Lauryn Hill returned to her roots earlier this month, surprising her former classmates at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, with an unforgettable performance. The singer serenaded her classmates with a medley of her greatest hits during their high school reunion.
Hill took the stage for an impromptu performance, delivering heartfelt renditions of songs from her celebrated career. Among the highlights was her rendition of the Fugees’ 1996 hit “Ready or Not,” where she creatively altered the lyrics to pay tribute to her alma mater. She also performed “Ex-Factor,” a soulful ballad from her critically acclaimed album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The crowd was captivated by her passionate delivery, with one former classmate describing the experience as “simply amazing” on social media.
“People traveled from out of state to love up on their village,” another classmate shared online. “It was so good for the soul.”
Lauryn Hill’s Personal Touch
Hill’s performance was more than just a musical treat; it was a heartfelt reunion with the people she grew up with. “God bless y’all. I love you so much,” she told the audience, expressing her deep connection to the community that shaped her.
The evening left many in awe, with one attendee reflecting, “I’m just waking up from last Saturday night… Was I dreaming orrrrrrr???? Did this really happen???? Ms. Hill is undoubtedly a gift from the heavens.”
This special moment came shortly after Hill and the Fugees canceled their U.S. tour dates, a decision Hill attributed to a negative “narrative” in the media affecting ticket sales.