Earlier this week, while flipping through channels, I found myself watching The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. It was one of his usual shows, full of sidesplitting gags and his usual format of two guests. At the beginning, however, he announced that Lauryn Hill would be performing later on in the week. I, as well as many others, were surprised upon hearing this news. Since the release of her underwhelming 2002 MTV Unplugged follow-up to her hit album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her television appearances have been sporadic, if not completely non-existent. So, of course, I immediately set my DVR to record the upcoming performance.
Come Thursday night, after blasting some old Fugees’ throwback records, I eagerly tuned in. Fallon interviewed Ice T and the star of MTV’s new show Scream, Bella Thorne, for the first 45 minutes of the program. Finally, the moment I had been waiting for was coming. After the commercial break, Jimmy Fallon introduced Ms. Lauryn Hill and she began performing Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” Her performance was, without a doubt, absolutely spectacular. It was a return to form for the Queen of Neo-soul herself. But, like many others, I was left wanting more of her. She didn’t say anything to Jimmy on-air, but rather just performed her number and exited with grace. Respectfully, Ms. Hill is many things, elusive being one of them.
Upon the program’s closing, comments and questions flooded the internet of a possible comeback. So, will it happen? I think it might, for a couple reasons:
- The Timing. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past five years, you know that many things have happened regarding civil rights in America. Racial tension has been on the rise, with the George Zimmerman trial, the Ferguson riots and the recent, mysterious (to say the least) death of Sandra Bland. Ms. Hill has to be aware of what’s going on around her. So what does she think about all of this? Many fans are dying to know. Her voice commands attention, so people will undoubtedly listen.
- Her recent incarceration. Back in 2012, Ms. Hill was arrested on counts of tax evasion for not paying federal taxes on over $1.8 million of earned income. She plead guilty to the charges and served three months in prison. While in prison, she began working on many projects, including her stand-alone single “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix).” She faced strong criticism for the song over what many interpreted as homophobic lyrics. Soon after, many people began speculating that going to prison might inspire Hill to begin recording another album, if only to pay for her fines and fees after being released. Talk quickly died down and no plans were put into motion. But, maybe she just needed to get her thoughts in order? Which leads me to my next point.
- Her involvement with the Nina Simone tribute album. Netflix announced earlier this year that a documentary about the life of singer, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone was in the works. Later, they would confirm that Ms. Lauryn Hill would be recording two tracks for the album, and producing the remaining tracks. Well, she ended up recording six, becoming her most cohesive, high quality recordings since her first solo album, 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Maybe this a plan to remind people of the most important aspect of Hill: her voice. Perhaps she’s getting her feet wet with the industry again. Or at least, one can hope so.
As far as a full-fledged comeback goes, only time will tell. But if there was a perfect time to do it, now would be when she should capitalize on it. If her recent performance was any indication, her vocals have gotten better with time, respectfully. So come on, Ms. Hill! We’re ready!
Listen to Ms. Lauryn Hill's spectacular cover of "Feeling Good" below:
What Happened, Miss Simone? is now available for instant streaming on Netflix and the accompanying soundtrack album, Nina Revisited… A Tribute To Nina Simone is available on iTunes.
