Lauryn Hill, born Lauryn Noelle Hill on May 26, 1975, in East Orange, New Jersey, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is often credited for breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rap, and pioneering neo-soul for mainstream audiences.

Lauryn Hill began her career as a teen actress, landing a role in the soap opera "As the World Turns" in 1991 and starring in the off-Broadway play "Club XII" alongside MC Lyte. Her performance as Rita in the film "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" in 1993 was widely praised.

She gained further prominence as the frontwoman of the hip-hop trio Fugees, which she formed in 1990 with fellow musicians Wyclef Jean and Pras. Their second album, "The Score" in 1996, peaked atop the Billboard 200 and led her to become the first woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

The album included the hit singles "Killing Me Softly," "Fu-Gee-La," and "Ready or Not." As a soloist, she made her debut guest appearance on Nas's 1996 single "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)." After the Fugees' disbandment the following year, she wrote, produced, and directed the music video for Aretha Franklin's single "A Rose Is Still a Rose" and co-produced for Whitney Houston's album "My Love Is Your Love" in 1997.

Her debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in 1998, was met with widespread critical acclaim. Its release made her the first female rapper to both debut atop the Billboard 200 and receive a diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It remains one of the best-selling albums of all time worldwide and was ranked number one on Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list.

Its lead single, "Doo Wop (That Thing)," debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 and was listed as a Song of the Century by the RIAA. Its follow-up singles, "Ex-Factor" and "Everything Is Everything," both peaked within the top 40 on the chart.

At the 41st Grammy Awards, she set the record for the most nominations in one night for a female and became the first rapper to win Album of the Year. In 1999, she became the first rapper to be featured on the cover of Time magazine, received a President's Award from the NAACP for her humanitarian work, and released the Bob Marley duet "Turn Your Lights Down Low."

Her lifestyle has been marked by her dedication to her family and her spirituality. She has six children, four with her longtime partner Rohan Marley, the son of Bob Marley, and two from other relationships. She has often spoken about the challenges and rewards of motherhood, emphasizing that her focus has always been on being a good mother.

She has homes in Florida and the Caribbean but maintains close ties to her childhood home in New Jersey.

Her personal life has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. She has been open about her struggles with fame and the pressures of the music industry. In 2013, she served a three-month prison sentence for tax evasion charges to which she pleaded guilty.

Her career has been marked by her versatility and talent. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a member of the iconic hip-hop group, The Fugees, before launching a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," remains one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time.

Some of her best songs include "Doo Wop (That Thing)," "Ex-Factor," "Everything Is Everything," "To Zion," and "Lost Ones." Her work with The Fugees also produced several iconic tracks, including "Killing Me Softly," "Ready or Not," and "Fu-Gee-La."

Throughout her career, Lauryn Hill has received numerous awards and accolades. She has won eight Grammy Awards, making her the most Grammy-awarded female rapper. Her debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making it the first hip-hop album to win the award.

She has also received four NAACP Image Awards, including the President's Award, and has been inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.