She is a musical artist that is talented in various genres of music. I think of her as the singer-slash-rapper of my generation. When I would listen to her music, I could hear her convey the message so clearly and in a style that was so cool, I couldn’t help but keep listening. Her sound would be so diverse and was definitely a mix that she blended very well. In that mix of ingredients, you get soul, r&b, rap, and reggae. Among the lists of ultimate divas, I chose this musical artist to write about for this very reason---her diversity in different genres of music that she does so well in a style that you can’t but know, that it’s Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Many people may remember her for her “Killing Me Softly” song with the Fugees or “Turn Your Lights Down Low” duet she concocted with Bob Marley. Some may even remember her in the movie Sister Act 2 and the singing performance she did, including a rap lyrical addition. My first memories of her and her singing, and even rapping, were in the songs “Ready or Not” and “If I Ruled the World” with Nas. However, we may remember when we first heard her, her spectacular voice and amazing skills in music were definitely a distinctive sound. Obviously, as a solo artist, she could also mix it up.
Her raspy voice and smooth soul sound gave songs that extra touch it often needed. Her style was soothing yet strong in lyrical meaning. She also displays this in her rap skills that would hit just at the right moment and gave it that street toughness edge. Her touch of reggae always gave her music an original sound. All these elements in her music always seemed to paint the background of the scene and her beautiful voice comprised the foreground, bringing in the meaning of the full picture.
As the years went by, I would be delighted to hear her new music being played on the radio. From her voice and style, I knew Ms. Lauryn Hill had a message she wanted to sing about. She produced many songs that had to reflect on her own experiences. These experiences would or could be struggles she was going through. In time, her public behavior seemed to have portrayed just how these struggles were possibly affecting her. Suddenly, it was if she had disappeared, away from all the publicity and fame.
We all may have some sort of idea and can imagine just how becoming and being a star can be hard. Hard physically and psychologically, even draining. Besides the glitz and glam, or the riches and fame, we can be sure that even stars are just people that live a life as we do. Of course, stories are different but it’s still a life with a story to tell. In time, and like any strong woman, Lauryn Hill had children and this indicated a life into motherhood. She had also stated that it was this beginning of motherhood that revived her from writer’s block. As a writer, it can be difficult to come back especially if “the way” is lost. Inspiration sometimes brings back “the creativity”. It’s a beautiful thing when one’s own children bring that light back into our lost place. A true blessing in cute disguise.
Lauryn Hill may not be in the scene, as she was like in yesteryears, but she is definitely still active in the music scene doing her own projects. Her recent project is the Diaspora Calling, a three-day series celebrating the African Diaspora. The first day will begin on April 15, 2016 in Brooklyn. It will consist of music and art events aimed to celebrate the different works of the African Diaspora. Every so often, her past musical hits are still around and being played on the radio and we can never really get tired of them. Most of all, it’s never too late for a comeback. Something I believe we all would love to experience.
I will leave you with her cover version, Bob Marley ft. Lauryn Hill “Turn Your Lights Down Low”:
