Lauryn Hill’ Receives No. 1 Ranked Album of All-Time by Apple Music

Apple Music has unveiled its list of the 100 Best Albums, naming “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” as the greatest album of all time.

“This is my award,” Hill expressed to Apple Music, “but it’s a rich, deep narrative, involving so many people, so much sacrifice, time, and collective love.”

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the album, which saw immense success upon its release. It won five Grammys, three American Music Awards, and awards from Billboard, Soul Train, and MTV Video Music Awards, selling 30 million copies worldwide.

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Instead of leveraging her success, Hill retreated from the spotlight, becoming one of music’s most intriguing figures. After releasing an MTV Unplugged acoustic album, her output dwindled to occasional singles and rare appearances.

The Apple Music 100 Best Albums list was curated by a panel of artists, songwriters, producers, industry professionals, and Apple Music staff. This editorial list is independent of any streaming metrics on Apple Music. Do you agree with the list? VOTE BELOW

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Top 10 Albums on Apple Music’s List

1. Lauryn Hill, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”
2. Michael Jackson, “Thriller”
3. The Beatles, “Abbey Road”
4. Prince & The Revolution, “Purple Rain”
5. Frank Ocean, “Blonde”
6. Stevie Wonder, “Songs in the Key of Life”
7. Kendrick Lamar, “good kid, m.A.A.d city”
8. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black”
9. Nirvana, “Nevermind”
10. Beyoncé, “Lemonade”

Apple Music surprised Lauryn Hill in person by telling her they named “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” the number 1 best album of all time pic.twitter.com/UlfXR4tNvg

— SOUND (@itsavibe) May 22, 2024

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” released in 1998, is a seminal album by Lauryn Hill that has had a profound and lasting impact on music, culture, and society. Here are some key areas where its influence has been felt:

Music Industry and Artistic Influence

Genre Blending

The album seamlessly blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, and reggae, showcasing Hill’s versatility as an artist. This genre-blending has inspired countless artists to experiment with different sounds and break traditional genre boundaries. Hill’s introspective and socially conscious lyrics address topics such as love, spirituality, motherhood, and identity. Her honest and personal storytelling set a new standard for lyrical depth in hip-hop and R&B, influencing artists like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar.

Addressing Social Issues

The album tackles issues of systemic racism, sexism, and personal struggle. Songs like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” challenge societal norms and encourage self-respect, while “To Zion” celebrates motherhood and challenges the stigmatization of young mothers.

Critical and Commercial Success

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Hill the first woman to receive that many in one night. This achievement highlighted the potential for hip-hop and R&B to be recognized at the highest levels of mainstream music awards.

Impact on Education and Consciousness

The album’s title, inspired by Carter G. Woodson’s “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” underscores the importance of self-education and awareness. It encourages listeners to seek knowledge and understanding beyond mainstream narratives.

Influence on Future Generations

Many artists across genres cite Lauryn Hill as a key influence in their work. Her success opened doors for future artists to explore personal and political themes in their music. The album’s themes of resilience, identity, and empowerment continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities.

Overall, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is more than just an album; it is a cultural milestone that has shaped the landscape of modern music and continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and listeners.