Lauryn Hill and her New Jersey outfit back in 1994, but it would take the group’s groundbreaking follow-up a couple years later for them to gain widespread notice. Blunted on Reality, the Fugees’ vastly underrated debut record, had first introduced hip-hop audiences to Ms.
Influential groups like Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest also released notable projects that year ( ATLiens and Beats, Rhymes and Life, respectively), but the presence of women emcees in rap groups was practically nonexistent.
In 1996, the world would witness 2Pac’s last release ( All Eyez on Me), the beginning of Jay-Z’s musical reign ( Reasonable Doubt), and debut albums from game-changers Lil’ Kim ( Hard Core) and Foxy Brown ( Ill Na Na). Part of its lasting impact stems from the trio of Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras Michel having released their classic sophomore effort in a year where the fabric of Black music was palpably changing. When considering classic hip-hop albums that helped define the genre while embracing this creative aspect of storytelling, Fugees’ The Score sits right at the top of that list. From The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to N.W.A and Public Enemy, evocative messaging has always been central when it comes to the role of lyrics in hip-hop. After reading this classic review of The Score, be sure to enter here for a chance to win!Īs rap music continues to dominate charts and set cultural trends when it comes to fashion, art, and how we use language, it is imperative to remember that its most powerful purpose has always been storytelling.
Fugees the score full album youtube series#
Ahead of the latest entry of the series from Consequence Podcast Network and Sony, we’re giving you the chance to win an exclusive Fugees prize pack, which includes exclusive vinyl, turntable, and headphones. In celebration of the silver jubilee, we’re exploring the album’s legacy on the upcoming season of The Opus podcast. This month marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most celebrated hip-hop records of all time: Fugees’ classic The Score.