EP 6 - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill (1998)

[00:00:00] Speaker A: That's why I don't like being perceived. I know being perfect as the way that I am, too. Like, it's hard, you know? Like, I wonder if people don't think that I fart. I do. I do. Guys, in case you guys are wondering. [00:00:09] Speaker B: I love that for you. [00:00:28] Speaker A: Hello, hello, hello, and welcome back to Diva Decoded. [00:00:35] Speaker B: Today. What are we covering? Nelly. [00:00:37] Speaker A: The miseducation of Lauryn Hill. [00:00:40] Speaker B: So this is one that we've wanted to do for a while. And, yeah, I was. I hadn't. I was not familiar with this album. At least I didn't think I was until I listened to it. How do you feel about this album? [00:00:52] Speaker A: Honestly, one of my favorite albums of all time. [00:00:55] Speaker B: I really liked this album too. [00:00:57] Speaker A: So excited. [00:00:58] Speaker B: I was like. I was not expecting it, but I knew a lot of these songs, and I knew them from samples because I've heard, like. I've heard them in just different songs over the years. And I don't know if I've heard these songs on the radio or what, but I was like, oh, yeah. And, like, I know this. [00:01:15] Speaker A: You know it. [00:01:16] Speaker B: So it's. It's amazing. And this is. What is this her only album, like, herself. Why don't you do another one? [00:01:25] Speaker A: Because it's Ms. Lauren Hill. She's also the same woman who shows up four hours late to concerts and then sings 15 minutes and then leaves. [00:01:33] Speaker B: Really? Yeah. Does she sound good? [00:01:36] Speaker A: Yeah. People that I've known that I've gone to her concerts, they're like, she's incredible. Like, she's amazing. But I only got to see her for 10 minutes because she was over it, and she just left. [00:01:44] Speaker B: And how much did she pay? How much did they pay? [00:01:47] Speaker A: Well, it is Ms. Lauryn Hill, so I can't imagine it's less than, like, 90. [00:01:51] Speaker B: I love that for her. [00:01:53] Speaker A: I do. And you know what? Like, I know people get upset, and I can't even imagine waiting outside in the rain and waiting all that time for her and then only seeing her for a little. About a week. Little amount of time. But I don't know. I think she's Queenie for that, personally. [00:02:05] Speaker B: She is. She. She is Queen. [00:02:07] Speaker A: She's Queenie. [00:02:09] Speaker B: Okay, first things first. Would you like to dive into the track list? [00:02:15] Speaker A: I think we shall. [00:02:16] Speaker B: Okay. [00:02:17] Speaker A: And I'm usually against doing, like, the intros or any interludes or whatever, but I think we do need to cover the intro. [00:02:23] Speaker B: Yeah, we do. [00:02:24] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:02:25] Speaker B: Like, I. So the whole thing about it being, like, a classroom. [00:02:29] Speaker A: Mm. [00:02:30] Speaker B: I really liked that. [00:02:31] Speaker A: I love it. [00:02:32] Speaker B: And it's so unique. I've never heard that done on an album before. And. Yeah, I mean, I thought a lot of it was really sweet, too. [00:02:39] Speaker A: It's also. I love how it's a. Specifically a high school classroom, so I'm just like. It could be a university classroom. It could be, like, whatever. But I'm just like, the innocence of them talking about love. [00:02:49] Speaker B: Mm. [00:02:50] Speaker A: With, like, high schoolers. I'm just like. It just reminds me of, you guessed it, Sister Act 2, and I think it's because of Lauren Hill, because, you know, if you didn't know she's on Sister Act 2, and if you didn't know, Sister Act 2 is one of my favorite movies. She's. Yeah, she's the. Not, like, the lead. The lead. [00:03:05] Speaker B: The. [00:03:05] Speaker A: The lead is Whoopi Goldberg, but, like, she's, like, the second lead of the entire movie. [00:03:10] Speaker B: Okay, what group was Lauren Hill in? [00:03:12] Speaker A: Because the Fugees. [00:03:14] Speaker B: And they broke up. [00:03:15] Speaker A: Yes. [00:03:15] Speaker B: And then she did this album. Yeah. [00:03:18] Speaker A: This was after they broke up. Yeah. Yeah. This was after they broke up, I think. [00:03:20] Speaker B: Okay. [00:03:21] Speaker A: The Fugees is with, like, Wyclef Shaw, you know, crickets. I think I'll try including, like, sound effects. [00:03:31] Speaker B: Do it. Yeah, yeah. [00:03:33] Speaker A: Anyways. But, yeah, no, this was, like. I think this was soon after they had broken up. And I know there was a lot of, like, history with that. Like, I don't know. I. I haven't actually, like, looked into the history of the Fugees. I know I should, but, like, I don't know if it was, like, slight abuse of power and, you know, being the only woman in the group, you can imagine how that must have been, like, for her, too. [00:03:54] Speaker B: Oh, I thought it was a girl group. [00:03:56] Speaker A: No, it was two other men and her. [00:03:59] Speaker B: Well, I have never heard of them, but I know who Lauryn Hill is. [00:04:03] Speaker A: Can Barbo, Everybody. Just kidding. [00:04:07] Speaker B: 2023. [00:04:08] Speaker A: No, no, no, no. Like, I actually do. I'm like, you should listen to Fugees. I'll give you some songs to listen to. [00:04:13] Speaker B: Okay. Yeah, maybe we'll cover them. [00:04:15] Speaker A: Yeah, maybe. Maybe. Maybe we'll return to the conversation. But, yes, the intro, I also just love. I'm just, like. It just mirrors the title of the album so well with, like, when they call Lauryn Hill and she's not present. [00:04:29] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:04:29] Speaker A: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Like, it's just, like, perfect and, like, how he calls her name three times and just. I honestly, I'm. Like, the intro, I think, is, like, the perfect. Literally, the perfect intro. Into an album. And I was like, oh, this is a story. [00:04:42] Speaker B: I was like, how is she gonna stand out? Because they're calling everyone's name and it's not like she's gonna be like, here. So I was like, how are they gonna make her stand out? And. Yeah. Her just not being there. [00:04:51] Speaker A: Yeah. It was kind of real, though. And it just reminds me of Sister Act 2 in a way, because, like, her character, Rita Wilson, she's not present, like, ever. She doesn't show up to class and stuff. Or she's like, you know, not the greatest student. [00:05:03] Speaker B: I love that for her. [00:05:04] Speaker A: I know. I love that for me too, actually. Anyways, what's next? X Factor? [00:05:09] Speaker B: The next. [00:05:10] Speaker A: Those are the lost ones. [00:05:12] Speaker B: Lost ones. [00:05:13] Speaker A: Lost ones. [00:05:14] Speaker B: What do you think of this song, Nelly? [00:05:15] Speaker A: I. Whenever I think of the song, I think of, like, skipping down the street on a hot summer night. It's summer day, rather sorry, summer day. Your ice cream's melting and you're going to the block party. [00:05:26] Speaker B: I love that. [00:05:27] Speaker A: Like, this one, this song makes me feel good. It gives a little pep in my step, and it just, like, reminds me of, like, these early 2000s, late 90s, like, movies, like black movies. When I think of this movie, I think of, like, jump In. You know, like, have you ever seen Jump In, Corbin, Bill? [00:05:42] Speaker B: I have. [00:05:42] Speaker A: I said Bo, Corbin Bow, Corbin Blue and Kiki Palmer. [00:05:46] Speaker B: Push it. [00:05:46] Speaker A: Push it to the limit. Oh, my God. Not as covering Corbin Blue right now. No. But like, yeah, I think of, like, these type of. Like that. That kind of feel good. Essence, innocence in the ways that this song is produced. I don't imagine just walking to the song. I imagine like, you're skipping or you're dancing in the street. I really like this one. [00:06:07] Speaker B: That's fair. See, I didn't really have any awareness of Lauryn Hill at all before I listened to this. So when she came on, I was like, oh, she's a rapper. I wasn't expecting that. And then she started singing and I went, oh, she can do both. She could do both very, very well. [00:06:26] Speaker A: Very, very well. [00:06:27] Speaker B: Like, that was what had me kind of thrown off. But I was very happy with it. This. I mean, the song, honestly, like, wasn't anything crazy for me, but I liked it and I liked that it showed off both of her. Her talents. And I think she sounded really good. But I have other songs on the album that I like better. [00:06:48] Speaker A: That's fair. That's me too. But this one, I think it does make me feel good. I'm excited to cover Just, like, how this album influenced other. Other artists, too. But, like, this one, I can step. Like, I can. I can picture what this meant to future artists, like, in future. Sorry, Future female rappers. Because I'm just like. I'm listening to this. I'm just like, this is the. The pacing of it and just, like, how she, like, stays in the pockets of the song really well, I think is, like, really, really cool for title called Lost Ones. I'm just like, girl, you're found. Like, you are right there. Yeah, no, I like this one. [00:07:24] Speaker B: Okay, cool. Are you ready to move on to the next song? [00:07:26] Speaker A: Let's do it. [00:07:26] Speaker B: X Factor. [00:07:28] Speaker A: How can I explain myself? [00:07:33] Speaker B: I loved this song. [00:07:34] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:07:35] Speaker B: This was probably my favorite. [00:07:38] Speaker A: Really? [00:07:39] Speaker B: I didn't know it was a single when I was listening to the album, so for all you people who think I'm a fake fan, I didn't know it was a single, and I just loved the vocal moments, and I. This was the first one that was, like, all vocals. Like, I don't think she raps at all in this one. So I was like, oh, like Ms. Lauryn Hill. She's, like, really singing. Because in the last song, it was kind of like a layered moment, the chorus. So I was like, okay. Like, I don't know if she could, like, sing that well because it's layered and could be, like, a studio thing. [00:08:10] Speaker A: Melton could sing, like, so well. [00:08:12] Speaker B: And. Oh, there's a high note that she hits at one point, and her voice gets, like, a little raspy, and I'm like, yes. [00:08:20] Speaker A: I used to, like, force my voice to sound more raspy. [00:08:25] Speaker B: Like, cigarettes. [00:08:26] Speaker A: I. Thank you. I'm taking. No, I'm taking some cues after Miley Cyrus. No, Like, I think, like, I literally used to try and mimic her voice because, like, even when you listen to her speak, it's just like, you're so in tune, you're forced to listen because, like, there's literally, like, grains of sand in the ways that she speaks. [00:08:43] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:08:44] Speaker A: And, like, this song, like, amplifies that in such nice ways, but just, like, I don't know, the way that she just moves through notes so fluidly, like water. I think, like, when I ever picture her voice, I think of, like, literally a beach. Like, I'm just like. I picture the sand, but then I also picture the waves and, like, how she's like. It's just so fluid. Like, the ways that she does runs. I'm like, these can't be replicated. [00:09:08] Speaker B: I thought it was a very strong song. Didn't know it was a single. [00:09:11] Speaker A: So good. Like, actually so good. And I just love, like I said, I'm like, I love the tempo. I love the pacing of it. And it's like she's taking her time with it. I picture like her like sitting on like a high top chair and she's just like, this is just poetry. Like slam poetry. [00:09:27] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. This is insane. And also X Factor has the sample from what song? What Drake song. [00:09:33] Speaker A: Is it Nice for what? [00:09:35] Speaker B: Nice for what? [00:09:35] Speaker A: I think that's the only reason why I like that song, to be honest. [00:09:38] Speaker B: Oh, nice for what? Yeah, I. I thought you're talking about X Factor. [00:09:41] Speaker A: No, no, no, no, no. [00:09:42] Speaker B: I was like, this song is really good. And then she just has these hooks that are just so strong. And she's like. It's like almost like a throwaway. She's like, yeah, we'll put it in there. Like, at some point it's like, no love. Like Drake use that for his whole song. [00:09:58] Speaker A: Yeah, actually, though. But it's also just like, it makes me think of that. I'm glad that you mentioned that, cuz I'm just like. There's something about this album that I listen to. I can literally picture her singing something so casually in the studio and the producers late at night just listening and they're just like, hold on. What? She just did this random riff. Let's add it in. Like, let's just add it. And it sounds so nice. Like, it just sounds so nice. On the song Unplanned, there's a level of, like, spontaneity to the ways that she sings. And it's just like, can't. You really can't replicate that. It's just so nice. [00:10:27] Speaker B: She fucking. [00:10:27] Speaker A: For what? Shall we move on? [00:10:31] Speaker B: Okay. To Zion. [00:10:33] Speaker A: Yeah. This is one of my favorites from the album. [00:10:36] Speaker B: Me too. [00:10:36] Speaker A: And I think it's because this is for her son. Oh, her son's name is Zion. [00:10:42] Speaker B: That's so cute. [00:10:43] Speaker A: I know. So, like this one, just like, I can picture, like playing in a nursery. And I also just love the Latin influence in it. Just like with the guitar, it's just like. It's honestly just so, so, so, so beautiful. And we had mentioned just like the high note at the end that it's just like. And she held it for so long. [00:11:04] Speaker B: I didn't know she could do that. I was like, sis can. Perhaps this could sing. And sis can do Mariah. Yeah, Mariah who? Okay, not really, but like, like, Jesus. [00:11:15] Speaker A: So good. Did you know she wrote songs for Whitney? [00:11:18] Speaker B: Really? [00:11:18] Speaker A: I don't know which ones, but she did. [00:11:21] Speaker B: I. I just figured out, like, Babyface did. When you believe. Like, I know you said that really, but, like, it didn't click, click. And I went, oh, Babyface did. When you believe that? [00:11:34] Speaker A: Yeah. Oh, my God. Did you ever watch. Do you ever talk to you about this one show called Verses? It was a segment that they used to do on Instagram in the Pandemic. Basically it was. Was it Timbaland? Swiss beats? I don't even know. They did the segment where they would bring artists together and they would just, like, battle each other to see who has the best discography. So it was Babyface. Not Teddy Pendergrass. Not Teddy Pendergrass. [00:11:54] Speaker B: Oh, me. [00:11:55] Speaker A: I don't even know. But they battled off, and then the final song was when do you believe? And he easily won that just with that. [00:12:04] Speaker B: Yeah, that's an amazing song. [00:12:05] Speaker A: So good. But yes. Sorry. Back to Zion. To Zion. I was literally trying to debate. I'm like, if this is my favorite song on the album, but I think it might be something else that we'll. That will revisit later. [00:12:16] Speaker B: I think we've already got to my favorite song on the album. [00:12:18] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, you got it so early. [00:12:20] Speaker B: I know. I was, like, shook. But also, for me, this album, like, I really liked in the beginning. Okay, Maybe it was because I was on a run and I was a little bit distracted, but the middle kind of lulled for me a little bit. And then the end I really liked. So it's kind of like a nice little chapter. [00:12:38] Speaker A: Like a closing of it. Like a book. [00:12:40] Speaker B: Yeah. Like, it kind of came back and, like, grabbed my attention towards the end. But I liked all the songs. Like, I didn't dislike any of them. [00:12:48] Speaker A: It's really, really good. [00:12:49] Speaker B: But I just liked some more. [00:12:51] Speaker A: Yeah, no. Tis I'm so passionate about. And I'm like, this is like, I can imagine even if I'm pregnant, if I decide to do something that dumb, that I will. That I can literally always play this for my child. [00:13:04] Speaker B: And the choir is so, so gor. [00:13:07] Speaker A: Jess. And it does remind me of distract two. And that too. Sorry. Okay, enough. Enough, Nelly. I think I'm just, like, the moment I see Lauryn Hill, I'm like, oh, my God. [00:13:14] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:13:14] Speaker A: Whoopi Goldberg. [00:13:15] Speaker B: Like, no. Like, every single episode. Sister Act 2. Sister Act 2. [00:13:21] Speaker A: So if you guys haven't seen it, like, what are you doing? Like, actually, what are you doing, Cam? Like, it's such a good movie. [00:13:27] Speaker B: Okay, I'll watch it. [00:13:28] Speaker A: Thank you. You told me to watch something, too. I'll watch it. I forgot. Oh, the Bodyguard. [00:13:32] Speaker B: You still haven't fucking seen the Bodyguard? It's such a good movie. [00:13:35] Speaker A: I know. I'm so embarrassed. [00:13:36] Speaker B: Okay, so we move on to the next song. A doo wop. That thing. So what do you think of that thing? [00:13:43] Speaker A: That thing? That thing. This is unmatched. Like, I'm like. I think everything I have to say, people have been studying for literally decades. This is when people think of this album, I think it's this song that they think of. [00:13:57] Speaker B: Really? Yeah, it is very strong. And I think this was sampled, too. Or maybe. Maybe this is just a very popular song. [00:14:04] Speaker A: This was sampled many times. Like, many, many, many, many times. I think, like, many artists sampled even by me, probably accidentally. There's just like a level of, like. I don't know, I just imagine, like a girl group, like, auditioning for a talent show. I don't know. There's just a level of, like, innocence to this that I just. Like this entire album that I'm like, every single time I think of a song, I think of, like, something like, adolescent Y or, like, teenagery. [00:14:31] Speaker B: Well, that's. That's the overarching theme. Right? I just think, like, this song is so catchy. And is this the one where she's like, you say you're a Christian? Yeah, I thought that was so funny. And like, I don't know, she's just gives no fucks in the lyrics. And then also. Oh, my God. So catchy. And, like, the horns and stuff. Yeah, oh, my God. Just very well done track and definitely one of my favorites from the album. [00:15:01] Speaker A: I also just love the poppiness of the piano at the beginning. Like, it's like. It's just like, ah, so good. Like, actually, like, it's. It's something that, like, you'll never. It's a song you'll never forget. Like, you'll never, like, be like, what's that song again? And also, just love how, like, she switches it up. She's at first, like, guys, you know, you better watch out. And it's like she's like, okay, like, thinking that you're singing. She's singing to the guy. She's like, no, no, no. Also, girls, you better watch out. I just love that switch, too. And just how, like, nobody can be trusted. [00:15:30] Speaker B: Yeah. And the music video is so cool because it's like half 60s, half nine. [00:15:33] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:15:34] Speaker B: And it was so cool because she has the 90s, her, like, rapping and the 60s, her singing. [00:15:40] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:15:41] Speaker B: In it. So I Don't know. I, I just saw the video. I thought it was fucking awesome. [00:15:45] Speaker A: Yeah, I think you can speak on the music videos too because I'm like, this is the only music video that I actually saw I've ever seen out of the album. He just showed me. It was everything is everything that you showed me. [00:15:55] Speaker B: The blue one. X factor. [00:15:57] Speaker A: Oh, X factor. [00:15:58] Speaker B: Yeah. Yeah. [00:16:00] Speaker A: But yeah, no, I'm just like, I just. Yeah, this is it. Like I'm like, I. I feel like. Yeah, what I was saying was like, I think everything I would have to say has been said so many times before. Like this is just it. Like this is when you think of like a branch out or just like, like a debut, just like, here's who I am. I think of do op that thing. [00:16:20] Speaker B: Yeah, it's just a very good song. Yeah, I think that's all I got to say. [00:16:25] Speaker A: That's fair. Going to move on. [00:16:26] Speaker B: Yeah, let's move on. I loved this song, Superstar. [00:16:30] Speaker A: This one I liked. I don't know if it's one of my favorites actually from the album. I like the laziness of it. I'm like, I imagine literally just like rolling a joint listening to the song. [00:16:40] Speaker B: Okay, we're not going to use laziness. We're going to say effortlessness. [00:16:43] Speaker A: Thank you. Thank you. You're right. Oops. No. Yes. There's like a, you know, je ne sais quoi, laid back approach to the song. I think like, yeah, like you're just literally like just chilling with your friends and you're just like, yeah, just smoking out back with your friends. [00:17:04] Speaker B: I just really liked the lyrics. Like that's what stood out to me and I liked that it was just talking about artists shouldn't be perfect because like this is gonna sound really weird but like, I don't know, I love Mariah Carey and like I thi I think of how we kind of like put them on a pedestal and think of them as like not real people. Like, can you imagine if you look at my wall, there's like all these Mariah Carey vinyls from her debut. [00:17:33] Speaker A: Cam has the coolest wall. Guys, I wish I could show you. I really wish I could show you. [00:17:39] Speaker B: Yeah, it's, it's singles, it's 12 inch singles, no big deal. But my, this is gonna sound so weird, but can you imagine 20 year old Mariah taking a shit? [00:17:49] Speaker A: Hmm. [00:17:50] Speaker B: No, exactly. [00:17:51] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:17:52] Speaker B: Because you expect these artists to be perfect and all that. So that's what I kind of liked about this song. I know that's Such a weird thing. But I was. [00:17:59] Speaker A: No, that's true. [00:18:00] Speaker B: I was like, I can't imagine her, like, taking a shit. And I think it's just because people, like, we put so much. I don't know how to say it. Like, there's so much fantasy about celebrity. [00:18:11] Speaker A: Yeah. Like a mystical. Like they're not real. And I'm like, yeah, I can imagine Lauryn Hilfarting, but I can't. [00:18:18] Speaker B: I mean, I can imagine Mariah now taking a dump, but not then. [00:18:22] Speaker A: No, that's so true. I think, like, yeah, I can't imagine her going to a potty break, like, in the studio. Like, I imagine that she's perfect. She doesn't excrete waste. Yeah, I. That is something to be said about that, actually. Some like the ways in which we have unrealistic expectations. A lot of artists is why. Which is why when they, like, slip up or even just like, aren't as strong locally as they were before, it's much more noticeable because, like, we used to consider them perfect and like, God tier. And so when they're just like. When they have children or like, life goes on or they lose their voice or like they literally had to get vocal surgery because they're getting older. Like, all these things, it's like, well, they'll never be as they once were or like, you know, they're not going to be good anymore. And it's so sad because it's like, that's why I don't like being perceived. I know being perfect as the way that I am too. Like, it's hard, you know? Like, I wonder if people know. Think that I fart. I do. I do. Guys, in case you guys are wondering. [00:19:19] Speaker B: I love that for you. Also, back to the song. I just think that was a little bit of a tangent, but lyrically it's just very strong. I like that it was like, I just want to be what you say, like a. Like a. A ghetto superstar with 500 sales. Like, I thought that was so sweet because she's like, hey, my artistry matters to me. Like, none of this commercial anything matters to me. [00:19:46] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:19:47] Speaker B: What? What? The cause has a cause and effect lyric. [00:19:49] Speaker A: Oh, you loved that one. [00:19:51] Speaker B: I. I really liked that. I thought it was very good that. [00:19:54] Speaker A: Mine is the album peak one. She's like, why beefing with people when my album's peaking? Like, mind your business. I am literally coming out on top regardless. [00:20:02] Speaker B: So this was a huge album. [00:20:04] Speaker A: This was a major, like, actually. And it still is. Like, it's. There's a Timelessness to it. Who taught? Who said that? Actually, there was actually an artist that said that. Was it Jay Z? I don't even know. Like, just, like. It's just. It. It's such. It's the standard. [00:20:16] Speaker B: It's fire. Should we move on to the next one? [00:20:18] Speaker A: We shall. [00:20:19] Speaker B: What do we think of Final Hour? Nellie? [00:20:21] Speaker A: Not one of my favorites, but this one does remind me of the Revolution Will Not Be Televised by, like, Jill Scott Heron. There's, like, a certain level, she's just like, okay, gather round, kids. I'm about to. And she's just writing on a chalkboard. So I imagine it's, like, one of those days where, like, the teacher's actually giving a lesson. I imagine it's a chill teacher that's actually giving a lesson today. And you're like, oh, I didn't want this lesson. I just wanted to play some kickball. It's just. Yeah, this one is just, like. It's not one of my favorites, but I'm just like. I'd probably just, like, play it while I'm cleaning the kitchen. [00:20:53] Speaker B: This is one. This is where the album starts to kind of go into a little bit of a lull for me and where it kind of dipped in my attention and it came back towards the end. But, yeah, definitely not my favorite. [00:21:05] Speaker A: Mm. [00:21:05] Speaker B: Are you ready to move on, too? [00:21:07] Speaker A: Yeah. When it hurts so bad. So this one, I imagine it's a girl on a swing, and she's just, like, heartbroken. I like this one. I think this is also one of those ones that, like, when people think of this album, they think of this song too. Also not one of my favorites, but I think it's because. Oh, my God. Boo. Tomato, tomato, tomato. You can throw tomatoes at me. But I think it drags a little bit like the song. So I'm just like. I can see why. I can see how people might lose their attention in this one. But, yeah, I'm like, I like it. Like, it's. I. But I. I wouldn't put it up there with my other favorites because I think they're so much stronger ones on this album. [00:21:48] Speaker B: I think this is better than Final Hour, but I don't know. Like, I liked that it kind of had its. It's a little bit ballady almost, but not at the same time. So, like, I thought that was cute, but, like, I don't know. I just think there are other stronger tracks for me. So, like I said, this is just where my attention lulled a little bit. [00:22:09] Speaker A: Yeah. And I can see why the Next. [00:22:11] Speaker B: Track on the album is I Used to Love him featuring Mary J. Blige. [00:22:15] Speaker A: In my opinion, this is the perfect duet. [00:22:17] Speaker B: I thought it was cute. [00:22:18] Speaker A: This is like. I'm so embarrassed to say that. Like, I know this song, but I didn't know it was Mary and J. Blige that was duetting. [00:22:25] Speaker B: Really? [00:22:25] Speaker A: We also need to cover Mary J. Blige at some point, but. Because I love her, but I did not know it was her. And I'm so embarrassed to say that because I'm like, I'm listening now. And I was like, yeah, that's so undeniably her. But I think her voice blends so well with Lauren on this track that I'm like, I wouldn't be able to recognize her on the everyday. I don't know. It's just like. Because I'm like, Mary J. Blige. If you hear her on her solo tracks, her voice is very distinct. You know, it's her. Like, there's, like, no denying. But, like, on this track, it blends so well with Lauryn Hill that I'm just like, oh, it's Lauryn Hill doubled at some points. [00:22:58] Speaker B: I didn't know who was who at parts. Yeah, I literally could not tell. I was like is because the. The vocals were doubled. So I didn't know if it was, like, just Lauryn Hill layering on herself or if it was Mary J. Blige coming in. But, I mean, I thought. I think that's a good thing because they blend well together. But, yeah, that. That was something definitely about this track that I noticed. It was hard to tell who was who. [00:23:21] Speaker A: This made me start thinking I'm just like. I would have loved to have listened to Lauryn Hill on Be without you. You know that one song by Mar. And I can't be without you, baby. [00:23:30] Speaker B: I don't think I know that. [00:23:32] Speaker A: Okay, I'll educate you. Miseducation of Cam Barbo. But no, I like. I. This one I really, really do like, and it just kind of like, it. It sounds. I don't know why. It brings me back to, like, Monica and Brandy. Like, it makes me think of them too. [00:23:47] Speaker B: Yeah. That's what I thought of when you said it was a really good duet, because I was like, I think the most iconic duet is. [00:23:54] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:23:54] Speaker B: Is the Boy Is Mine. [00:23:55] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:23:56] Speaker B: So, yeah, I. It's so funny. Brandi was just like, what was that really popular Brandy album called? The one from 98 where she's, like. [00:24:07] Speaker A: On the COVID Oh, my God. I don't remember. Wait Wait, no, I'm just saying Brandi. [00:24:13] Speaker B: Didn'T name need to name her album the Boy Is Mine. [00:24:15] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. She literally. Well, he's still mine, and I'm going to make an entire album about that. Yeah, that's so funny. But, yes, I do like this one. I do like this song, and it just kind of brings me, like, girlfriends vibes. Like, I think of, like, those early 2000s, like, nine early 2000s black sitcoms. Whenever I think of the song. [00:24:37] Speaker B: I love that for you. [00:24:38] Speaker A: Thank you. [00:24:39] Speaker B: Are we ready to move on to the next one? Forgive them, Father. [00:24:42] Speaker A: I really like the historic callbacks within the song. Like, she's like, even, like, Caesar and Brutus, can and Abel, Judas and Jesus. Like, I know it's these sounds. These are just such common. [00:24:53] Speaker B: Not. [00:24:54] Speaker A: It's pretty mainstream to know these things, but I'm just like, okay, this girl knows her history. She's teaching us. Teacher again. Going back to the education of it. [00:25:01] Speaker B: It makes the, like, those kind of references are just, like. Makes the rap seem smart. And. Wait, sorry, is it wrapped or is it song? [00:25:09] Speaker A: I think it's rap at some points. [00:25:11] Speaker B: Okay. Well, it just makes it seem, like, clever. That's what I like about it. And having, like, those references. Because if you. I mean, I went to a Catholic school growing up, so, like, if you know. You know. You know what I mean? If you know, you know, betrayal. But I. I don't quite remember Judas. Whenever I think of Judas, I think of the Lady Gaga. [00:25:33] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:25:34] Speaker B: My roommate's boyfriend's name is Judah. So Alec and I, every time we see him, we go, judah, Judah. It drives him crazy. [00:25:43] Speaker A: I love that. No, this, like, just mentioning, like, iconic betrayals in, like, history and how they, like, literally shaped nations and, like, shaped divides. But, like, I think within this track, I think her vocals are so good. And I think, like, whenever I think of, like, the waves of, like, of her voice and, like, how the fluidity of it, this song exemplifies that. [00:26:07] Speaker B: Yeah. And I think. I think this was definitely up there for me on this album. Like, it was. It was good. I'm. I'm not saying, like, like, in terms of this, like, part that lulls. For me, it's one of the better ones. [00:26:23] Speaker A: Yeah. Makes sense. Next, we are covering every ghetto, every city. What do you think of this, Cam? [00:26:30] Speaker B: I really liked it. I mean, I liked it more for its lyrics because I thought it really told a story and it was. It was cute. Like, I mean, I really like songs for their musical appeal as opposed to the Lyrics. But, I mean, it took me there. Like, it. It helped me visualize. [00:26:47] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:26:48] Speaker B: Which I thought was very, very cool about this track. What do you think? [00:26:51] Speaker A: It makes me think of, like, the part in a movie in which the protagonist is off to accomplish their goal, and you see the montage of them, like, passing people in the streets or like, people spray painting on the side of a building. It makes me think of. There's a part in distract two in which. Sorry. [00:27:08] Speaker B: Okay. [00:27:08] Speaker A: Final. Final track to reference. Like, I think you should give me, like, a count. Like, a total. Like, a tally for each one, being, like, you're only allowed to. But, like, the part in which Lauren, like, she sees, like, the kids practicing and she's like, should I join again? And it's like. I don't know. It's just, like. It just kind of brings me back to, like, a cinematic feel with this song. And I'm like, I can. I can see this. I can see this on a screen. Like, I can see this shown through a character's journey, which is, like. Goes back to the idea that, like, this is a story. [00:27:36] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:27:36] Speaker A: With the song. But, yeah, I think of, like, a journey whenever I think of the song. I like it. [00:27:41] Speaker B: Cool. [00:27:42] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:27:43] Speaker B: So we move on to the next one. [00:27:45] Speaker A: Yes. [00:27:46] Speaker B: Nothing Even Matters featuring d'. Angelo. [00:27:49] Speaker A: This is easily, easily one of the sexiest duets ever, I imagine. I'm like, this is. They're purely just sheets running around and, like, their clothes on the floor. Like, it's just nasty. And I love it. I do love this one. I think, like, adding a d' Angelo to a track immediately brings some silk into it. And I'm just like. I can imagine like a. Like a. Just like a nice, nice, warm drink. Well, listen to the song. [00:28:17] Speaker B: Like a hot toddy. [00:28:19] Speaker A: Like a hot toddy. Yeah. By a campfire. And, like. Yeah, this is like a really, really, really, really nice song. And, like, I don't know, I feel really relaxed. So, like, I feel like there's, like, a sense of, like, inebriation when I listen to this song. But, yeah, I really do. Like, I think their voices blend so. So magically together. This song. This song, I think is magic. Like, it's like, actually just sparking. Like, I imagine the stars emoji. [00:28:44] Speaker B: I. I mean, I liked the song. Did I love it? No, it didn't stand out to me. [00:28:50] Speaker A: Okay. [00:28:50] Speaker B: Like, but it definitely sounds like something that you would fuck to and, like, that you would, like, thrust in time with, like, I don't know. Like, it just seems very much like that. But it was cute. It was cute, but was it my favorite? No, but I liked it. [00:29:06] Speaker A: It's so nice. And I don't know, it's like, also not up there in terms of my favorites, but I still think that it's still really, really good, in my opinion. And I'm just like. I think it's just like, in theory, these artists sound so random put together, but I'm just like, oh, no. In practice, I'm, like, putting them together. It was magic. They made some magic in that studio. [00:29:27] Speaker B: They did. They killed it. Shall we move on to Everything is everything. [00:29:33] Speaker A: Everything is everything. I really like this one. [00:29:37] Speaker B: I really like it too. This was a single. Mm. I watched the video for this too. It's so cool because, like, the concept was that New York was on. Like, it was like a record and it was. It was spinning and, like, the buildings were twisting and the sky was twisting around. Like, I don't know. It's just kind of a very unique concept for a video, which I really liked. But, yeah, I mean, I thought it was very cute and catchy. [00:30:00] Speaker A: I think there's also just a sense of familiarity with this. I feel like I've heard this before in, like, movie soundtracks. Like, I think this entire album feels cinematic to me. But like, this one specifically, I imagine, like, playing over credits at the end. Like, I'm just like. I like, especially the beginning, I'm just like, yes. This is like. Actually, I imagine over, like, one of those, like, bring it on movies or like a cheerleading movie. And they just, like, won the title. And then over the credits, they're playing this. But then there's also the blooper reel next to it. [00:30:29] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. You know, gotta have that blooper reel. [00:30:31] Speaker A: Yeah. I kind of want to make another movie like that. I just want to put a blooper reel at the end, but do it. But, yeah. No, I really, really do like this song. I think this is also one of those that, like, people think of when they hear this album. [00:30:43] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, now I think I'm just going to think of the video, but, like, I don't know. I thought. I thought it was very strong. [00:30:49] Speaker A: I liked it so strong. Should we move on to the miseducation of Lauren Hilfiger? [00:30:54] Speaker B: I love me a good title track. I loved this song. [00:30:57] Speaker A: I love this one. And I'm sad that I actually had to re listen to it. I'm like, I cannot believe myself. Nelly think, Nelly think. But this one, I just. I feel like there's a level of Intimacy in this song that is just, like. I literally imagine her, like, sitting next to a piano. There's a scene. [00:31:14] Speaker B: Sister Act 2. Never mind. [00:31:15] Speaker A: Okay. But they're seeing his eyes on the sparrow. And it's just, like, such an intimate track. And especially because, like, this one, this album, I think she's. I think there's a level of projection in this album. Like, she's, like, trying to remove herself as much as possible from a lot of these songs where, like, she's like, here's my advice that I can give to you. You know, like, just, like, girls, you better watch out. Artists, like, you know, been there, done that. Kind of, like removing herself from the problem, just, like, blaming it on some other people or, like, some former lover. But this is the one where she's just like, oh, maybe the problem's me. And I'm like, oh. And I think there's a level of intimacy and vulnerability within the song that's like. Yeah, I can imagine that. She's, like, literally, like, bleeding on the paper and, like, pouring her insult into the song. [00:31:56] Speaker B: That's cute. [00:31:57] Speaker A: Thank you. [00:31:58] Speaker B: I loved this song for its vocals, for its instrumentation. I thought, like, it really caught my attention. This is where we. I said the album kind of lulls in the middle. This is where I really, like, came back with all my attention. And, I mean, I just thought it was gorgeous. I love this song. One of my favorites on the album. [00:32:20] Speaker A: So good. [00:32:21] Speaker B: And I love me a good title track. [00:32:22] Speaker A: I know you do. [00:32:23] Speaker B: So I don't know what it is, but it just satisfies me. I was like, is there gonna be a song called the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill? And there was. Yeah, I'm here for that. [00:32:31] Speaker A: That's, like, noted. When I make my own album, I'm just gonna call it Nelly. [00:32:36] Speaker B: Nelly. [00:32:36] Speaker A: Thank you. Thank you. [00:32:38] Speaker B: You're welcome. [00:32:39] Speaker A: No, but I do like this song. [00:32:41] Speaker B: Should we move on to the next track? [00:32:42] Speaker A: Yes. [00:32:43] Speaker B: Take my eyes off of you I love you, baby My favorite on the album. [00:32:49] Speaker A: Yeah, I love this one. I love this one and this and it. It's usually I feel like if it's, like, a sample of a song and, like, it's one of my favorites, I end up feeling guilty because I'm just like. They have such, like, songs she's written are beautiful. Like, she just sampled the song. But this one is, like, I often can't listen to the original anymore. This. The way that she sampled this is so beautiful and masterful for the 90s. Like, perfectly captures the 90s sounds like a sample? Yeah. [00:33:16] Speaker B: Of what? [00:33:17] Speaker A: Frankie Valli. [00:33:19] Speaker B: Who's that? [00:33:19] Speaker A: From the 50s? [00:33:20] Speaker B: I don't know that. [00:33:22] Speaker A: Can I actually play it for you a little bit? [00:33:24] Speaker B: Can I play the song? [00:33:25] Speaker A: Yeah, Sorry. Correction to what I said earlier. She's covering the song. Okay. Yeah. This one, I think. I actually can't even listen to the original anymore. I'll play the original after this. But it's just, like, perfectly captures the 90s essence in the song. That's like. That's still just timeless. Like, I. It's just so good to me. [00:33:44] Speaker B: I. Yeah, I really liked this song. I. When I heard it, I was like, oh. I thought it was like her song and people were sampling her. I had no idea because I've. I've heard, like, different versions where it's like I love you, baby instead of I need you. But I thought it was a very strong track. And it is like, another one where I was like, okay, this is really strong. So another one of my favorites off the album. [00:34:11] Speaker A: I also love that a second last, because I'm just like. I'm imagining somebody listening to this album, like, at the time and then listening to this, and it's like, this seems like such a bonus. Like. Like a. Like a secret. Like a. Like a. Yeah, like a bonus. And like, I imagine the excitement that people felt when they listened to this. [00:34:28] Speaker B: Shall we move on to the next song and the final song? Tell him. This one was cute. [00:34:34] Speaker A: This one's so sweet. [00:34:36] Speaker B: I liked it. I think it would have been a stronger finish to end with. Can't take my eyes off of you. I love you, baby. That's fair, personally, but I thought it was cute. But my attention kind of dipped again with this one, to be honest. [00:34:50] Speaker A: Really? I liked this one. I know. I just had to re. Listen to it and I feel embarrassed to say fake fan. But this one I like. I think it's so sweet. I imagine. I think it's because I'm looking at that picture on your wall. It's like at the end of a dock. Like, she's just, like, listening to this or, like, playing this song. But, like, I imagine it's like the sun is setting whenever I listen to this song. I do like this one. This one's sweet. I don't really think I have many thoughts on it. It's not up there for me. But, like. Yeah, it's just pretty nice for me. [00:35:21] Speaker B: The title Tell him reminds me of Tell Him. Tell him that the sun and moon. You don't know that. [00:35:28] Speaker A: No. [00:35:29] Speaker B: Vice lean down with Barbra Streisand. [00:35:31] Speaker A: Oh, my God. Wait, keep singing it. [00:35:34] Speaker B: Tell him. Tell him that the sun and moon shines in his eyes. Reach out to him. [00:35:41] Speaker A: Oh, my God. So good. By the way. [00:35:45] Speaker B: Soft and sweet. [00:35:46] Speaker A: You're such a good vocalist. [00:35:47] Speaker B: Thank you. [00:35:47] Speaker A: You're welcome. Maybe I have to listen to the real version. [00:35:51] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:35:52] Speaker A: No tea, no shade. [00:35:54] Speaker B: Okay. So we already mentioned what the singles were. [00:35:56] Speaker A: This album won album of the year, the Grammys. [00:35:59] Speaker B: I heard that. I heard that it was very successful. [00:36:01] Speaker A: This is what think of this album. I think of when she won, the moment that she won, and how much it meant for black artists at the time. And I remember Whitney Houston pointing her finger and being really excited presenting her the award. Like, I think of these moments. I think of, like, the ways that she. It was just so. It was beautiful. And her acceptance speech, or just the ways that it was just. Honestly, like, I think of that time, I think of, like, how much that meant to a lot of people at the time and how it literally paved the way for Neo Soul, you know? Like, I don't think Alicia Keys would have been who she was without this album, without Lauryn Hill as a singer. [00:36:41] Speaker B: Yeah. So this album was very successful. It sold over 20 million copies. [00:36:46] Speaker A: 20 million copies. [00:36:48] Speaker B: And the singles did very well, too. The album, first of all, went number one in the US and Doo Wop that Thing went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, X Factor went to number 21, and Everything is Everything went to number 35. [00:37:04] Speaker A: That's so funny. I would have thought that can't take my eyes off of you would also be up there. [00:37:10] Speaker B: No, but it had a lot of streams. [00:37:12] Speaker A: It did, yeah. [00:37:13] Speaker B: So because on. On the computer, like, Spotify, you could see how many streams it has. It was like, it's kind of. It's kind of cute. [00:37:22] Speaker A: It's kind of cute. You're like, oh, good job. [00:37:25] Speaker B: Awesome. But, yeah, so it did very well and won a Grammy Album of the year. [00:37:33] Speaker A: Yeah. One album of the year. Like, genuinely, I'm like, I think this album definitely, like, paved the way for so many future black female artists. Like, I think of Erykah Badu has a lot of influence from this album, too, and how Neo Soul was something that literally rose to prominence with this album and how, like, it also, like, helped pave the way for a lot of black female rappers, too. At the time, there was already, like, rappers like Queen Latifah. But, yeah, like, I think there were already black female rappers, but it was still just, like, considered avant garde to be a black female rapper at the time. But she, like, helped show what it means to be both a singer and a rapper. [00:38:15] Speaker B: Yeah, she really did both. [00:38:16] Speaker A: Like an incredible. Like, she wasn't weak in either one. [00:38:19] Speaker B: Yeah. To really own both, I don't think I've. I don't even think off the top of my head I could think of anyone else who can really own both and be so good in both. Because, like, I don't know, even if you look at like Nicki Minaj, like, when I think of female rapper, that's who comes to mind. And she's like a. Okay singer. [00:38:39] Speaker A: But do you know who's getting there? I think Beyonce. [00:38:42] Speaker B: Oh, that's true. [00:38:43] Speaker A: Yeah. I think I'm just like. I think I never really used to appreciate her rap until Renaissance. [00:38:49] Speaker B: I think, like, Lauren L. Has like an effortlessness to it. I think Beyonce work for it. [00:38:53] Speaker A: Yeah, no, that's. [00:38:54] Speaker B: Which is admirable. So. But I don't know, I just think, like, this is Lauryn Hill's first and only album and it was just easy. [00:39:04] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:39:04] Speaker B: But easy in the way that, like, there's so much star quality and like, you kind of can't replicate it. [00:39:11] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:39:12] Speaker B: So not like a good easy, but like effortless. [00:39:15] Speaker A: Did you know that when she was younger she sang at the Apollo? [00:39:19] Speaker B: Really? [00:39:19] Speaker A: And she got booed. Yeah. [00:39:21] Speaker B: No way. [00:39:22] Speaker A: That was one of her come up stories. She got booed. She was. She was so young. I think she was like 12. She, like, sang at the Apollo and she got booed. No, they're just like, get off the stage. Yeah, I know. So like, you know, like when people have their villain origin stories, that's like one of hers. And I'm like, I think about that. I'm just like, I cannot imagine ev anybody ever booing Lauren Hill. Even when she's four hours late to a concert. You stand up for Ms. Lauryn Hill. [00:39:47] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:39:48] Speaker A: And so that when I hear that, I'm like, that's just so wild. But I just love how she literally dropped this album. And she's like, okay, that's my album. She's like, well. And that's it. [00:39:57] Speaker B: But that's all she needed to do. Like. [00:39:59] Speaker A: No, quite literally. And she's still, like, thriving off of this album. It's also like, she's also like, thriving on the work that she's done for the Fugees too. But also being a songwriter, like, she literally wrote songs for Whitney Houston. [00:40:12] Speaker B: Yeah. And also I just realized this is the 25th anniversary of the album. It is 20, 23. [00:40:19] Speaker A: Oh, quick math cam. [00:40:22] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, no big deal. [00:40:24] Speaker A: Little move. No, I. That's so wild. Oh, my God. It is going to be on August 25th. It's gonna be the 25th anniversary. [00:40:30] Speaker B: That's. [00:40:30] Speaker A: I wonder if she's gonna do, like, a 25th anniversary tour. [00:40:32] Speaker B: I say, like, that's crazy. Like, I was there. [00:40:35] Speaker A: He's like, I remember I was letting my hair down as if we were born. Oh, my gosh, we're babies. It was a year shy. [00:40:41] Speaker B: I know. I was. I was a one. [00:40:44] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, I forgot. [00:40:46] Speaker B: I'm younger. [00:40:47] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:40:48] Speaker B: I can't help that. I'm, like, just so young. [00:40:50] Speaker A: I'm just such a baby. [00:40:53] Speaker B: Now. Wait, let's. We're gonna bring in a new category called hidden gems. [00:40:58] Speaker A: Hidden gems. Gems. Gems. [00:41:01] Speaker B: The. The track I would give the rank of hidden gem would be the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I love me a good title track. It's fire and no one could tell me different. I think it perfectly represents this album, and I'm so happy that this was the title track. What about you? [00:41:24] Speaker A: For me, it'd be Forgive Them, Father. [00:41:26] Speaker B: Really? [00:41:26] Speaker A: Yeah. When I listened to it, I was like, obviously. It's funny because I'm just like, it's actually not one of my favorites, obviously. But I'm just like. I had never actually listened to it in full until now, and I was just like, this is actually a good song. And I know that if this. If this song were to be on other people's mediocre albums, this would be the best song. [00:41:45] Speaker B: Yeah, it would be their single. [00:41:46] Speaker A: Yeah. It would be easily their best song. But she has so many top, top, top, top tier songs on this album that this often gets lost in the mix easily. Even right now, I'm just like, yeah, it's still not one of my favorites from the album. But I know that standalone. If any other artist that is subpar had this on their album, that would easily take over. [00:42:05] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:42:05] Speaker A: Their album. So I'm like, I think that's what that one is for me. [00:42:08] Speaker B: Yeah, it's very cute. What do you think of the artwork? [00:42:11] Speaker A: I Iconic. I I, I I Iconic. The way that her locks, like, it looks like it's, like, set in stone. I know it's like, like a drawing, but I'm like. I imagine that this is literally, like. It looks. It's a. It looks like a tablet. Like they just literally carved her face into something. [00:42:27] Speaker B: No, I think that's what it is because it looks like. It looks like a school desk. And they can, like, burn in princess stuff onto wood. It looks like that's what they did. I don't know if it's, like, real or if it was edited, but it literally fits the album so well, and it fits the theme of the album, so. And, like, just the pencil. Oh, my God. [00:42:48] Speaker A: Yeah. And I also just love how, like, this is, like, clearly somebody's like. I imagine this is even her. Like, they're taking attendance. She's not paying attention. She's drawing her face into a desk. So I think it fits it very, very well. And, like, I don't know, even just, like, you could remove her face, but just looking at the hair alone, you know, that's Lauryn Hill. [00:43:08] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:43:09] Speaker A: Like, her locks are just so legendary. [00:43:12] Speaker B: Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, darling. [00:43:15] Speaker A: I'm glad we added that category. [00:43:16] Speaker B: Yeah. No, album covers are so important because they represent. It gets really important for me especially to have a visual representation of what the album is, because that's what you think of when you think of the album, because I'm very visual. So that's why I love a good title track, because it just makes me think of the album cover, and it's like, the strongest representation of the album cover. Um. So, yeah, I don't know. I imagine it's like a lost music video. Like a. Like a shot taken from a lost music video. Because often the. The title track is not a single. [00:43:46] Speaker A: That's true. [00:43:47] Speaker B: So now we're going to rank the tracks and do our top three and bottom two. Nelly, what would you give your. Let's start with bottom two this time. [00:43:55] Speaker A: Bottom two. Okay, so my bottom one, like, bottom, bottom would be final hour. [00:44:02] Speaker B: Oh, my God, me too. [00:44:04] Speaker A: Yeah. I think this one isn't just. It's just not as strong as the others. And that's purely it, I think. [00:44:10] Speaker B: I think we had such a good stride and rhythm on the album, and then it hit the song, and it literally, like, threw off my attention for a while. Because reviewing it now, I could see, like, there are good songs, like, in the middle of the album, but it literally just like, threw me off so hard that I was just like, oh. [00:44:27] Speaker A: Yeah, this one, like I said before, it kind of gives me the revolution will not be televised vibes. But, like, this one, I wonder if it wasn't on the album, if I would have appreciated it more. Like, I imagine that, like, if I were to go to her concert and this is, like, something she's like, this is kind of just unreleased from my notebook. Don't plan to release it ever. And she just kind of like, wraps it. I would be like, oh, okay. You know, Bob in my head to it. But I wouldn't put in this album. [00:44:53] Speaker B: Yeah, I don't think it fits, but this is our only album, so it's kind of nice that we have it, but. Yeah. What would be your second least favorite? [00:45:03] Speaker A: I hate to say it, but I think it would be Every Ghetto, Every City. I like it, but it's just not as strong as the others, like, quite literally. That's why I'm like. Even my bottom, like, my bottom two that I say. I'm just like. It's purely only because it just doesn't fit this. The stamina or the. It doesn't. It doesn't withstand the rest of the album. [00:45:21] Speaker B: For me, it would. I think it would be. Nothing even matters. I don't like that song. It was just like. Like, it was okay, but, like, I. [00:45:37] Speaker A: Tomato, tomato, tomato, tomato. [00:45:39] Speaker B: It's fine. I just, like. I don't know. It just didn't do it for me, so. But it's my second least favorite. It's not my least favorite, and I love every song on this album. [00:45:45] Speaker A: Okay. [00:45:46] Speaker B: So it's okay. [00:45:48] Speaker A: We're gonna scrap outside. It's fine. [00:45:49] Speaker B: Okay. Yeah. Okay. So what's your top three? What's your third favorite? [00:45:57] Speaker A: Oh, my God. Okay. My third favorite is Doo Wop Girl. [00:46:03] Speaker B: You better watch out. [00:46:06] Speaker A: Yeah. No, this is like. Like I said, it's timeless and, like, it just hits hard. I literally, when I think of this album, I think, like, I just immediately think of the song. But funny enough, I have two different songs that are just, like. Just supersede that. Okay. [00:46:20] Speaker B: My third favorite would be the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I think it's a really strong track, and I like that. It's just so, like, musical and, I don't know, almost jazzy. [00:46:32] Speaker A: I do like it, but it's not as high up there for me as it is for you. [00:46:36] Speaker B: Okay, what's your top two? [00:46:39] Speaker A: My second favorite is Tis Ion. [00:46:42] Speaker B: Okay. [00:46:42] Speaker A: I love To Zion. It's so sweet. It is such a sweet song. Level of wholesome, wholesomeness to it. [00:46:49] Speaker B: My second favorite is do up that Thing Fair. I think it's very cute. I love that song. And it's so catchy. [00:46:57] Speaker A: So catchy. And then my top favorite is. Can't Take My Eyes off of you. [00:47:07] Speaker B: I actually really like that one. I think that's probably my fourth. [00:47:10] Speaker A: It's so good. Like, it's just, like. It's such a. It's such, like, a surprise. Like, literally what I said, I was like, I feel like this was just a surprise for some people to be like, oh, my God, this is such a beautiful cover of the song. [00:47:20] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:47:21] Speaker A: Of this probably racist man. And she covered it, and she's like, I'm gonna do it better. And. Yeah, I think it's better. Sorry, white people. This is such a good song. Like, this is such a good cover. [00:47:30] Speaker B: Sorry, all white people. [00:47:31] Speaker A: Every single white person ever. [00:47:34] Speaker B: My favorite is X Factor. [00:47:36] Speaker A: I knew it. [00:47:37] Speaker B: I love this song. I don't know, I just thought it was such a strong vocal and, I don't know, just that high note she hits where her voice sounds raspy. Just to me, it's like she's giving the most vocally in this song out of any other song on the album. And I love a good vocal moment, and she has an amazing voice. So I. That just. That that's it for me. [00:47:58] Speaker A: Yeah, that makes sense. Honestly, I agree with your top three. [00:48:01] Speaker B: Okay. Yeah, I agree with yours. [00:48:03] Speaker A: Thank you. [00:48:05] Speaker B: But, yeah. Anyway, shall we move on to, I think, grading the album? What would you give this album? [00:48:20] Speaker A: I hope we say the same thing. [00:48:21] Speaker B: You ready? Three, two, one. [00:48:23] Speaker A: Diva decoded. Lauren. Ms. Lauren. Sorry, miss. Ms. Lauren. Like, here are my flowers. [00:48:31] Speaker B: Yeah, no, this was a really good album. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. And, yeah, I'm definitely gonna listen to, like, at least five or six tracks from this. It's going on my diva jukebox playlist, which is, like, all my favorite diva songs. And, no, you killed it. I mean, you ate and left no crumbs and never showed up again. [00:48:51] Speaker A: Yeah, she literally does not show up to concerts. No. Like, actually, I'm like, there's a certain caliber that you have to, like, be at where you're able to just drop an incredible album and never have to release again. [00:49:03] Speaker B: That's like Fergie, except she did have a second album, but. [00:49:08] Speaker A: Not you. Comparing Lauryn Hill to Fergie. [00:49:11] Speaker B: Well, Fergie. Fergie had a really good, like, one album because she was in the Black Eyed Peas and she had the Duchess. The Duchess was huge. I want to cover the Duchess at one point. [00:49:18] Speaker A: Yeah, I can do it. [00:49:19] Speaker B: And she had double Duchess, which I liked, but it fucking flopped. Like, it flopped hard. Like. Like, it's like a. It was like a fish when you pull it out of the water, and it's like hopping around on the boat and. [00:49:31] Speaker A: No, not a fish. [00:49:33] Speaker B: It was like. And it was like the first Duchess was like a juicy, like, turkey on Thanksgiving with, like, stuffing inside of it. And then the other one was like a flopping fish, but, like, I think they were both tasted amazing. [00:49:45] Speaker A: Cam is the funniest guy in the world. So funny. Not a flopping fish. [00:49:50] Speaker B: No. I mean, yeah, I didn't do well, but. [00:49:52] Speaker A: Sorry, Fergie. [00:49:53] Speaker B: I liked it. We love a little work. We love Save it till morning. We love Love is pain. Sorry. Shout out to that album, Double Touches. Go listen to it. Anyway, that is our episode for today. Thank you for listening to Diva Decoded. [00:50:09] Speaker A: Thank you. And thank you, Ms. Lauryn Hill, for giving us such a beautiful episode. [00:50:12] Speaker B: Yes. We will see you next week with whatever the we choose to do. [00:50:17] Speaker A: Yeah, we'll figure it out. [00:50:18] Speaker B: All right, bye. Thank you so much for listening. [00:50:21] Speaker A: Thank you, Divas. Bye. [00:50:39] Speaker B: Wait, should we do the bad thing? That thing? [00:50:44] Speaker A: I need you, baby if it's quite. [00:50:49] Speaker B: All right oh, yeah. Hey. [00:50:59] Speaker A: So good. I kind of love that, actually. It's such a funny way. Before we end, we'd love to shout out our lovely team behind this podcast. [00:51:10] Speaker B: First, we'd like to shout out our amazing editor, Blake Walker. Thank you so much. You do all the dirty work and we really, really appreciate you. [00:51:17] Speaker A: We love you, Blake. We'd also love to shout out our lovely social media manager, Angelica Ortega. So everything you see visually, it's her. [00:51:25] Speaker B: Yeah, she's killing it. Thank you so much for listening. My name is Cam Barbeau. [00:51:29] Speaker A: And I'm Nelly Deverles. [00:51:31] Speaker B: You've been listening to Diva Decoded.