It doesn’t take much for rising rappers to reach stardom. Rappers like Lil Nas X and Cardi B have taken home Grammy wins at the very start of their careers. Times in HipHop have changed drastically from years before.
Legendary lyricist Lauryn Hill took home five Grammy wins at the start of her career as well. Lauryn Hill’s first album is a huge success. While everyone recognized her talent at the time, the Record Industry Association of America failed to do so. Finally, after 20 years, Lauryn Hill’s music makes history as she becomes the first female artist to reach RIAA Diamond status.
Hill Experienced Early Success
Making timeless music takes true skill and talent. At just 23-years-old, Lauryn Hill experienced early success after the release of her debut album. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill snagged the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart at the time. Hill’s neo-soul and R&B album made history after “breaking a record for a female artist’s first-week sales.” Not only did Hill dominate Billboard Charts, but her album took home 5 Grammy wins. There’s a reason why she’s regarded as a legendary lyricist in HipHop music. In further establishing her geniuses, Hill’s debut album made it onto the top 10th spot of Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Albums. Lauryn Hill secured her spot at the top of the music game even before her career started. In many ways, she paved the way for other female emcees to succeed and thrive in the music industry.
A Female Legend Makes History
In recent years, female artists have taken on a more major role in the HipHop scene. Heavy hitters like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Lizzo single-handedly dominated the rap music genre in 2020. Still in 2021, women continue to change the rap scene for the better. Hit singles like “WAP”, “Savage” and “Truth Hurts” gained recognition and praise from fans everywhere. Just as these leading women have changed HipHop, Lauryn Hill also altered the culture of HipHop music. Now more than 20 years later, the star has finally received the recognition she deserves.
A few weeks ago, the Record Industry Association of America announced that Hill’s 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill made Diamond status. “‘Welcome to the RIAA Diamond Club @MsLaurynHill!” the RIAA announced on their Twitter page. On February 17, 2021, the 45-year-old lyricist made history as the first female artist to reach RIAA Diamond status. It’s been at least two decades since Hill released her debut album, but the RIAA finally made up for lost time.
