Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill, born **Lauryn Noelle Hill** on May 26, 1975, in East Orange, New Jersey, is a highly influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is often credited with breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rap, and pioneering neo soul for mainstream audiences.
Hill began her career as a teen actress, appearing in the soap opera **As the World Turns** and the film **Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit**. She gained widespread fame as the frontwoman of the hip-hop trio **The Fugees**, which she formed with Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. Their second album, **The Score** (1996), was a massive success, featuring hits like **”Killing Me Softly”** and **”Ready or Not”**.
In 1998, Hill released her critically acclaimed solo debut album, **The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill**, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album’s lead single, **”Doo Wop (That Thing),”** also topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Hill’s soulful voice and unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and reggae have made her one of the best-selling female rappers of all time, with over 50 million records sold worldwide. She has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including being named the greatest female rapper by Billboard in 2015.