Lauryn Hill

The Biggest R&B Singers Who Are Geminis

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Geminis are known for their inquisitive minds, creative talents, and witty charm. R&B, as a genre, boasts many successful Gemini singers. There’s no shortage of Gemini talents between the legacy acts written in the history books and the newer, rising stars. Coming in right at the end of the Taurus season, the Gemini season is covered between May 21 and June 21.

Every year, fans celebrate many R&B singers that were born during Gemini season. It’s a season stacked with some outstanding vocalists, from Lenny Kravitz to Lionel Richie to Maxwell. Here are more major Gemini singers that deserve all the love.

Patti LaBelle

The Godmother of Soul needs no introduction. Patti LaBelle has been blessing the world with her insane vocals for over 60 years. The multitalented artist kicked off her successful career as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. Since then, the powerhouse vocalist and actress has been inspiring generations to come. Patti LaBelle was born on May 24 in 1944.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill has received several honorific titles in her career. However, the one that sticks for most fans is “Queen of Hip Hop.” Despite being one of the most famous Gemini rappers of all time, she also makes the list of the best R&B singers that share the star sign. Lauryn Hill’s contributions to Hip Hop and R&B are magnanimous. She has influenced many established artists today, including Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. With a soulful voice equally as bright as her sleek rap tone, Lauryn Hill has always been in a league of her own. Moreover, she was already a showstopper in The Fugees before her outstanding solo career began. She was born on May 26 in 1975.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight has been widely referred to as the Empress of Soul. The legendary star has won hearts with her soulful voice since she was young. She became a household name in the ’60s as the lead singer of her family group Gladys Knight & The Pips. Consequently, her solo career proved even more of a hit worldwide. One of the most revered Gemini singers, Gladys Knight’s music has influenced generations of artists. She was born on May 28.

Normani

Normani has achieved superstardom with the girl group Fifth Harmony and as a solo artist. The Atlanta native is known for her musical versatility and incredible dance skills. Her music videos often feature elaborate dance sequences and performances, earning her a growing reputation. In a promotional video for Nike’s “Conscious Movement” program, the singer referred to the Gemini season as “the best season.”

However, she cheekily pointed out that she’s definitely a little biased as she’s a Gemini. Normani’s voice was made for R&B, and it’s no wonder her fans continue riding with her. She is undoubtedly one of the world’s rising Gemini superstars. She was born on May 31 in 1996. 

Prince

Prince’s legacy will always be monumental. He is one of the most talented artists in music history. His music covered various genres, and he quickly rose to fame with his explosive on-stage persona. Additionally, Prince was praised for being a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist. The Grammy and Oscar winner is one of the most influential musicians ever. Moreover, his works are often cited as musical masterpieces, and his stage presence is always a lesson in dedication, energy, and power. The fashion icon and music legend was born on June 7, 1958. 

For his work on his eleventh studio album, Prince introduced his alter ego Gemini to the world. The album also served as the soundtrack for the 1989 film Batman. In the music videos for the songs “Batdance” and “Partyman,” the character donned makeup on one side of his face, referencing the villain Joker. The other half was bare, referencing the heroic nature of Batman. 

Faith Evans

Faith Evans dominated the late ’90s with the albums Faith and Keep the Faith. Both records went Platinum and put the singer in the limelight. Despite a troubled relationship with The Notorious B.I.G., she honored him with the song “I’ll Be Missing You.” The Grammy-winning tribute became one of her signature songs. Besides her music career, Faith Evans has starred in several shows in the reality TV genre. Another one of many talented Gemini singers, Faith Evans is R&B royalty. She was born on June 10. 

Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith is one of the UK’s most appreciated R&B exports. Known for her relaxed singing style, Jorja Smith has captivated audiences with her vocals. She has ventured into trip-hop and grime, all while maintaining her signature style. Her debut album, Lost & Found, put her on the map and showcased her talents at a young age. She has collaborated with many other artists, including Drake. She was born on June 11 in 1997.

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The Fugees Songs: The Hip Hop Group’s 7 Biggest Hits

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The Fugees were a trailblazing hip-hop group, renowned for their innovative sound and lyricism. Comprising of Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and Lauryn Hill, the trio released two celebrated albums, Blunted on Reality in 1994 and The Score in 1996 that captivated millions.

Hill was known for her powerful voice and nimble wordplay, while Wyclef crafted infectious rhythms and melodies that kept fans on their feet. Pras provided a distinct deep bass voice to songs like “Ready Or Not”. Recently, Pras has been convicted of conspiring with a Malaysian financier to lobby the US Government under two presidents.

Despite disbanding in the late ’90s, the Grammy-winning threesome’s legacy continues to resonate today. Consequently, diehard fans were pleased when the trio reunited briefly in 2004 and again in 2021 for short-lived tours. The enduring impact of this iconic group demonstrates the mesmerizing power of their combined talents as solo artists and as a unit. Here are the Best Fugees Songs.

7. “Some Seek Stardom” (1994)

From the outset, it was evident that Hill was something special. Her track “Some Seek Stardom” encapsulates her contemplative songwriting, interweaving themes of personal integrity and social justice with a narrative about artistic ambition and humility.

As a result, every lyric carries a multifaceted meaning, tying together stories from both ancient and modern contexts. Hill’s voice weaves its own kind of magic, seamlessly transitioning from rap to scat to singing as if reciting a collection of parables. She paints vivid pictures, from Jimmy chopping hair in the barbershop to King Solomon’s timeless wisdom. Her own insight courses through them all – a formidable reminder of Hill’s creative prowess.

6. “Nappy Heads” (1994)

It took the ambitious Tranzlator Crew two full years to release their first album, but when Blunted on Reality arrived in 1994, it was clear they were continuing the hallowed trend of classic rap music. Despite lacking the potential for broad appeal enjoyed by their socially conscious labelmates, The Goats, this debut distinguished Fugees as a unique voice in the genre.

“Nappy Heads” was an especially memorable single. Each rapper delivers a breathtaking performance, particularly from Wyclef’s Louis Armstrong impression during his opening verse. Here, we were also privy to Lauryn’s first showcase which alludes to her soon-to-be greatness. While the record didn’t achieve commercial success, its excellence prevails.

5. “Zealots ” (1996)

With exceptional versatility and artistic prowess, The Fugees captivate fans worldwide with their renowned lyricism. On the acclaimed track “Zealots”, Lauryn Hill, Pras, and Wyclef Jean showcase their unrivaled talents, waxing poetically about a protagonist who is better than his envious counterparts—the biting zealots. Throughout the song, they reflect on the dangers of responding to animosity with violence, while simultaneously being cognizant of being watched by those who take pleasure in guns and death. Wrapping up the song with a plea for Divine intervention, they remind us all that it is only through prayer that we may hope to escape mortality.

4. “How Many Mics” (1996)

No hip-hop artist can claim a truly comprehensive discography without a track that glorifies their talent, and for The Fugees, “How Many Mics” hits the mark. Concurrently, this song critiques the current state of rap music and the industry as a whole, posing the rhetorical question, “How many mics do we rip on the daily?” to address the overwhelming amount of substandard tunes spawned by those chasing financial gain over artistry.

Lauryn Hill’s verse expresses her exasperation with musicians who mimic existing trends in a bid for fame, rather than cultivating their own original sound. She also draws attention to the irony of rappers boastfully claiming to bring something fresh to the table yet often resorting to recycled rhythms. Wyclef Jean’s bars touch on his personal challenges faced in music.

3.  “Fu-Gee-La ” (1996)

The captivating track from The Score album carries a unique fusion of hip-hop and reggae. Here, the renowned trio speaks to the struggles they’ve faced along their journey, inviting listeners to draw their own interpretations. With its timeless rhythm, Wyclef Jean sets the tone with a powerful verse. Lauryn Hill follows with her bewitching voice as she covers Teena Marie’s classic tune. Her deeply soulful delivery is enriched with her gospel root elements, cementing her undeniable talent in the industry. Pras Michel’s verse serves as a strong complement to the entire composition, ultimately propelling “Fu-Gee-La” to success. Indeed, this rejuvenating anthem boasts an incredible chemistry that will have you grooving all night long.

2.  “Killing Me Softly ” (1996)

The Fugees’ unforgettable rendition of “Killing Me Softly” may surprise some, being ranked at number two on our list. While the composition is Roberta Flack’s classic remake, The Fugees managed to imbue it with their own captivating spin. Woven into its lyrical tapestry is a story of a woman who feels heard and understood. To this day, it remains the group’s most successful song and award-winning masterpiece. Interestingly, Wyclef Jean himself was initially skeptical of its potential for success. Clearly, “Killing Me Softly” is an anthem that will continue to resonate for years to come.

1.   “Ready Or Not ” (1996)

A trailblazer in a sea of mediocrity, “Ready or Not” is a hip-hop classic that has cemented its place in music history. Prominent figures such as Barack Obama have recognized its timeless quality and undeniable lyricism. The song champions life-altering reflections on incarceration, exile, and bravado. The Fugees deliver an unparalleled level of prestige to the mainstream pop sphere with this record. Wyclef Jean’s opening verse captures the heartbreaking reality of prison life. Pras Michel shares profound insights into the refugee experience. Lauryn Hill’s closing lines are a testament to her unrivaled emcee skill and will stand the test of time. Unquestionably, this song is the pinnacle of excellence.

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SZA Relaxes With R&B In New Instagram Thirst Trap

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SZA almost always rocks some pretty stunning and flattering fits, whether for big ceremonies or just chilling out by herself. Moreover, the TDE singer just posted a new, casual thirst trap to her Instagram, if you can even call it that. As the track “All That I Can Say” by Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill plays in the background, she lightly moves along to it and rests her head on the wall with a smile. She wore a long-sleeve red crop top and what looks like the “Sunday school skirt” she got clowned for the other day. Regardless, she still looked amazing in the low-key post, which is still enough for her fans and admirers to give her high praise.

Furthermore, the 33-year-old almost always makes sure to give that appreciation back to fans. For example, she recently reflected on earning her first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Kill Bill” via Twitter. “Took me over a week to process cause I dreamt of this my entire career,” SZA wrote. “Didn’t feel real lol, still doesn’t. but I wanna say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. Every person ,every fan base every ear that listened and pushed for me. Can’t believe we have a number 1 record.”

SZA Stuns While Listening To Mary J. Blige & Lauryn Hill

In addition, for the song’s remix with Doja Cat, the St. Louis-born star thanked her for her contributions. “I jus wanted to say THANK YOU,” SZA gushed about the single’s success. “To every single person rooting for me . Thank you @dojacat for your talent and time ! This music s**t is weird and fickle ,but y’all always come together for me at the end of the day. It’s why I try my hardest to give you my best . That won’t stop . I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!’ STREAM KILL BILL REMIX (feat @dojacat) AND ORIGINAL.”

Meanwhile, her gratitude and effortless admirability over social media translates into the awards space as well. Alongside Rihanna and the aforementioned Doja, SZA was one of the biggest winners at the 2023 Webbys. She clearly has a lot to appreciate and celebrate these days, and always make sure to look really good doing so. For more updates and the latest news from the “Gone Girl” singer, come back to HNHH.

Nick Cannon Put Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj, And Missy Elliott On His Female Rap Mount Rushmore

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The Rap Mount Rushmore meme reared its head once again on the latest episode of The Bootleg Kev show as the DJ asked his guest Nick Cannon about one of the most notable names in rap.

Cannon and Kev shared their praise of Nicki Minaj, who Cannon took care to note is among the greatest of all time regardless of gender. “She’s one of the coldest artists in the last decade,” he enthused. “We can’t sleep on her skill, her pen, sonically. She changed the game. ‘Monster’? That was her record.”

As he expanded, he went a little more old-school, saying, “The only person, to me, that has the same level of talent, and that we should even be comparing her to, is Lauryn Hill or Missy Elliott. Those three, that’s the Mount Rushmore.”

The Rap Mount Rushmore meme has been a recurring theme online since it’s always good for some engagement. Within the last few years, we’ve gotten takes from the likes of Ja Rule and J. Cole, with the latter putting a tongue-in-cheek spin on things, along with reactions from the likes of the West Coast rap legends who named their group after the meme and Nicki Minaj herself. Meanwhile, Lil Baby had some fun with it for the cover of his album It’s Only Me after fans debated his inclusion in one for Atlanta rappers.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Once Advised Lauryn Hill To ‘Rethink’ The ‘Fugees’ Band Name

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sheryl lee ralph
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Sheryl Lee Ralph‘s career is currently surging as a result of her role on Abbott Elementary, but she’s also an industry vet with decades of experience under her belt. That experience has served her well as a mentor for the show’s creator Quinta Brunson, but that doesn’t mean her advice is always 100 percent correct.

Appearing on Good Morning America, Ralph revealed one time her advice missed the mark as she mentored another rare talent in the entertainment field, Lauryn Hill. The two were cast together in Sister Act 2 when Ralph advised Hill against naming her then-new hip-hop trio “Fugees.” Recollecting the conversation, Ralph gave effusive praise to her then-teenaged co-star while jokingly self-deprecating her rare show business miss.

“That was one of the best times because I got to work with this enthusiastic, bright, talented young woman,” she said. “When I tell you, I look at Lauryn Hill, I remember Lauryn Hill telling me, ‘Ms. Ralph, I’m going to have a band, and the name is going to be the Fugees,’ and I was like, ‘Baby you will definitely have a band, but you may need to rethink that name.’ And she said, ‘Ms. Ralph, you oughta get it, Fugees. Re-fugees,’ and I was like, ‘Okay, I get it, but, rethink it.’ But she was absolutely right.”

This makes me wonder… Do you think Quinta can rap like some of her comedian friends? Just a thought.

Issa Rae’s For President, Shenseea’s Got Bars, Lauryn Hill Celebrates “Miseducation” 25th Anniversary

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Single Ladies - Easter Edition

From Issa Rae’s highly anticipated role in the upcoming Barbie movie to Malia Obama’s directorial debut, these Single Ladies are breaking barriers and proving the sky’s the limit. Issa Rae’s summer is about to be busy. Taking on Hollywood with summer 2023’s highly anticipated films —  Rae will enter the Spider-Verse on June 2. And […]

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Lauryn Hill Celebrates 25 Years Of “Miseducation” With Special Show

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It’s been 25 years since Lauryn Hill released her iconic debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. In the time since its release, Hill has not released another studio album. However, her continued relevance and reverence in the industry speaks volumes about the quality of work put into her debut. Hill spoke of the pressures that came with releasing a sophomore album as the reason for never doing so. Still, Hill does frequently collaborate with other artists and plays live shows. Now, to commemorate 25 years of her album, she plans to play a special show in D.C.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a groundbreaking album when Lauryn Hill released it in 1998. The album blends elements of hip-hop, soul, and R&B. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a landmark in the history of music. It features powerful and introspective lyrics that touch on issues of love, spirituality, and social injustice. The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts and winning numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, making Hill the first female artist to win that many in one night. The album’s impact has been felt across multiple genres and has influenced countless artists in the years since its release. It remains a timeless classic and a testament to Hill’s talent and artistry.

Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation” Celebration

In a tweet, Lauryn Hill announced a show in celebration of the quarter century that has passed since her debut album’s release. The concert will take place on June 9 at the Wolf Trap National Park For the Performing Arts in Virginia. This is not the only show that Lauryn Hill has planned, however. She is also headlining the 2023 Essence Festival alongside Megan Thee Stallion, where she will also be performing her debut album in full.

During her career, Lauryn Hill has greatly impacted the music industry with her artistry. She has produced timeless music that has influenced countless others both as a member of the Fugees and as a solo artist. Her lyrics frequently touch on important social topics like sexism, racism, and poverty. Furthermore, she is renowned for breaking down barriers for women and people of color in the music business. To this day, she continues to be a significant figure in the industry and has cleared the way for many artists to follow in her footsteps.

Lauryn Hill And Megan Thee Stallion Announced As 2023 Essence Festival Headliners

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Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion have been tapped to headline the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans. The pair will perform alongside artists like Monica, Wizkid, and Coco Jones. They are in good company, as previous headliners have been iconic artists like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, and Pharrell. Both Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion are iconic in their own right, so they should feel right at home among the previous headliners. It’s a cause for celebration for both artists, albeit for very different reasons.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a legendary debut album. It sold more than 10 million copies in the United States alone, earning it a diamond certification. Rolling Stone called it the best rap album ever. It also debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. For those who don’t follow Lauryn Hill, it may come as a bit of a surprise that she has never released another studio album. Professional and personal troubles led her to shy away from the limelight, but her debut album is still considered by many to be one of the best of all time. To commemorate the 25 years since its release, Hill will be performing the album in full at the festival.

Another Headlining Gig For Megan Thee Stallion

The announcement of Megan Thee Stallion as a headliner is another win for the artist, who has also been announced as a headliner for LA’s 2023 Pride In The Park Festival. In December, her trial against Tory Lanez wrapped up when he was found guilty of shooting her in 2020. The pair had been leaving a party at Kylie Jenner’s house when they got into an argument, which resulted in the shooting. So, although Megan hasn’t necessarily disappeared from the public eye, much of the news surrounding recently has been related to the Tory Lanez incident. Earlier today, Lanez filed for a retrial. If the previous verdict is upheld, he could be facing more than 20 years in prison; Megan, however, is moving forward with her life. In addition to her headlining gigs, she also announced recently that she is working on new music.

The Essence Festival began in 1995 and has since become a New Orleans staple. The list of esteemed artists that have been hosted at the festival since its inception is intimidating, with performances by everyone from Destiny’s Child to Aretha Franklin. The 2023 lineup is already shaping up to be a good one, but it seems that Essence has more even announcements to come. In an Instagram post announcing the headliners, they told followers to “keep [their] notifications on, as this is the FIRST of many announcements.” Will you be at the 2023 Essence Festival? Who do you hope to see join the roster? Let us know in the comments.