FaveAlbumLarge

Lauryn Hill

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Ruffhouse/Columbia)

India Shawn Admires Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation: L.A. R&B star India Shawn told us about her admiration for a Lauryn Hill classic.

India Shawn: The question of my all-time favorite album  will never not be the hardest to answer, but if the litmus is the most scratches accumulated on the back of a CD,  my answer is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn taught me! Lyrics – Melody – Production – Vocal Styling – FEEL 101.

I slept with the Miseducation playing in my Sony Walkman CD player most nights. Why was I 9 years old crying myself to sleep to “When It Hurts So Bad?” and why did I have “Tell Him” in constant rotation? Who was I telling? Lauryn had me in my feelings. Even as a young babe, the vibes were resonant. They still are! That’s what’s so special about The Miseducation — in an almost prophetic way, the songs reveal something new in every phase of my evolution as a woman and artist.

LaurynHillTheMiseducationofLaurynHillalbumcover

(Ruffhouse/Columbia)

Surely “Doo Wop (That Thing)” means so much more now than it did at 9. “Superstar” has been my mood for a decade now *side eyes  the industry*! “Lost Ones” is my anthem after every break up. “To Zion” I could write a thesis on — it gets deep for me. “I Used to Love Him”, a perfect queen collab.  “Forgive Them Father,”, please forgive them for any Lauryn slander. “Nothing Even Matters” because this song exists; Lauryn AND D’Angelo?! “Every Ghetto Every City,” it’s the storytelling for me. “Everything is Everything”  — the blueprint , perfect combination of conscious and cool.

Why did it take me 20 years to realize “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” was a remake? – Because Lauryn made it hers.  Ex Factor. — (period) The title track, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” speaks so deeply to me and for me “.. but deep in my heart, the answer – it was in me, and I’ve made up my mind to define my own destiny”.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is so smart, so prolific; it’s soulful, real & raw, spiritual & philosophical, righteous but not judgy, vintage but fresh (still!) It’s a timeless treasure. I hope to reach this level of musical brilliance in my career. I’m still taking notes, Ms. Lauryn Hill!

India Shawn Admires Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation. The single “Too Sweet” is out now.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.