lauryn hill
Sometimes I think this lady was put on earth to make music for ME, specifically. An icon in every sense of the word. Activist. Singer. Truth teller. I re-gag at the fact that she only has one album every time I go click on it to listen. Well, three if you count the ones she did with the Fugees and MTV Unplugged— which happens to be my favorite one. “I get out. I get out of all your boxes, I get out.” (I Get Out) I belted, speeding down the freeway like a maniac one night in tears. Lauryn’s best attribute is her ability to convey layered emotions audibly, simplistically. She really makes you feel what she’s saying on a deep level, while never sounding like she’s trying too hard. There’s a moist bareness to her voice that automatically poeticizes everything she says. I’m infatuated w/ the way it slightly cracks and the natural strain it posseses. I heavily identify with her will to love and remain non conforming in all aspects. She’s who I listen to when I need to reset my musical palate. That MTV Unplugged tape isn’t spoken about enough tho deadass. From her playing the guitar live, to the countless gems dropped on the interludes, and even the way she messed up at certain points. The way she left the industry says a lot about it. You would think they would’ve been doing everything in their power to appease an artist as talented and valuable as she, but no. While I am sad we never got to hear what would've probably been another staple solo album, I’m happy that I can sing along to her songs knowing she’s one of the few who “walked the walk”. She chose her peace over perceived success and is still regarded the way she is. I don’t know what been chewing on me, but i’m ate up!