How would you define Lauryn Hill? Think about it, she's definitely one of the dopest female MCs out there, but she's got pipes and sure knows how to use 'em. She's got something of a warrior spirit but you can't help but notice her fragility. So, really; how would you define Lauryn Hill? Couldn't? Well good. She probably wouldn't want you to anyway.

After a absence that seems like forever, Lauryn's back to bless us with some new tunes and some new reasoning. Seems the star life and all the attention she garnered after her takeover of the Grammys weren't too pleasing to L-Boogie. Seems she got just what she needed to turn inwards. And while the pain of that process may have muddled with her emotions, she's come out the other side with some earned inspirations - both spiritually and musically - to share with the folks at home.

The double CD set unplugged finds Lauryn and her guitar providing all the high drama of a full orchestra. The music is an audible-180 from her debut album, swimming in sparse harmonies as opposed to the layered, thicker sound that's expected. It works though, and the almost folk feeling is a welcome exploration. While the songs range from topics spiritual, personal, romantic and political, they all center around the same theme: Lauryn’s new expectations of her man, her people, and even herself. Songs as varied as “Mr. Intentional”, “I Find it Hard to Say (Rebel)” and “I Get Out” all hinge on this, all jagged and harmonious. The tracks all benefit from Lauryn’s fierce playing and voice so full of conviction that no-one’s checking even if it cracks a little.

If anything, that’s the point. This album reveals a vulnerability that’s endearing and convincing, and while you may tire of some of the interludes, feel free to skip them after a few listens cause L says everything she needs to in the actual songs anyway. It’s probably all ancient and cheesy to ask for music with genuine feeling nowadays, but if this is what you get in return then by all means, ask away.

Lauryn Hill
Unplugged 2.0