The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the debut solo studio album by American multi-genre artist Lauryn Hill, released on August 25, 1998, by Ruffhouse/Columbia. More than just an R&B record, it combines elements of hip-hop, soul, and reggae, exploring personal and political themes, feminism, motherhood, and self-identification.
The album became a cultural phenomenon: it won a Grammy Award in 1999, garnering 10 nominations and five awards.
By 2009, sales had exceeded 19 million copies worldwide, including more than 10 million in the United States, earning the album Diamond status from the RIAA.
Hill served not only as a performer but also as a songwriter, producer, and storyteller. The album is imbued with emotional depth: from sharp social critique ("Lost Ones") to reflections on motherhood and spirituality ("To Zion"), from poignant relationships ("Ex-Factor") to touching ballads and hidden bonus tracks. Musically, the album ranges from lyrical R&B and neo-soul to raw hip-hop and heartfelt stories, making it a timeless and influential work.
Tracklist:
- A1 Intro — 0:47
- A2 Lost Ones — 5:33
- A3 Ex-Factor — 5:26
- A4 To Zion (feat. Carlos Santana) — 6:08
- A5 Doo Wop (That Thing) — 5:19
- B1 Superstar — 4:56
- B2 Final Hour — 4:15
- B3 When It Hurts So Bad — 5:42
- B4 I Used to Love Him (feat. Mary J. Blige) — 5:39
- C1 Forgive Them Father — 5:15
- C2 Every Ghetto, Every City — 5:14
- C3 Nothing Even Matters (feat. D'Angelo) — 5:49
- D1 Everything Is Everything — 4:58
- D2 The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Title Track) — 3:55
- D3 Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Hidden Track) — 3:4
- D4 Tell Him (Hidden Track) — 4:40
