A decade.

Ten years have passed since the release of what could be the greatest Hip Hop album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. To keep it real, I must admit that my celebration is nearly 3 months overdue. Ruffhouse/Colombia Records dropped the 16-track album (bonus joints included) on August 25, 1998.

At the time, my 12-year old self was unaware of the influence that one woman’s miseducation would have on the miseducation of my own womanhood. Lauryn reflects upon the complexities of arriving at adulthood with the overall realness and embodiment of Feeling–acknowledging, defining, understanding and coping with all that this entails; this emotionally-laden journey takes us through joys, mishaps, anxieties and lessons learned. So, this afternoon when I was trying to decide what CD to throw on while I worked on getting schooled, I overlooked the fact that I was about to receive some real knowledge courtesy of L Boogie herself.

Half way through “When It Hurts So Bad” it hit me. That “it” was twofold: the realization that a decade filled the trajectory between the moment when I first pressed play and today; furthermore, and most importantly, I connected with the album in ways I have never had while simultaneously rekindling the connections already made, sustained and forever ingrained. The album did not have to receive 5 Grammy Awards nor sell millions of records nor save Hip Hop (¡yeah, Lauryn did!) after the Tupac/Biggie assassinations in order for it to become my favorite album to date.  The true reason: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill continues to define me–musically, socially, psychologically and spiritually.

Throughout her beautifully cathartic song, “Ex Factor,” Lauryn asks, “Where were you when I needed you?”  A decade later, I turn the question towards her, and with optimism and longing, I ponder, “Where are you when we need you?”

Perhaps I’m too idealistic in hoping for her musical comeback. At the end of the day, however, the only obstacle between Lauryn Hill’s musical genius and myself is a play button.  And for that, I am more powerful than two Cleopatras!

–G Boogie