Why "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" Is An Iconic Album

A previous member of the Fugees, Lauryn Hill is an inspiration to a wide range of music lovers today. Hill released her debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” shortly after giving birth to her son Zion. She was able to create a body of work that consisted of 14 tracks of R&B infused with soul magic. The album is legendary, so let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why.

1. It was her first album ever.

It’s pretty incredible that Hill was able to make a critically-acclaimed album on her first try. Sure, she had experience working with the Fugees in the past, but "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was her first solo album.

2. She won a Grammy on her first album.

Producing a hit album is one thing, but creating a project that wins Album of the Year at the Grammys? That’s definitely an accomplishment to be proud of.

3. She was the third black woman to win album of the year at the Grammys.

Not only did she win Album of the Year at the 41st annual Grammy Awards Show, but the Ms. Hill was the third black woman to win since Whitney Houston in 1994, an incredible achievement on its own.

4. She put female rappers on the map.

Hill broke records in terms of female musical achievement. As the first woman nominated in 10 categories in one year and previously the only female artist with the longest running song as number one on the charts (broken by Cardi B), there’s no doubt this is a female artist with impact. She made a mark on history by proving women were fully capable of becoming hip-hop stars.

5. The album was inspired by her pregnancy.

Before Lauryn’s pregnancy with her son Zion, the artist claimed to have been experiencing some serious writer’s block. She’s quoted in saying during an interview, "When some women are pregnant, their hair and their nails grow, but for me, it was my mind and ability to create. I had the desire to write in a capacity that I hadn't done in a while. I don't know if it's a hormonal or emotional thing ... I was very in touch with my feelings at the time.”

You can celebrate the 20th anniversary of "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" with a live performance at Spark Arena in Auckland. Tickets currently on sale from HERE