Lauryn Hill was born on May 26, 1975. The singer-songwriter was born in South Orange, New Jerseyto Valerie and Mal hill. As a child Lauryn grew up listening to her parent’s Motown favorites and watched It’s Showtime at the Apollo faithfully. Music was an important part within the Hill household as all members played an instrument or housed various vocal abilities.
In 1988, Hill appeared as an Amateur Night contestant on It’s Showtime at the Apollo where she sang her version of Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Lovin’ You?”
Early in Lauryn’s career she established herself as a proud member of The Fugees, alongside Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. The group instantly rose to fame in the mid 1990s with their heavily influenced hip-hop, soul, and Caribbean influences. After the groups unexpected break-up, Lauryn began to focus on her solo career.
In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of her crically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.The studio album recording earned Hill five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. The album featured collaborations with D’Angelo, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend. Several songs presented on the album surrounded with her frustrations with The Fugees.
Lauryn Hill is known for using various outlets to express herself besides music. She using poetry and the ability to design and create clothing to get out her emotions. She started writing a screenplay about the life of Bob Marley, in which she planned to act as his wife Rita.
In 2000, Hill dropped out of the public eye after stating that she had become disgusted with the path that music had gone in. She described her disappearance as a time to step away when she felt she was being way to compromising.
On July 21, 2001, Hill taped a special of MTV Unplugged, which later inspired a live recorded album, MTV Unplugged 2.0.
Hill started a family with Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley. She has six children.
As an influential entertainer, Lauryn has been known to inspire those within the neo-soul movement in the 2000s. Many artists acknowledge her talents and thank her for their budding inspiration. In 2005, Talib Kwali released a song about her entitled “Ms. Hill”.
Although the singer has had a few cancellations for a few live shows, she still maintains to sell out a venue. The influential singer/songwriter, poet, and playwright will continue to gain the praises of many.
Happy Birthday Lauryn Hill.
Lauryn Hill Brings Her Kids Onstage, Reunites With Pras
Nas & Lauryn Hill Perform “If I Ruled The World” At Rock The Bells
Lauryn Hill Reminisces On “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill”
