Lauryn Hill's seminal 1998 debut, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," has been crowned the greatest album of all time by Apple Music, solidifying its place in music history. The announcement marks the pinnacle of Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list, a celebration of the most influential records ever made.
In a statement to Apple Music, Hill reflected on the album's depth and collaborative spirit: "This is my award, but it's a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love."
To mark this momentous occasion, Apple Music convened a special roundtable discussion featuring legendary producer Nile Rodgers, Grammy-nominated artist Maggie Rogers, and hosts Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. They explored the significance of the top albums, with Hill's groundbreaking debut taking center stage.
In a statement to Apple Music, Hill reflected on the album's depth and collaborative spirit: "This is my award, but it's a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love."
To mark this momentous occasion, Apple Music convened a special roundtable discussion featuring legendary producer Nile Rodgers, Grammy-nominated artist Maggie Rogers, and hosts Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. They explored the significance of the top albums, with Hill's groundbreaking debut taking center stage.
Released in 1998, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was a seismic event in the music world. The album blends R&B, hip-hop, and soul, addressing themes of love, identity, and social justice with profound lyrical skill and emotional depth. Despite being Hill's only solo studio release, it remains a towering influence in music.
"This album doesn't just resonate with the people who were around when it came out. It has not dated, not even a fraction," Lowe said during the roundtable. "In fact, it feels more fresh and more relevant the more you listen to it."
Ebro Darden emphasized the album's holistic impact: "It exemplifies and captures popular music of the last 25 years. It’s R&B, it’s hip-hop, it’s independent women, strong women, it’s topical, it’s sampling… I think that’s why it got voted number one."
Nile Rodgers praised Hill's artistry and the album's enduring legacy. "She’s amazing. This record is amazing," he stated, capturing the reverence Hill commands in the music industry.
Apple Music has also produced 100 audio vignettes that narrate the significance of each album. These are available on Apple Podcasts, offering fans an intimate look at the records that have defined generations.
"This album doesn't just resonate with the people who were around when it came out. It has not dated, not even a fraction," Lowe said during the roundtable. "In fact, it feels more fresh and more relevant the more you listen to it."
Ebro Darden emphasized the album's holistic impact: "It exemplifies and captures popular music of the last 25 years. It’s R&B, it’s hip-hop, it’s independent women, strong women, it’s topical, it’s sampling… I think that’s why it got voted number one."
Nile Rodgers praised Hill's artistry and the album's enduring legacy. "She’s amazing. This record is amazing," he stated, capturing the reverence Hill commands in the music industry.
Apple Music has also produced 100 audio vignettes that narrate the significance of each album. These are available on Apple Podcasts, offering fans an intimate look at the records that have defined generations.
For a look at the complete list click here.
Top 10 Albums from Apple Music's 100 Best Albums List:
"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" – Lauryn Hill
"Thriller" – Michael Jackson
"Abbey Road" – The Beatles
"Purple Rain" – Prince & The Revolution
"Blonde" – Frank Ocean
"Songs in the Key of Life" – Stevie Wonder
"good kid, m.A.A.d city" – Kendrick Lamar
"Back to Black" – Amy Winehouse
"Nevermind" – Nirvana
"Lemonade" – Beyoncé
