Music Review: The Miseducation Of Eunice Waymon, Amerigo Gazaway

2 LEGENDS, 1 ALBUM 

Any fan of Lauryn Hill (one of the greatest female Hip-Hop artists of the millennia) must know that one of her biggest influences was Nina Simone. Despite the femcee’s fall from the spotlight, her album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ remains a priceless, graceful addition to the world of Hip-Hop.

She did, in fact, defecate on the microphone whenever she sang or spit a verse. The mix of her vocals and the strong, classic voice of Nina Simone was pure genius.

Amerigo Gazaway's splendid ode to these greats seemed to have been birthed from my own nostalgia and would transport my soul to the heart of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Blues. The very first medley blew me away. Lauryn's vibrato echoes "Feeling Good" in the style of Nina.

The bass drops a hardcore balance with the iconic brass notes that punch you in the ears. The piano sounds perfectly compliment the composition as a 1950's host introduces Nina's voice. From the beginning, one could already expect a classically powerful experience and Nina x Lauryn deliver just that.

Thankfully, Gazaway, a DJ hailing from Berkeley, was unafraid to mix tracks from the Fugees (a Hip Hop trio of lyrical prowess - that also delivered one of the most iconic album covers of all time) with interviews, live concerts, and glimpses of the original tracks sampled by the artists.

Every element of this album created a surreal experience that equally showcased Lauryn and Nina exceptionally. It also helps that they both have amazing skills musically, have powerful lyrics and flaunt a strong kinship to empower the Black Woman.

The profundity of this mashup of Brown Baby and Zion is undeniable. Nina's voice simply sings "Brown baby. Brown Baby." in her sultry, almost eerily poignant tone accents adds a unique dynamic to Lauryn's lyrics and passionate singing. 

Noted favorites are "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" / "Fu-gee-la" and the jazzy direction Gazaway took in "Sweetest Thing" / "If I Should Lose You". Even the feeling of redemption in the mix between "Ooh Child" / If I Ruled the World" was highly appreciated for the brightness of a 70' track that reminded me of Crooklyn, church and Nas, all in one.

"Take It Easy" / "Take Care of Business" is definitely a banger, if not for the instrumental alone, then for Lauryn's rhythmic flow as she rides Gazaway's new bass line under the 2005 Fugees track. 

If you're a Hip Hop Head, a DJ, a music producer, or a music lover in general, Nina X Lauryn has everything you need. The organization, song selection and mixing is expert. The strong chillhop vibe is perfect for any setting. The dope rhymes and spectacular vocals arise at every turn. 

Music buffs everywhere have their ideal collaborations of their favorite artists - I'm still waiting on a Mos Def and Kendrick Lamar album! Amerigo Gazaway has gone above and beyond bringing to life a fantasy album I didn't even know I was yearning for. I learned more about Nina Simone, while being educated by this album.

I heard new rhymes I had missed over the years from Lauryn Hill and naturally, was more than impressed by all of it. Nina X Lauryn delivers all the feels, vibes, and beats you could ever ask from a Classical Jazz / Blues / Hip-Hop / R&B mashup; it is a piece of audio tapestry to keep in your collection forever.