Lauryn Unplugged: A love letter

Lauryn Hill's new album Lauryn Hill Unplugged 2.0 is exactly what it claims to be. It is "unplugged," meaning that it's not dubbed, digitally mastered, or studio produced. This is just Lauryn, the true woman, without the standard industry packaging.

Lauryn Hill's new album Lauryn Hill Unplugged 2.0 is exactly what it claims to be. It is "unplugged," meaning that it's not dubbed, digitally mastered, or studio produced. This is just Lauryn, the true woman, without the standard industry packaging.

Her performance transcends the confines the industry's 1998 presentation Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn demonstrates this wide range, rebelling against the image, the system, the expectations, she chants on track four disc two, "I won't support your lie no more... I won't be compromised no more, I can't be victimized no more, I just don't sympathize no more."

Throughout the album, Lauryn reveals that her amazing talent in rhyme and vocals extends to her harmony with the guitar. She plays on every track and most of the composition is her original material. Lauryn truly shows us the simple beauty of acoustic and vocal melody, producing a range of sounds to reflect the moods of each piece.

Lauryn Hill also wraps the spiritual connection of her reality, her life, her struggle into a graceful ode, so that we may explore who we are inside. She shares with us witty interludes about her personal and political transformation, her inspiration, her life with her children and her partner.

The combination of acoustic talent and Lauryn's rich voice are soft on the mind. I really enjoy her chill raspy vocals that are nowhere near the polished products we usually hear on the radio. Her voice is her expression, showing a range of emotion, growth, spirit and struggle. Lauryn is not afraid to be vulnerable and reflect how she feels. She is not about fronting on herself or us.

In recent interviews and on the album, Lauryn talks about validation. On her track "Mr. Intentional" Lauryn deals with this concept. In our society we, especially women, feel the need to reach a certain societal standard. Whether it is through material possessions, physical appearance, attitude or intellectual competition, Lauryn says, "we are the standard." Lauryn sings, "Stuck in a system, that seeks to suck your blood, held emotionally hostage, by what everybody does."

I will admit that I was a bit concerned for Lauryn when I read reports and heard critics say that she lost her flavor and her mind. After listening to the CD, I understand that they are holding Lauryn to the same standards that she is rejecting. I don't know if she wants to make any political statements -- but her honesty and wisdom send a strong one: as her lyrics go in a song named, "I Got Out":

"Psychological locks
Repressin' true expression
Cementin' this repression
Promotin' mass deception
So that no one can be healed
I don't respect your system
I won't protect your system"


Anita Wheeler is the Editor of Dynamic Magazine, and a member of the YCL National Council