The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Is Released

XXL celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with this moment:

Aug. 25, 1998: Few albums in hip-hop history have reverberated as loudly as Lauryn Hill's debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which was released on this day in 1998.

In the aftermath of the breakups of the Fugees and her relationship with group member Wyclef Jean, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill explored the personal struggles of its creator, Lauryn Hill. On the album, Ms. Hill dove into topics like motherhood, loss, spirituality and relationship strife.

A diverse album musically, Ms. Hill goes beyond the boundaries of hip-hop by incorporating elements of neo-soul, reggae and R&B on the album. The New Jersey-born rhymer's remarkable talents form a cohesive album that feels fresh and triumphant while still dealing with some of the realest personal struggles that an artist has ever placed on wax.

Songs like "To Zion," "When It Hurts So Bad", "Lost Ones" and "Ex-Factor" bleed with raw emotion and personal gravitas while "Doo Wop (That Thing)" and "Everything Is Everything" had an entire generation of young women bouncing to positive messages. The scope of sound on the album proves that Ms. Hill was not only one of her generation's respected MCs but a transcendent talent that knew few boundaries.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is Hill's only official solo album, but it was enough to cement her place as one of the most revered talents in music. The LP went on to dominate the 1999 Grammy Awards, winning a record-setting five trophies—including Album of the Year—and becoming both critically acclaimed and beloved by fans alike.

On Feb. 16, 2021, the Recording Industry Association of America welcomed Lauryn Hill and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album into the exclusive Diamond club for 10 million units sold in the U.S.

Furthermore, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her classic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the veteran rapper will embark on a 17-date trek in September called The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour. The excursion kicks off on Sept. 8 in Minneapolis and will hit major cities like New York, Brooklyn, N.Y., Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and more before wrapping it up in Seattle on Nov. 9.

The Fugees will also reunite and perform together at some of the shows. For tickets and information head over to citientertainment.com.