Hill is noted as a humanitarian, and in 1996 she received an Essence Award for work which has included the 1996 founding of the Refugee Project, an outreach organization that supports a two-week overnight camp for at-risk youth, and for supporting well-building projects in Kenya and Uganda, as well as for staging a rap concert in Harlem to promote voter registration.
In 1999's Grammy Awards, Hill was nominated eleven times and won Album of the Year (beating Madonna's critically acclaimed album Ray of Light), Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Album, setting a new record for a female performer.
Hill has four children with retired (American) football player Rohan Marley, son of the late reggae music icon, Bob Marley: Zion David Marley, born 1997, Selah Louise Marley, born 1998, and second son Joshua, born 2002. A fourth child, John, was born in 2003 and the couple married soon after.
Early life
Lauryn Hill was born in East Orange, New Jersey. Hill was the second of two children born to high school English teacher Valerie Hill and computer programmer Mal Hill. As a child, Hill incessantly listened to her parents' Motown and 1960s soul records. Music was a central part of the Hill home. Mal Hill sang at weddings, Valerie played the piano, and Lauryn's older brother Melaney played the saxophone, guitar and drums.
Hill graduated from Columbia High School (New Jersey) in Maplewood, New Jersey. Hill was an active student, cheerleader, and performer. She began her acting career at a young age, and started performing music in 1987. In 1988, 13-year old Hill appeared as an Amateur Night contestant on It's Showtime at the Apollo. Hill sang her own version of William "Smokey" Robinson's song "Who's Lovin' You?". A nervous Hill sung far away from the mic and was heckled at first; but persisted and finished her song to a standing applause, though she did not win.
Hill was childhood friends with actor Zach Braff and they both graduated from Columbia High School in 1993. Braff mentions inviting Hill to his bar Mitzvah in 1988.[1]
Hill appeared on the soap opera, As The World Turns as Kira Johnson. In December 1993, she starred in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" as Rita Louise Watson. In the film, she performed the songs "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (a duet with Tanya Blount) and "Joyful,Joyful" . It was in this role, as Rita, that she first came to national prominence, with Roger Ebert calling her "the girl with the big joyful voice". Although Sister Act I and II were originally conceived as vehicles for comedian Whoopi Goldberg, the second installment won Lauryn equal notice.
Her other acting work includes the play Club XII with MC Lyte, and the motion pictures King of the Hill (as Arletta the Elevator Operator), Hav Plenty (1997), and Restaurant (1998). She appeared on the soundtracks to Conspiracy Theory in 1996 (on the track "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood in 2002 (on the track "Selah").
Her most recent album (mixtape) entitled "The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill" was released in 2007.
Final Hour
Lauryn Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well-written topic, broken down into pieces
I introduce then produce
Words so profuse it's abuse how I juice up this beat
Like I'm deuce, two people both equal
Like I'm Gemini, rather Simeon
If I Jimmy on this lock I could pop it
You can't stop it, drop it
Like particles while I make international articles
And on the cover
Don't discuss the baby mother business
I been in this third LP you can't tell me, I witness
First handed I'm candid
You can't stand it, respect demanded
And get flown around the planet
Rock Hard like granite or steel
People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel
And this is real, so I keep makin' the street's ballads
While you lookin' for dressin' to go with your tossed salad
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour!
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour!
I'm about to change the focus from the richest to the brokest
I wrote this opus, to reverse the hypnosis
Whoever's closest to the line's gonna win it
You gonna fall trying to ball
While my team win the pennant
I'm about to begin it
For a minute, then run for senate
Make a slum lord be the tenant give his money to kids to spend it
And then amend it, every law that ever prevented
Our survival since our arrival
Documented in The Bible, like Moses and Aaron
Things gon' change, it's apparent
And all the transparent gonna
Be seen through, let God redeem you
Keep your deen true
You can get the green too
Watch out what you cling to
Observe how a queen do
And I remain calm reading the 73 Psalm
'Cause with all this going on I got the world in my palm
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
Now I be breaking bread sipping
Manichevitz wine
Pay no mind party like it's 1999
But when it comes down to ground beef like Palestine
Say your rhymes, let's see if that get you out your bind
Now I'm a get the mozzarella like a Rockerfeller
Still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a cappella
Whether posed in Maribella in Couture
Or collecting residuals from off The Score
I'm making sure I'm with the 144
I've been here before this ain't a battle, this is war
Word to Boonie
I makes a lot like a Sunni
Get diplomatic immunity in every ghetto community
Had opportunity went from Hoodshock to Hood-chic
But it ain't what you cop, it's about what you keep
And even if there are leaks, you can't capsize this ship
'Cause I baptize my lips every time I take a sip
(Every time i take sips!)
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!, the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
Final Hour
Final Hour
Final Hour
In "Final Hour" by Lauryn Hill, she uses the metaphor of a thesis to introduce and produce lyrics that flow profusely and effortlessly like juice. She compares herself to a gemini, highlighting the two sides of her personality that are both equal. Hill exudes confidence in her ability to write and express herself, stating that she has witnessed her own growth since her third LP. She demands respect for her artistry and acknowledges that she is a global phenomenon, rock-hard like granite or steel. Hill juxtaposes the themes of money and power with the Final Hour, suggesting that we should focus on the latter rather than obsessing over the former. She raps about changing the focus from the richest to the brokest, emphasizing that whoever is closest to the line will win. She seeks change by using her influence and platform to run for Senate and help those less fortunate, making landlords give money to kids to spend in the process. Hill also mentions the Bible, comparing herself to Moses and Aaron who documented the struggles faced by minorities since their arrival. She shares that she is calm despite everything going on in the world because she has it in the palm of her hands.
The use of metaphors in this song is significant. Hill compares herself to a thesis, which suggests that she is organized, focused, and highly researched. She also compares herself to a Gemini, which is symbolic of her dual nature. Her confidence in her ability to produce music that moves people is reflected in her lyrics, as she talks about being a global phenomenon. She also juxtaposes the themes of money and power with the Final Hour, suggesting that it is more important to focus on what truly matters in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I treat this like my thesis
This song is important to me, I have put a lot of work into it and it reflects my beliefs and thoughts.
Well-written topic, broken down into pieces
The song has a clear concept that has been developed in detail.
I introduce then produce
I start with an idea and then create a complete song.
Words so profuse it's abuse how I juice up this beat
I have a lot to say and I express myself creatively on this track.
Like I'm deuce, two people both equal
I am like a pair of partners who complement each other and work together to create something great.
Like I'm Gemini, rather Simeon
I have two sides to my personality but my talent and creativity bring them together in harmony.
If I Jimmy on this lock I could pop it
If I put my mind to it, I can overcome any obstacle.
You can't stop it, drop it
My talent and creativity cannot be stopped, they are always in motion and growing.
Your whole crew's microscopic
In comparison to my talent and influence, other people's creative endeavors are small and insignificant.
Like particles while I make international articles
My writing and music go beyond national boundaries and reach a global audience.
And on the cover
My success is not just in the content of my work, but also in its presentation and marketing.
Don't discuss the baby mother business
My personal life is not relevant to my music, so it should not be used as a topic of discussion or gossip.
I been in this third LP you can't tell me, I witness
I have been in the music industry for a while and have gained valuable experience, so I know what I'm doing and what I'm talking about.
First handed I'm candid
I am honest and open about my experiences and perspectives, often sharing them through my music.
You can't stand it, respect demanded
My talent and influence are so strong that others cannot ignore or deny it, and they must show me respect.
And get flown around the planet
My success has taken me around the world and allowed me to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Rock Hard like granite or steel
My music is powerful and resilient, like stone, and can withstand the test of time.
People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel
My influence and impact can be felt by people from all over the world, from my hometown of Newark to Israel and beyond.
And this is real, so I keep makin' the street's ballads
My music is authentic and reflects my real experiences, so I continue to make music that resonates with people from all walks of life.
While you lookin' for dressin' to go with your tossed salad
While other artists focus on superficial things and trying to fit in, I am true to myself and my craft.
You can get the money!
Money is important and can bring power and influence.
You can get the power!
Having power and influence can help one achieve their goals and make a difference.
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour!
Despite the importance of money and power, one should not lose sight of what really matters in life, and that is the end result.
I'm about to change the focus from the richest to the brokest
I am shifting the focus of my music to address social and economic inequality and uplift those who are struggling.
I wrote this opus, to reverse the hypnosis
I have created this song to help people wake up from the hypnotic state of being fixated on materialism and the pursuit of wealth.
Whoever's closest to the line's gonna win it
Those who are most committed and dedicated to the cause will be successful in making a positive change.
You gonna fall trying to ball
Trying to attain wealth and power at any cost will ultimately lead to downfall and failure.
While my team win the pennant
While others are focused on themselves, I am working with a team to achieve a greater goal.
I'm about to begin it
I am starting a new phase of my life and career, and embarking on a new journey.
For a minute, then run for senate
I may take a break from music to pursue a career in politics, where I can make a difference on a larger scale.
Make a slum lord be the tenant give his money to kids to spend it
I aim to use my power and influence to hold wealthy and powerful individuals accountable, and to use their resources to help those who are less fortunate, especially children.
And then amend it, every law that ever prevented
I want to use my political power to change laws that are unjust and prevent people from achieving their full potential.
Our survival since our arrival documented in The Bible, like Moses and Aaron
The history of our people and our struggles for survival have been recorded and celebrated in religious texts like the Bible, and we should draw strength and inspiration from these stories.
Things gon' change, it's apparent
Change is inevitable, and we must prepare for it and work towards creating positive change.
And all the transparent gonna be seen through, let God redeem you
Those who are fake and insincere will be exposed, and we should look to a higher power for redemption and guidance.
Keep your deen true
Stay true to your beliefs and values.
You can get the green too
You can achieve financial success while remaining true to your principles.
Watch out what you cling to
Be careful of the things you value and attach yourself to, they may not be worth it.
Observe how a queen do
Watch and learn from successful and powerful women like myself.
And I remain calm reading the 73 Psalm
I find strength and comfort in religious texts, like the 73rd Psalm, even in difficult times.
'Cause with all this going on I got the world in my palm
Despite the challenges I face, I have control over my life and my impact on the world.
Now I be breaking bread sipping Manichevitz wine
I am enjoying good food and drink, and taking time to relax and reflect.
Pay no mind party like it's 1999
Don't worry about the past or future, enjoy the present moment and celebrate life.
But when it comes down to ground beef like Palestine
When it comes to serious issues and injustices, like the conflict in Palestine, we must pay attention and take action.
Say your rhymes, let's see if that get you out your bind
Actions speak louder than words, and we should assess people's actions to see if they are genuine and effective.
Now I'm a get the mozzarella like a Rockerfeller
I am successful and wealthy, like the Rockefeller family, and enjoy the best things in life.
Still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a cappella
Despite my success and influence, I remain connected to my roots and my spirituality, and enjoy singing religious hymns.
Whether posed in Maribella in Couture
I can be glamorous and fashionable, whether I am in Maribella or anywhere else in the world.
Or collecting residuals from off The Score
I continue to earn money from my past successes, like my album 'The Score,' even as I focus on new projects and goals.
I'm making sure I'm with the 144
I am part of a special group, the 144, who are united in a common cause or belief.
I've been here before this ain't a battle, this is war
I have faced and overcome challenges before, and I am ready and willing to fight for what I believe in.
Word to Boonie
Shout out to my friend Boonie, who has supported me and been by my side.
I makes a lot like a Sunni
I am successful and wealthy, like the Sunni Muslim population.
Get diplomatic immunity in every ghetto community
My talent and success have given me immunity and respect in every community, especially those that face poverty and hardship.
Had opportunity went from Hoodshock to Hood-chic
I had the opportunity to rise above my humble beginnings and become more fashionable and sophisticated, while still staying true to my roots.
But it ain't what you cop, it's about what you keep
Success is not just about what you acquire or buy, but also about what you hold onto and maintain over time.
And even if there are leaks, you can't capsize this ship
Even if there are setbacks or challenges, my success and influence cannot be stopped or overturned.
'Cause I baptize my lips every time I take a sip
I am pure and authentic, and my success is not just about wealth or power, but also about spreading positive messages and making a difference in the world.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LAURYN HILL, CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ashley mole
I treat this like my thesis
Well-written topic, broken down into pieces
I introduce then produce
Words so profuse it's abuse how I juice up this beat
Like I'm deuce, two people both equal
Like I'm Gemini, rather Simeon
If I Jimmy on this lock I could pop it
You can't stop it, drop it
Your whole crew's microscopic
Like particles while I make international articles
And on the cover
Don't discuss the baby mother business
I been in this third LP you can't tell me, I witness
First handed I'm candid
You can't stand it, respect demanded
And get flown around the planet
Rock Hard like granite or steel
People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel
And this is real, so I keep makin' the street's ballads
While you lookin' for dressin' to go with your tossed salad
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour!
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour!
I'm about to change the focus from the richest to the brokest
I wrote this opus, to reverse the hypnosis
Whoever's closest to the line's gonna win it
You gonna fall trying to ball
While my team win the pennant
I'm about to begin it
For a minute, then run for senate
Make a slum lord be the tenant give his money to kids to spend it
And then amend it, every law that ever prevented
Our survival since our arrival
Documented in The Bible, like Moses and Aaron
Things gon' change, it's apparent
And all the transparent gonna
Be seen through, let God redeem you
Keep your deen true
You can get the green too
Watch out what you cling to
Observe how a queen do
And I remain calm reading the 73 Psalm
'Cause with all this going on I got the world in my palm
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
Now I be breaking bread sipping
Manichevitz wine
Pay no mind party like it's 1999
But when it comes down to ground beef like Palestine
Say your rhymes, let's see if that get you out your bind
Now I'm a get the mozzarella like a Rockerfeller
Still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a cappella
Whether posed in Maribella in Couture
Or collecting residuals from off The Score
I'm making sure I'm with the 144
I've been here before this ain't a battle, this is war
Word to Boonie
I makes a lot like a Sunni
Get diplomatic immunity in every ghetto community
Had opportunity went from Hoodshock to Hood-chic
But it ain't what you cop, it's about what you keep
And even if there are leaks, you can't capsize this ship
'Cause I baptize my lips every time I take a sip
(Every time i take sips!)
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
You can get the money!, the Final Hour
You can get the money!
You can get the power!
But keep your eyes on the Final Hour
Final Hour
Final Hour
Final Hour
Nikas Hofman
treat this like my thesis
Well written topic
Broken down into pieces
I introduce then produce
Words so profuse
It's abuse how I juice up this beat
Like I'm deuce
Two people both equal
Like I'm Gemini
Rather simeon
If I Jimmy on this lock I could pop it
You can't stop it
Drop it
Your whole crew's microscopic
Like particles while I make international articles
And on the cover
Don't discuss the baby mother business
I been in this third LP you can't tell me, I witness
First handed I'm candid
You can't stand it
Respect demanded
And get flown around the planet
Rock Hard like granite or steel
People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel
And this is real
So I keep makin' the street's ballads
While you lookin' for dressin' to go with your tossed salad
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
I'm about to change the focus
From the richest to the brokest
I wrote this opus
To reverse the hypnosis
Whoever's closest
To the line's gonna win it
You gonna fall tryin to ball
While my team win the pennant
I'm about to be in it
For a minute
Then run for senate
Make a slum lord be the tenant
Give his money to kids to spend it
And then amend it
Every law that ever prevented
Our survival since our arrival
Documented in the bible
Like Moses and Aaron
Things gon change, it's apparent
And all the transparent gonna
Be seen through
Let God redeem you
Keep your deen true
Watch out what you cling to
You can get the green too
Observe how a queen do
And I remain calm readin' the 73 Psalm
'Cause wit' all this on I got the world in palm
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
Now I be breaking bread sipping Manischewitz wine
Pay no mind party like it's 1999
But when it comes down to ground beef like Palestine
Say your rhymes, let's see if that get you out your bind
Now I'm a get the mozzarella like a Rockafeller
Still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a cappella
Whether posed in Mirabella in Couture
Or collecting residuals from off The Score
I'm making sure I'm with the 144
I've been here before this ain't a battle, this is war
Word to Boonie, I make salat like a Sunni
Get diplomatic immunity in every ghetto community
Had opportunity went from Hoodshock to Hood-chic
But it ain't what you cop, it's about what you keep
And even if there are leaks, you can't capsize this ship
'Cause I baptize my lips every time I take a sip
You can get the money, you can get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
You can get the money, you can get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
You can get the money, you can get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
You can get the money, you can get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
Quelle: Musixmatch
Kenneth Green
Lauryn is simply the greatest. No one has combined rap and R&B like her and both were fire. I truly admire and love this sister.
Jess Symington
Me too
SweetPea 4EVER!
Arguably thee best track on Miseducation...and most definitely one of these best songs ever written in History regardless of genre gender or profit!
Melo
I agree 💯
Melo
As you see what I'm listening too 20yrs later like it's brand new
Dion Morgan
Agree
Anna Gerse
I'm a 65 year old African woman!! The miseducation of Lauryn Hill is my favorite hip-hop album!!
Lisa Smith
I'm totally with you!!! This is some potent LADY POWER music- food for the soul. Just curious, have you ever listened to Vicki Anderson? Supergood and Message to the Soul Sisters are songs for you sweet lady. Namaste 🙏💐
The Dreamer Kid
"Now Imma get the mozzarella like a Rockafeller still be in the church of Lalibela, singing hymns a capella, whether posed in Mirabella" is probably one of the reasons why Lauryn hill was on top 10 greatest rappers of all time.
Guesses at Truth
+The Dreamer Kid my favorite verse on the album