91: THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the debut solo album by American singer and rapper Lauryn Hill, released in 1998 by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, as well as a landmark in neo soul, R&B, hip hop, and reggae music. The album showcases Hill's versatility as an artist, as she sings, raps, writes, and produces most of the songs. The album also features guest appearances from Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, and members of The Fugees, Hill's former group.
The album's title was inspired by the film and autobiographical novel The Education of Sonny Carson, and Carter G. Woodson's The Mis-Education of the Negro, which critique the effects of institutionalized racism and miseducation on black people. The album also reflects Hill's personal experiences, such as her pregnancy, her breakup with Rohan Marley, and her disillusionment with the music industry. The album's lyrics explore themes of love, God, identity, sexuality, and self-respect.
The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over eight million copies in the US. It also won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album, making Hill the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. The album spawned three hit singles: "Doo Wop (That Thing)", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, "Ex-Factor", and "Everything Is Everything". The album also includes a cover of Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and a hidden track called "Tell Him".
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is widely praised for its musical innovation, lyrical depth, and social relevance. It influenced many artists across different genres, such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Drake, and Frank Ocean. The album is also considered a cultural milestone for black women and hip hop culture. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 10 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.