If music really has a purpose then Lauryn Hill is a symbol of its ability to have meaning. Her new “MTV Unplugged 2.0” album is passionate and honest.
Since Hill graced the world of hip-hop as the lead vocals for the Fugees, everyone knew she was something special.
Hill’s live acoustic performance gives her status the great Bob Marley would enjoy. She’s grown as an artist and as a woman who’s married with children. Unlike other hip-hop starlets, the former member of the Fugees leaves her own mark on the music industry. She sings about her own insecurities and the fact that she’s found a lasting love within herself.
The two-disc CD swings the listener through many of Hill’s creative ventures and allows her fans to get close and personal with her. Once in a while, you’ll come across an artist with the ability to address social issues and sound cool.
But I must admit, this album is for the mature crowd interested in many of the social issues plaguing our generation.
It is refreshing to hear her music again because she created a legendary impression on the recording industry with her 1998 Grammy-winning “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” She completely changed her path in hip-hop with her last album and now she’s building a foundation for creativity.
On this new live CD, Hill comes across as the girl next door whose talents go way beyond anything expected. She starts with a song called “Mr. Intentional,” which describes people who befriend others only to deceive them.
She’s compassionate with every song and plays all of her own music on the guitar, with freestyle integrated carefully into certain songs. Because the album was recorded completely live you’ll even catch Hill singing out of tune, which adds to her real-person image.
Ultimately, this album is refreshing. But remember, if Hill had not progressed to this point as an artist her album wouldn’t be so widely accepted. Her creativity seems to be free and uninhibited by expectation and stereotypes. Highlights of the CD are “Just Want You Around” and “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind.”
If you want to get educated about Lauryn Hill, this live recording is a good way to started.
