Revolutionary New Jersey singer and rapper Lauryn Hill made her show in Manchester a real family affair with support from her son Zion Marley.
‘The Celebration Continues Tour’ sees Ms. Lauryn Hill, alongside long-time industry friends and bandmates The Fugees, perform hits of the last few decades while raising a glass to her debut album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ which turned 25 last year.
And on Saturday night the tour landed at the massive Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
DJ Reborn built the atmosphere before Ms. Hill took to the stage. Playing a remix of Wonderwall by Oasis paired with Best I Ever Had by Drake, she really was combining tastes from the past and present.
Besides contributing to the success of one of the best-selling hip-hop groups of all time, Lauryn Hill also has an impressive roster of hits racked up in her solo discography too.
She made that clear with her bold entrance to Co-op Live with a dramatic version of ‘Everything is Everything’. The crowd were devoted subjects to their Queen.
Ms. Lauryn Hill performed her passionate album track ‘To Zion’ dedicated to her son before giving him the stage to entrance the audience with a collection of three reggae tracks.
The crowd were on a constant high throughout, as much as they were hyped for the visionary that is Lauryn Hill’s setlist, they gave Zion Marley the same energy too.
As the piano riff to her ground-breaking UK top three hit ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ started playing out to the Manchester crowd, everyone rises out of their seat like it’s time for the national anthem, and for Lauryn Hill fans… it is.
As she sings the infamous, ‘Guys you know you better watch out’, it’s not only the guys who need to be watching their backs for the R&B icon, as even a quarter of a century since the release of her sole studio album and magnum opus, she is showing modern-day singers who paved the way.
The setlist for this concert was packed with recognisable numbers and Wyclef Jean made an appearance to co-captain Hill as they performed a selection of The Fugees’ tracks. Hits like ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘Fu-Gee-La’ were among the many.
As Ms. Hill uttered the words ‘Ready or Not’ the crowd were louder than ever. She sings ‘Manchester you can’t hide you can’t run’ and why would we want to when we’re currently being blessed by the vocals of a 90’s icon?
Hill’s musicality has become much more than her 16-track album, she’s a mainstay in pop culture and has pioneered some of the biggest 21st century artists.
Canadian rapper Drake’s 2018 song ‘Nice For What’ samples the 1999 single ‘Ex- Factor’ while American R&B singer Kehlani has the album cover tattooed on her arm.
If you thought you could escape the female R&B and rap trailblazer, she’s made sure her legacy is continued through her bloodline with the prospects of her son and fellow recording artist YG Marley.
The 22-year-old prodigy has seen quite the success with the release of his reggae-fused melody ‘Praise Jah In The Moonlight’ across social media platforms.
Unfortunately, he was unable to attend but Ms. Hill made sure tonight was a real family affair by playing his hit through the speakers to close the show.
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It’s clear that Lauryn Hill’s music has gone on to inspire not just her generation, but future ones too and with her son now making waves with Gen Z and beyond on TikTok.
Tonight has proven that Ms. Hill and The Fugees legacy and sound will never be forgotten.
Featured Image: The Manc Group
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