‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ Now In the Library of Congress

By Qimmah Saafir Mar 27, 2015

August of this year will mark 17 years since the debut of Lauryn Hill’s critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning solo album "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill." 

According to Variety, "Miseducation" has been selected to enter the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, a collection of culturally and historically significant work.

Ms. Hill’s debut is a part of the 2014 selection, which includes "Stand!" by Sly and the Family Stone and Ben E. King’s "Stand By Me."

The official press release states the following about Hill being selected:

Lauryn Hill’s debut solo record, following the breakup of the Fugees, is a work of honesty in which Hill explores her feelings on topics that included the deep wonder of pregnancy, the pitfalls of modern relationships and the experience of the sacred. The album effortlessly fuses soul, rhythm and blues, rap and reggae. Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of conversational speech. Standout guest performances include Carlos Santana’s soulful acoustic guitar solo on ‘Zion,’ and duets with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo on ‘I Used to Love Him’ and ‘Nothing Even Matters,’ respectively.

In becoming a part of the National Recording Registry, Hill joins the Sugar Hill Gang, De La Soul and Tupac Shakur.

 

*Post updated to reflect that "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" debuted 17 years ago, not seven.