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.

[@ttdanimations1231]

she still had multiple albums with the fugees that are great content

[@Orinap]

Lauryn and Erykah Badu are legends

[@pipikakachu]

And they are messy 😂 but i love them

[@Roadrunner65553]

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

[@LuisZunigaPRI]

This is my favorite song on the album

[@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.

[@LooseAsADEUCE]

Miseducation is a classic album, no question, but I think we give her too much leeway because of it. All the controversies and poor performance behavior can't be excused just because she had a fantastic album.

[@jokedok8044]

We ? You have personality disorder ?

[@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.

[@BdCgWgLover313]

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. 🎓

[@amandaredd3057]

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

[@nicolesherman8974]

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

[@Elias_Truth]

I love Lauryn. She’s been through a lot

[@Swishy_Blue]

Here's to a healthy, happy Hill ! We miss you, take care of yourself!

[@jams3975]

Was literally listening to lost ones, yall are psychic…

[@SoundFieldPBS]

we are on the same wave length

[@Winniegirl85]

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

[@userJFK]

The miseducation & Aquemini by OutKast are my favourite albums, literally on weekly rotation. And also I really do wish her music career lasted longer and see where she could have taken hip hop.

[@reddingmalik]

YESSSSSS

[@reddingmalik]

Both artist Gemini I love the creativity in both albums

[@jaredlhulum]

"Outkast landed, 3-thou was ill Like a male version of Lauryn Hill" -Jay z, a star is born

[@michaeltran2743]

Great choices. From those choices, I can tell you were born before 1990 😂

[@thescoobymike]

I swear the blues is everywhere

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

I also really love her songs Lose Myself and Guarding The Gates

[@ToneyLo]

Ooh I luv "lose myself" I had never heard a fast song that was so deep like that one.

[@kosmique]

lost ones is such a masterpiece

[@destinixshakur]

Frfr

[@youngmanchego]

I love this series. New episodes can’t come soon enough. Keep em coming.

[@Sirbiznis]

lauryn Verse on "Family Business" is soooo top tier

[@monilaninetynine3811]

Lauryn Hill was briefly on the soap opera, As The World Turns as a troubled teen named Kira

[@arieldelaney7727]

One of the first albums I bought. Instant classic!

[@hsmathis]

I absolutely LOVE Lauryn Hill. Her music speaks directly to my soul. Everything I feel, she puts to music. 😊

[@8lec_R]

Fd Signifier has a great video on her.

[@jirenoboy]

Just bought the vinyl version, this gonna be the first album ill put on my record player. Gotta get unvirgined by a great alumn

[@tlc8165]

I personally don’t feel like Lauryn Hill needs to release another album. I feel like she said everything she wanted and needed to say on “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album. Also the messages in that album are still relevant to today.

[@BlackIndigenousPosse]

Stoked to see two videos in a row about my favourite genre. Some of my favourite women in hip-hop such as Dessa, Jean Grae, Little Simz, and Noname certainly took influence from Ms. Hill. On the other hand there are other great MCs who sound nothing alike. Yugen Blakrok from South Africa is exclusively a rapper and has a sci-fi heavy black empowerment-themed mythos throughout her work.

[@princesphamandla4910]

This Albumn will always have a special place in my heart.

[@joejett5084]

It’s a concept album about love and it’s different forms of it, educating yourself and others about our miseducation of it while educating the youth of what it is and what it isn’t = masterpiece

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

once again well played PBS.

[@execution832]

I'm more in love with her second album "unplugged"

[@kazuhasgloves]

Lauren is that woman !! ♥️

[@phish66]

Great video! Miseducation one of the best albums of last 25 years.

[@matthewstevenlinder]

I love her so much one of my daughters is named after her and I did an entire podcast about the spiritual underpinnings in her music.

[@JosephRobert82]

Fell in love hearing her in "Sister Act II" in 93, and had her pictures spread across my wall from 96 to 2001. I was a day 1!

[@bolajiaiyegboyin3579]

Lauren has always been a great talent...and she used it well..one is to be talented and another is to put it to use...she done both..well done miss Hill...my girl..

[@GLA45Amg716]

It’s clear what happened. Because she called it out on “superstar”. They make you known then tear you down .. something like that. Her music had a message and the industry is pushing to stop anyone that has THAT MUCH influence to give a message. That’s why music today is all partying and doing drugs etc .. people love music with meaning it’s not like we aren’t interested. They just stop it

[@TrumpetSAE]

❤️👏🏾❤️👏🏾❤️👏🏾👏🏾❤️👏🏾❤️👏🏾❤️👏🏾 I didn't really get into music until I heard T.M.O.L.H! The album changed my life! OMG i remember the day I first heard her album... sophomore in highschool! Thanks for this video.

[@wcole1385]

Great content on Lauryn Hill!

[@GOTHICPOSTY]

If they ever make a Lauryn Hill biopic I nominate Tkay Maidza to play her, I don’t think theres a better pick visually and vocally honestly

[@BAMOORE94]

Can you do one of these on TLC and Left Eye in particular? A lot of hip hop artists cite her as well but she gets down played all the time

[@andrebayiha8350]

What rap artists cite her?

[@BAMOORE94]

@@andrebayiha8350 Nicki and Cardi for example both love her

[@treatyyum]

such a great album and artist

[@cathoare8935]

I loved the fugees, sister act 2, if i ruled the world and miseducation has been on my rotation since it was released I've even gone through 2 copies on cd.

[@johnpounders5314]

This one is THE ONE.❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@braheme1260]

Concept album, masterfully blends multiple genres, all-time quality. I get it.

[@Christian80806]

I still have my dad’s cassette of this album

[@kmills2606]

The LH unplugged is epic.

[@veritasaequitas2192]

Greatest album ever made. 🎗🏆

[@indakut]

One of the best albums ever

[@billbill4444]

Greatest Album of the 90s

[@theianmce]

I cant wait to see her ont he 25th anniversary tour in Oakland!!

[@Winniegirl85]

My fave ❤

[@Kashimana]

A masterpiece for sure

[@artistlovepeace]

Wonderful. This is all true.

[@AKbamoida]

I wish the clips could be longer - the music is too good for 1sec clips

[@BozeDoesGodsWork]

Lauryn’s legacy lives through many of these modern day artist. Another one being Amy Winehouse. A legend who’s crucial part of her childhood was listening to her music. Tracks like “F me Pumps” and “In my bed” could have easily been tracks that Lauryn herself could have written.

[@rahimzaky]

Linda Diaz.❤️

[@damnrite811]

Legend!!!!!!

[@TwoMorningPoops]

I don't see why artist should be pressured into making more than one album. I view albums (mostly) as autobiographies and the interesting/relatable stuff would have happened before the first album was made. Subsequent albums often tend to shift from the relatable life story to boasting about things in their current life. I personally do not want to hear about the issues folks face once they've made it rich as I likely won't ever experience that life

[@kenosantos327]

Sister Act 2 has to be one of the best movies I've watched, if you a music lover this movie hit the spot 🔥

[@akvalues]

SHE HAD SO MUCH ON THAT ALBUM!!!

[@augustosarmentodeoliveira3023]

Linda Diaz é realmente linda

[@K3M15A]

as close to perfect an album can be

[@jaredlhulum]

"Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion I wish her heart still was in rhymin' 'Cause who the kids gon' listen to, huh? I guess me if it isn't you" -K. West, Champion.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

She's a legend I mean and it's simple as that.

[@jaidamann8365]

To me, it's one of those rear albums where every song is a hit and stirs up so many various emotions. Definitely in my top five.

[@kitschypea3884]

Miss Hill taught me the words defecating and reciprocity.

[@Ravik122]

A strange combination

[@FlexxibleFree]

Somehow the hip hop documentary is unavailable everytime you promote it and i try to watch it. It doesn't say blocked in your country or anything, just unavailable.

[@ToniWz]

This album barely had any rapping on it but gets all kinds of props for it being a great rap album. Hill, skates on her being one of the most talented women of her era and ever. People don’t view her with a critical eye enough outside of the being late to shows or only releasing one solo studio album.

[@slimmtuga]

iconic

[@romeokoroma3341]

Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world because he intentionally tried to make the album more personal and reflective than his previous efforts but considered by several music critics to be the best of any of his albums up to that point in his career.

[@haskeymorrison]

Best album according to Apple Music

[@thesocialjourney]

What makes her so special is that everything she has been on is instant classic. Nothing else really to say or needs to be said. I might be bias because that is probably my favorite album of all time but it is what it is. Few albums that have ever been made, in any genre, that you can listen to every song over and over

[@TheTransitmtl]

Her unplugged album is considered one of the worst album of all time

[@thesocialjourney]

@@TheTransitmtl I watched some of it live and I don't know why they made it an album. It should have stayed on MTV but I can see that. She was hoarse and struggling the whole set.

[@raphaelfloyddouglas684]

❤️🙏🏾

[@robertmkorte]

Did I miss it in the video, or was there no mentioning of her MTV Unplugged Album from 2002?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You missed it!

[@Kahayuman]

But that one is a whole messy album inmo

[@jordanlt518]

@@Kahayuman nah it’s a classic imo

[@In.New.York.I.Milly.Rock.]

Whenever Lauryn Hill is mentioned, I feel it's always somewhat dishonest not to mention the multiple controversies she was involved in, most of which she was absolutely to blame. Miseducation still a masterpiece tho

[@alejmora]

No disrespect to Ms. Hill, but her legacy and career after that album has been criticized many times. Here a very funny history from Mr. Robert Glasper (jump to the 3 minutes mark): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6XHg32LjN2abJI

[@robertcue]

What the hell does that have to do with “Why The Miseducation Is So Special!???” Her private life is not our business!

[@eeee8479]

@@robertcue well, the point could be made that the musicians who apparently weren’t paid and/or credited are part of what made the miseducation so special.

[@robertcue]

@@eeee8479 That’s obvious, that’s why in the “original” packaging of the album, every single musician who contributed to the project names were listed and the instruments they played. I still have my original copy from 1998. Not sure if you keep up with her but she publicly acknowledges everyone who contributed to that album.

[@trashyraccoon2615]

@@robertcue They didn’t just “play instruments”, they had a major role in writing the songs and producing the music, which they were never properly credited for and weren’t properly paid for. If you listen to anything she wrote herself after that album, you can tel the difference. She’s a good performer, but she’s not really a songwriter/producer. Make sense? Her production team sued her and the matter was settled out of court for 5 million. She got greedy and it came back to bite her.

[@st2816ven]

What makes it good?....the songs, the lyrics, the band playing it, the vocals, the productions and the sexy broad on the mic.

[@erickflores2224]

And here we are today, 2024, the album is just named Apple Music's number ONE album of all time ♡

[@nazp6201]

Lauryn is one of the greatest talents the world will ever see, if not theeee greatest. Some people in the comments are mentioning her controversies and while some of the criticism is fair (like her lateness) a lot of them aren’t. She doesn’t do interviews and isn’t in the public eye so when ppl hear things about her they are only getting one side, which is sad because I truly believe from doing research that some of these claims are just misogynistic or not believable. ironically, her silence has caused the public to be miseducated on Lauryn Hill. But I hope I documentary or her doing a sit down will allow people to see her side of things.

[@cathridge]

She doesn't do interviews knowing questions of her taking advantage of her collaborators will come up. Unfortunately that album will always have an asterisk next to it. Would be nice if the same production team could bury the hatchet now that the lawsuit is over and work together again with new contracts.

[@blackkeys8307]

Ironically public still miseducated facts lol

[@teeahtate]

Because she wrote about my life even though we never met.

[@soultechmedia8355]

I loved that Album. The reason she didn’t do another Album was because of her bridge burning. That album was a collective effort by not just her, but several talented individuals, who were never credited. Would you want to work with someone like that. Your reputation is everything in this business. People got cancelled for simply faking street cred in the 90’s. Also I’ve witness her awful songwriting and guitar skills on display at a festival in TX. I can tell she needed help in the studio to flush out her ideas.

[@mjg239]

The same apocryphal rumor about Lauryn Hill "not liking white people listening to her music" is the same rumor that dogged Tommy Hilfiger in the '90s when there was a rumor that he didn't like black people wearing his clothes. Lauryn was never able to really escape that not-liking-white-listeners rumor, and it just lingers like a wound that won't heal -- aside from all the other stuff that people in the comments are mentioning.

[@newage2infinity]

Greatest album of all time it's genre should be spiritual or gospel

[@ic9628]

It was a Dre Chronic 2001 moment, an album so good it just scared the artist from ever trying to release another album again.

[@deleaiseporter4135]

She needs no other… for the simple fact… she laid down the facts. The title said it all.

[@lucwijngaard8413]

Girls you know you better watch out!

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Amazing woman are legend and Jill Scott Erykah badu marsha ambrosias Jazmine Sullivan

[@natsohigh5552]

To answer the question of the video: Lauryn Hill.

[@odemata87]

The label companies did

[@willnzsurf]

🌴😎💯

[@ShesMajickal_]

Lauryn made it clear that nobody owns her.