Lauryn Hill Albums Ranked
Lauryn Hill broke through with multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning group the Fugees, but with her 1998 solo debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer established herself as a creative force on her own. She successfully integrated rap, soul, and reggae into a singular sound. Eclectic, uplifting, and empowering, the album was often cited by younger artists as a touchstone. Following its success, Hill was something of an enigma, her recorded output limited to a live set, scattered compilation appearances, and a handful of collaborations. Disenchantment with the entertainment industry, along with legal issues and erratic performances, did not lessen the impact of her ’90s work.
Raised in South Orange, New Jersey, Hill spent her youth listening her parents’ multi-genre, multi-generational record collection. She began singing at an early age and snagged minor roles on television (As the World Turns) and in film (Sister Act II: Back in the Habit). Her on-again/off-again membership in the Fugees began at the age of 13, but was often interrupted by both the acting gigs and her enrollment at Columbia University. After developing a following in the tri-state area, the group’s first release — the much-hyped but uneven 1994 album Blunted on Reality — bombed, and almost caused a breakup. But with the multi-platinum 1996 release The Score, the Fugees became one of the most prominent rap acts on the strength of hit singles “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not,” and “No Woman, No Cry.” Here are all of Lauryn Hill albums ranked.
Don’t miss out on the memorable music of Lauryn Hill below! Click to enjoy the songs from her solo career!
2. Unplugged 2.0
“This album means so much to me. Never have I heard an artist that sings as emotionally as Lauryn does on this album. She is the first individual in the world that has said something about religion and faith that actually makes sense to me. She has helped me to define what I actually believe in and what I need to do in my life, it may sound ridiculous but it’s actually true. This album is a life changer. A must have.”
1. The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
“Lauryn Hill’s ultimate expression of love, faith, and musical prowess. From the moment the album starts and Lauryn is introduced as the “miseducated” protagonist, she takes us on her journey to seek why people sometimes treat others unkindly, and how they can recover. For most of the album, Lauryn seeks God and faith for answers, but she also makes the important connection that loving others as they are will let them appreciate who you are. I love how relevant the themes are more than 20 years later, for all backgrounds and types of people.”