Lauryn Hill is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
Her music has transcended generations, and she’s often considered an icon in the hip-hop community.
From her legendary solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to her work with the Fugees, Hill has created timeless classics that will live on forever.
Here we present our top 14 picks for the best Lauryn Hill songs of all time.
From heartfelt ballads to hard-hitting rap verses, these songs represent some of Hill’s most iconic works.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music for the first time, this list will have something for everyone.
Enjoy our list of the best Lauryn Hill songs!
1. “Ready Or Not”
“Ready or Not” is a timeless classic and one of the most iconic songs from Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
The song’s upbeat tempo paired with Hill’s soulful and powerful vocals creates an unforgettable soundscape.
Her message in the lyrics is clear: she wants to be loved for who she is rather than what she has or can do.
It’s a reminder that loving ourselves first is essential and that we should never settle for anything less than respect and acceptance.
The song continues to resonate with fans worldwide, both old and new, making it one of Hill’s greatest hits of all time.
2. “Doo Wop”
Lauryn Hill has certainly left her mark in the music industry with her classic “Doo Wop”.
The song is an upbeat jam with clever lyrics that still resonate today.
There’s no question that the track is one of Lauryn Hill’s greatest hits; it’s a timeless classic and one of the definitive songs of the late 90s.
It encapsulates what made Hill such a unique musician, blending genres and styles to create something truly special.
With its catchy chorus and memorable message, it’s no wonder why this song continues to be loved by fans around the world.
3. “Fu-Gee-La”
One of Lauryn Hill’s greatest hits is undoubtedly her classic 1996 single, “Fu-Gee-La”.
An undeniable hip-hop classic, the song has been sampled and remixed countless times since its release.
Featuring a sample from The Fugees’ cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”, the track has an instantly recognizable beat with Lauryn’s signature rap style.
The song speaks to the power of music, telling us that it can both inspire and unify us.
Lyrically, it’s a masterful display of clever wordplay and metaphors.
It’s no surprise “Fu-Gee-La” remains one of the most beloved rap songs ever made – its message still resonates almost 25 years later.
4. Nothing Even Matters
Switching gears from the upbeat energy of “Fu-Gee-La” to the softer, soulful sound of “Nothing Even Matters”.
This standout track from Lauryn Hill’s Grammy award-winning album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill was co-written and produced by Ms. Hill and her fellow Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean.
With its gorgeous harmonic combination of piano and strings, this song stands out for its heartfelt lyrics about love and devotion that echo in the listener’s heart long after it is finished.
Perfectly complemented by Lauryn’s signature velvety vocals, “Nothing Even Matters” is a timeless classic that never fails to move listeners.
5. “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
Lauryn Hill’s Grammy Award-winning single “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of her career.
A timeless classic, this song has been covered by countless other artists including The Fugees and Roberta Flack.
Hill’s stunning vocal performance throughout the entire track carries a melancholic energy that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
Her powerful lyrics discuss the power of love as she croons about how it can make her feel, singing “killing me softly with his song”.
With its smooth neo-soul production and Hill’s emotional delivery, this song continues to be a favorite among music fans around the world.
It’s no wonder that it remains one of Lauryn Hill’s greatest hits.
6. “Ex-Factor”
Lauryn Hill’s 1998 classic, “Ex-Factor”, is a timeless masterpiece that has earned its rightful place in the pantheon of greatest hits.
A devastating breakup ballad, it captures the heartache of a failed relationship with such raw emotion and power that it has become an anthem for lovers all over the world.
Hill’s vocal performance on this track is nothing short of stunning as she belts out her pain and sorrow in a way that will move you to tears.
The production on the track is also phenomenal, utilizing a mix of soulful R&B and hip-hop to create a unique sound that has stood the test of time.
It’s no surprise that “Ex-Factor” is often cited as one of Lauryn Hill’s finest songs ever recorded; it truly deserves its praise as one of music’s most enduring classics.
7. “Turn Your Lights Down Low”
The 1997 single “Turn Your Lights Down Low” is a slow, soulful jam that showcases Lauryn Hill’s vocal prowess and lyrical depth.
The song starts off with a simple piano line before being joined by an infectious drum loop and soothing strings.
Hill’s lyrics are deeply personal, as she details her inner turmoil and loneliness throughout the song.
Her emotive delivery and powerful voice add a layer of emotion to the track, making it one of her most emotionally resonant works.
It’s no surprise that “Turn Your Lights Down Low” has become one of Hill’s all-time greatest hits, solidifying her status as one of the most influential artists in hip-hop history.
8. “To Zion”
Continuing her exploration of romantic love, Lauryn Hill’s “To Zion” is a heartfelt ode to her son.
The track begins with a tender guitar melody before Hill’s soulful voice enters, singing about the joy and responsibility of motherhood.
Lyrically, she expresses the strength and courage it takes to be a parent and how much she loves and cares for her son.
Hill uses this song as an opportunity to defy society’s expectations and stand up for what she believes in — that all children deserve love, compassion, and understanding no matter their circumstances.
Musically, the song is minimalistic with just an acoustic guitar and drumbeat accompanying her powerful vocals.
Through “To Zion” Lauryn Hill has created an anthem for parents everywhere, highlighting the beauty of unconditional love between a mother and child.
9. “Every Ghetto, Every City”
Steeped in the traditions of soul, R&B, and hip-hop, Lauryn Hill’s “Every Ghetto, Every City” is a timeless classic.
From the uplifting chorus to her heartfelt storytelling lyrics, Hill captures her experiences growing up in South Orange, New Jersey, and speaks to the struggles of life in the inner city.
The song dips into funk and reggae influences while maintaining its strong hip-hop foundation, highlighting Hill’s versatility as an artist.
With powerful imagery and thought-provoking lyrics, “Every Ghetto, Every City” is one of Hill’s most beloved tracks and a shining example of her incredible talent as a musician.
10. “Superstar”
“Superstar” is a hit single by Lauryn Hill that truly encapsulates her artistry.
It’s a tribute to those who have worked hard to gain success and an anthem of pride for those achieving their dreams.
Its glistening production and uplifting lyrics make it an irresistible bop.
The song also showcases Lauryn’s impressive vocal range, from low growls to high-pitched riffs.
It’s the perfect representation of her musical genius, making it one of her most beloved songs ever.
“Superstar” is a timeless classic and one of the best Lauryn Hill songs of all time.
11. “I Find It Hard To Say”
Continuing on the theme of Lauryn Hill’s iconic greatest hits, “I Find It Hard to Say” is a powerful and heartbreaking song that expresses the inner turmoil of struggling with one’s own feelings.
Hill’s impassioned delivery conveys a feeling of vulnerability and fragility as she sings about her difficulties coming to terms with her emotions.
Her voice is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the moment when she comes to accept her own feelings and finds peace within herself.
The heartfelt lyrics provide an intimate look into how we can all struggle to express ourselves, but ultimately find strength in our own vulnerability.
“I Find It Hard to Say” is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
12. “Forgive Them Father”
“Forgive Them Father” is a great example of Lauryn Hill’s powerful songwriting.
The song deals with the universal themes of forgiveness and redemption, delivering a strong message to any listener.
Hill’s passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics create an emotional journey that few other songs can match.
It is a perfect example of her ability to create music that speaks directly to the soul and conveys powerful messages in a short amount of time.
This is one of Hill’s best songs and it stands out as an important part of her legacy.
It proves that she was not just a talented rapper, but also had a deep understanding of what makes music so special and moving.
13. “Tell Him”
Switching gears from the soul-stirring power of “Forgive Them Father”, Lauryn Hill‘s “Tell Him” transports us to a similar sonic space.
With its lush strings and gospel-inspired backing vocals, this track paints a vivid picture of a woman’s determined effort to make her voice heard.
Hill’s passionate delivery gives the song an unmistakable sense of urgency; she pleads with her lover to take her seriously and listen to what she has to say.
As one of Hill’s most beloved singles, “Tell Him” is a powerful reminder that when it comes to love, nobody should be afraid to speak their truth.
14. “How Many Mics”
On Lauryn Hill’s 1996 classic album, The Score, the track “How Many Mics” stands out as one of its most memorable.
This thought-provoking song is a testament to Hill’s lyrical genius and her ability to express her innermost thoughts in a powerful way.
The track features Hill tackling a variety of themes ranging from poverty and violence to self-reflection and spirituality.
There’s no question that Hill’s words are filled with raw emotion, making this one of her greatest songs ever created.
Its simple production and honest lyrics make it an undeniable hip-hop classic that will remain timeless for generations to come.
Best Lauryn Hill Songs – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Lauryn Hill is an artist that won’t be forgotten.
Her influence and talent are undeniable and can still be seen today.
I’ve chosen these fourteen songs as her best work, but there are so many more that could have made the list.
From the nostalgic vibes of “Doo Wop” to the powerful message of “Forgive Them Father”, Lauryn Hill’s music has made a lasting impression on generations of fans.
With each listen, it’s clear why she remains one of the most influential female artists in hip-hop and R&B history.
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