S. Samuel
Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill has kept her word on keeping fans updated with her by breaking down the recently released "Neurotic Society" track just weeks before she must serve a three-month sentence in prison.
In Hill’s extensive write-up, she reveals her song’s basis rests on self-awareness and taking better care of one’s self.
“Neurotic Society is a song about people not being, or not being able to be, who and what they truly are, due to the current social construct. I am not targeting any particular group of people, but rather targeting everyone in our society who hides behind neurotic behavior, rather than deal with it. The world we live in now is, in many ways, an abhorrent distortion, an accumulation of generations and generations of response to negative stimuli. Many don’t even have a concept of what normal is, by virtue of having lived afraid, ashamed, as victims of abuse, or inadequately handled for so long. I believe in coming up from under that fear and allowing the psyche/soul to truly heal. I understand that healing is a process, but I also believe that it is our responsibility to seriously care for ourselves, so that we can extend that level of concern for others and positively affect our environment. I want what is best for Humanity. Humanity, aligned with the Spiritual principles, that help each individual conquer fear, and transcend limited circumstance. I believe in healing and dealing with the traumatizing events of our lives, both in this lifetime, as well as those passed down to us, or inherited, so we can live as fully as possible.” (Lauryn Hill’s Tumblr)
She also stressed the importance of songs like “Neurotic Society” encouraging listeners to take a stand in what they believe in to change the world around them for the better.
“The whole world suffers from a lack of honest dialogue. Character and integrity have suffered at the hands of political correctness and corporate agenda, while our society moves further and further towards unhealthiness and breakdown. I oppose these trends. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs. Although I do not necessarily agree with what everyone says or does, I do believe in everyone’s right to protest. The overarching message of my music is to get up and stop compromising! And hopefully it will stimulate and motivate the changes that our society needs. Artists are constantly under media and public scrutiny. This is not a one-way street. Those of us with the charge of putting out faithful vibrations, have a responsibility to report what we see, and to write about what we know. I have seen some of the best and also some of the worst representations of human behavior. The same way that I exalt that which is high, is the same way I expose that which is abusive, in order to motivate and remind if not all of us, than as many as possible, of the Higher Calling.” (Lauryn Hill’s Tumblr)
Lauryn’s record premiered online in early May, just days before receiving her three-month prison sentence.
It’s been 15 years since Lauryn Hill released her debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Since then she hasn’t been a huge presence in the music scene … until now. Hill, 37, released a new song “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)” on her Tumblr page Saturday and stayed true to her outspoken, candid delivery by referencing her dismay over our “toxic society.” “Hello All: Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline,” she wrote. “I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music … but the message is still there.” (NY Daily News)
Despite paying her debt and receiving support from high-profile celebrities, Lauryn still received a prison sentence and home confinement earlier this month.
Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill was sentenced Monday in New Jersey to 3 months in prison on federal tax charges. Hill pleaded guilty last year to not paying federal taxes on $1.8 million earned from 2005 to 2007. A judge two weeks ago said Hill had paid only about $50,000 of more than $500,000 she owes. She faced up to a year in prison on each of three counts. Her attorney was seeking probation for her. (ABC Local)
Lauryn Hill must reportedly turn herself into authorities by early July to begin her prison sentence.
Check out “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)”:
