Lauryn Hill simultaneously defined and destroyed the boundaries of genre in ways that are now deemed industry standard. A trailblazer of melodic rap and neo-soul, Hill perfectly blended the very best aspects of hip-hop and R&B for a new generation of listeners with hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.” Her 1998 solo debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, has become a seminal work of hip-hop culture.

Born Lauryn Noelle Hill in East Orange, New Jersey, she was raised by a music-oriented family who encouraged her to explore her passions both in and outside of the arts. In high school, Hill met musicians Pras and Wyclef Jean, and the three would go on to form Fugees. Throughout the hip-hop group’s many successes, namely their Grammy-winning sophomore album, The Score, Hill stood out for her evocative lyrics and smooth, soulful vocals. Fans urged her to embark on a solo career, and in 1998, Hill did just that.

Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill received rave reviews from fellow artists and music critics alike, who specifically praised Hill for her seamless genre-blending and honest representation of womanhood. Overflowing with superb tracks, the innovative concept album was awarded the 1999 Grammy for Album of the Year, with Hill also winning Best New Artist. Selling over 20 million copies worldwide and topping the Billboard 200 chart for four consecutive weeks, Miseducation is ranked Number Ten on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.

Following years of surprise tour stints and music releases, Lauryn Hill has remained a key figure in popular culture, with TIME declaring her the “Queen of Hip-Hop”” and Billboard naming her among the Top Ten of their “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time.” Inspiring countless artists with her sound and signature independent attitude, Hill and her influence have been, and will always be, limitless.

Nominee: Lauryn Hill