Lauryn Hill is one of the most influential artists in Hip Hop and R&B history. Her contributions to the music industry deserve to be both recognized and celebrated! Her critically acclaimed 1989 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, helped pave a very important path for not only female Hip-Hop artists but for Hip-Hop in general.
Lauryn got her start in the 1990’s when she joined Hip- Hop group, The Fugees. The band included rap legends Wyclef Jean, Pras, and of course, Ms. Lauryn Hill. With songs like “Ready Or Not” and “Killing Me Softly,” the band dominated the charts. Learn more about The Fugees at americansongwriter.com.
In 1998, Lauryn began working on her debut solo album which went multi-platinum in multiple countries and set a remarkable amount of records. The album effortlessly intertwines Hip-Hop, rap, and pop music into a beautiful, and soulful album, that is wonderfully unique. The album also highlighted her talent for the acoustic guitar.
Not only is she an incredibly talented singer and rapper, but she is a remarkable songwriter and renowned producer. Did you know she is also an actress? There are so many things the world should know about Lauryn Hill. She is so much more than just the records she has broken, but here is a good place to start.
For more details on Lauryn Hill, read this article by achievement.org.
First woman to win 5 GRAMMY trophies in one night
In 1999, Miss Hill won GRAMMY Awards for the following categories:
Album Of The Year
Best R&B Album
Best R&B Song
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Best New Artist
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 14: Recording artist Lauryn Hill pays tribute to Nina Simone during the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Only female Artist to Win Album Of The Year 2 years in a row
After winning Album Of The Year at the 1999 GRAMMY Awards, Lauryn Hill received another album of the year award in 2000 for her producer role on Santana’s Supernatural.
This also made her the first female artist at the Grammy’s to win Album Of The Year for two years in a row as both a lead artist and being the sole producer.
NEW YORK – MARCH 14: Singer Lauryn Hill performs during a party to celebrate Montblanc’s 100th Anniversary at The Newspace March 14, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)
Learn more about this at achievement.org
First Hip-Hop Video to Win Video Of The Year at VMA's
In 1999, Lauryn Hill won Video Of The Year for her music Video “Doo Wop (That Thing) at the MTV Video Music Awards, making hers the first ever Hip-Hop video to win this award.
Lauryn Hill performing on ‘MTV Unplugged’ at the MTV Studios in New York City, 7/21/01.
Learn more about this at insider.com
Most Awarded Female Rapper in GRAMMY History
Lauryn Hill is the most GRAMMY awarded female rapper in history, with 8 GRAMMY awards total.
GRAMMY Awards:
Best Rap Album
The ScoreBest R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Killing Me Softly With His SongBest R&B Album
The Miseducation Of Lauryn HillBest Rhythm & Blues Song
Doo Wop (That Thing)Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Doo Wop (That Thing)Best New Artist
Album Of The Year
The Miseducation Of Lauryn HillAlbum Of The Year
Supernatural- Santana
Singer/Rapper Lauryn Hill accepts her award at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards held in NYC.
Read more about this at hiphoppush.com
First female rapper to reach RIAA Diamond status
In 2021, Lauryn Hill was the first female rapper to have a certified Diamond album by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She broke this record with legendary album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998).
Lauren also set a record for the most first-week album sales for any female artist at this time.
HOLLYWOOD – JUNE 28: Singer Lauryn Hill performs onstage at the BET Awards 05 at the Kodak Theatre on June 28, 2005 in Hollywood, California. The Fugees reunited for the surprise opening and are currently recording a new album.
Read more details about this: Guinness Book of World Records
