The Recording Academy announced that Lauryn Hill will be one of several artists inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame. This announcement comes 26 years after the release of Hill’s only solo studio album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. Despite only releasing one solo studio album, Hill’s music continues to touch people across generations and borders. Additionally, she remains the last Black woman to win album of the year, in 1999. As we celebrate Hill’s accomplishment, we acknowledge the cultural significance Hill holds across not just the Black community, but music as a whole. Simultaneously, we must remember the faults of the Recording Academy when it comes to celebrating Black female artists.
Fellow inductees of the Grammy Hall of Fame this year include Donna Summer and hip hop’s De La Soul. This is the Recording Academy’s first induction since 2021. According to their newsletter announcement, inductees “exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old.”
There are not many artists like Hill today. She is truly one of one and timeless. We see her impact through Drake’s sample of her song “Ex Factor” in his popular hit “Nice for What.” Similarly, Cardi B samples the same song in her single “Be Careful”.
It would’ve been a fault on the Record Academy’s part to not honor Hill as she is someone who impacts and will continue to impact music for years to come.
Holding the Recording Academy Accountable
As we acknowledge the standard the Hill set in 1999, it is important that we acknowledge the many Black women who have changed music for the better. Although the Grammys succeeded with Hill’s honoring, they have a history of neglecting to celebrate music created by Black women.
To say that other Black artists, particularly Black female artists, have not created albums worthy of so much celebration would be a lie. It is important that as we celebrate Hill, we also acknowledge the Black women who have been robbed of the rightfully deserved title of album of the year at the Grammys.
Sometimes the Grammys has its moments, and sometimes it doesn’t. Hill’s win is definitely one of those moments that we cheer for.
May we continue to celebrate Lauryn Hill every day and hold artists to the same standard that she set 26 years ago. Most importantly, we must remember to give space to the Black artists, male and female, who are changing the future of music.
