Samples of a Queen: Lauryn Hill

Let it be forever written that Lauryn Hill is the Queen of Hip Hop. What other MC can drop one album and maintain relevance decades after it's release. Classic. With 'Miseducation of Lauryn Hill', still selling to this day, no wonder artists are finding themselves sampling or covering her work.

Now a few days ago, Rap's golden child Drake released, 'Draft Day' that has a lot of people talking. Some are even comparing it to J. Cole's 'Cole Summer'(Mainly because they both sampled Ms. Hill.) Truth be told, both songs are cold and stand alone as dope samples, however making those side by side comparison ignore artists who have also sampled or covered Queen Hill's lovely ballads.

So to put you on game, The Lab3L has put together Top 10 covers and samples that were inspired by Lauryn Hill, Granted a few of the Queen's songs were also sampled but we'll cover that in another feature. For now, check out some of the coolest songs inspired by the Queen.

R&B 

10. "Ex Factor" 

covered by Beyoncé

First up, we have Beyonce who sang Ex Factor at her concert in Atlantic City. She changed a few notes but nothing to cray that could potentially ruin the classic. Besides, It's Queen B. Do you really think she'd embarrass herself and butcher a Lauryn Hill song?

9. "Lose Myself" 

covered by Marsha Ambrious

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. With such a unique voice she could easily sell this song as her own. Slowing down the tempo allowed for her to add that sensual flavor she's known for. This version of 'Lose Myself' easily a favorite on her Late Nights and Early Mornings album. 

8. "Tell Him" 

covered by Esperanza Spalding 

In 2009, Esperanza Spalding was of few invited to the White House for an evening of Poetry and Music. She decided to perform and acoustic version of 'Tell Him' which she beautifully orchestrated. I mean the performance speaks for itself. 

HIP HOP

7. "Lost Ones" 
sampled by Jadakiss FT. Pharrell "Knock Yourself Out"

This here is a tricky one, while there is no musical sample Jadakiss did spit a bar demo 'Lost Ones' but cited Lauryn Hill.

6. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" 
sampled by Angel Haze "Doo Wop (That Thing)"

Angel Haze took a raw approach to a more softer song. But her version did gain her a lot of fans amongst out generation who can handle rough raw lyrics. However for some, this version of a classic uplifting song doesn't do it for them. What do you think?

5. "So much things to say" 
sampled by Method Man "Say"

Method Man kept it very Wu-Tangish with song. As most know, Wu Tang is known to have that F*** the industry type of approach with their music and he brought is back with this joint. Anytime an MC is speaking truth over a nice sample, you've got our attention. Take a Listen.

4. "Nothing Even Matters" 
sampled by J. Cole "Cole Summer"

Ahh, Mr. Cole. I don't know many people who didn't appreciate this song. Not only did Cole produce this record but he also sampled it perfectly. Anytime a rapper is being open and kicks a few bars directly to the fans, you have to love it. Cole shows love, and for that he gets love in return. Definitely one of our favorites.

3. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" 
sampled by Drake "Draft Day"

You know Drizzy had to do it for us. By us, we mean all the Lauryn Hill fans. But truthfully speaking, when has Drake ever disappointed? Drake continues to show he has clever and witty ways and telling you he's what's hot. Putting out heat after heat, this sample was just another stage for Drake to show up and show out. 

2. "Zion" 
sampled by J. Cole "Can I Holla at Ya"

J. Cole on Zion was probably one of the best musical things that could happen. Similarly to how Lauryn Hill told a personal story, Cole  gives us personal accounts from his life, showing us there's no better time than now to speak what's on your mind.  

1. "Mystery of Iniquity" 
sampled by Kanye West "All Falls Down"

At number one we chose The Kanye West everyone fell in love with. This soulful song was a mirror to many issues that people are still dealing with today. In addition, did Kanye kill this sample or what? We say yes, and for that this song will be timeless, and let's not forget Syleena Johnson came through in the clutch on the hook. Even the Grammy's agreed as this song was nominated for Best Hip Hop Collaboration. 

The original "All Falls Down" features Lauryn Hill, but due to legal issues as he was acquiring rights to that version, he found it was way took complicated to continue the pursuit. Instead, the track was released on Kanye's "Freshman Adjustment" Tape. You can listen to that version below.