For years many awaited Lauryn Hill‘s return, following a decade spent living away from the public eye to raise her family.
Then, in the middle of last year, the vocalist returned to the stage delivering a number of well received sets at festivals around the USA- and dates in and around Europe.
However, just when her career seemed to be finding its footing, today saw a spanner thrown in her works. Reports claim she may be headed to jail for not paying taxes in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Taxes, that add up to become a whopping $1.5 million.
Now she has responded to the claims with a chilling open letter, shedding light on what she purports to be a dangerous music industry.
Read below…
For the past several years, I have remained what others would consider underground. I did this in order to build a community of people, like-minded in their desire for freedom and the right to pursue their goals and lives without being manipulated and controlled by a media protected military industrial complex with a completely different agenda.
Having put the lives and needs of other people before my own for multiple years, and having made hundreds of millions of dollars for certain institutions, under complex and sometimes severe circumstances, I began to require growth and more equitable treatment, but was met with resistance.
I entered into my craft full of optimism (which I still possess), but immediately saw the suppressive force with which the system attempts to maintain it’s control over a given paradigm. I’ve seen people promote addiction, use sabotage, black listing, media bullying and any other coercion technique they could, to prevent artists from knowing their true value, or exercising their full power.
These devices of control, no matter how well intentioned (or not), can have a devastating outcome on the lives of people, especially creative types who must grow and exist within a certain environment and according to a certain pace, in order to live and create optimally.
I kept my life relatively simple, even after huge successes, but it became increasingly obvious that certain indulgences and privileges were expected to come at the expense of my free soul, free mind, and therefore my health and integrity. So I left a more mainstream and public life, in order to wean both myself, and my family, away from a lifestyle that required distortion and compromise as a means for maintaining it.
During this critical healing time, there were very few people accessible to me who had not already been seduced or affected by this machine, and therefore who could be trusted to not try and influence or coerce me back into a dynamic of compromise. Individual growth was expected to take place unnaturally, or stagnated outright, subject to marketing and politics. Addressing critical issues like pop culture cannibalism or its manipulation of the young at the expense of everything, was frowned upon and discouraged by limiting funding, or denying it outright.
When one has a prolific creative output like I did/do, and is then forced to stop, the effects can be dangerous both emotionally and psychologically, both for the artist and those in need of that resource. It was critically important that I find a suitable pathway within which to exist, without being distorted or economically strong-armed.
During this period of crisis, much was said about me, both slanted and inaccurate, by those who had become dependent on my creative force, yet unwilling to fully acknowledge the importance of my contribution, nor compensate me equitably for it. This was done in an effort to smear my public image, in order to directly affect my ability to earn independently of this system. It took a long time to locate and nurture a community of people strong enough to resist the incredibly unhealthy tide, and more importantly see through it.
If I had not been able to make contact with, and establish this community, my life, safety and freedom, would have been directly affected as well as the lives, safety and freedom of my family. Failure to create a non toxic, non exploitative environment was not an option.
As my potential to work, and therefore earn freely, was being threatened, I did whatever needed to be done in order to insulate my family from the climate of hostility, false entitlement, manipulation, racial prejudice, sexism and ageism that I was surrounded by. This was absolutely critical while trying to find and establish a new and very necessary community of healthy people, and also heal and detoxify myself and my family while raising my young children.
There were no exotic trips, no fleet of cars, just an all out war for safety, integrity, wholeness and health, without mistreatment denial, and/or exploitation. In order to liberate myself from those who found it ok to oppose my wholeness, free speech and integral growth by inflicting different forms of punitive action against it, I used my resources to sustain our safety and survival until I was able to restore my ability to earn outside of it!
When artists experience danger and crisis under the effects of this kind of insidious manipulation, everyone easily accepts that there was something either dysfunctional or defective with the artist, rather than look at, and fully examine, the system and its means and policies of exploiting/’doing business’.
Not only is this unrealistic, it is very dark in its motivation, conveniently targeting the object of their hero worship by removing any evidence that they ‘needed’ or celebrated this very same resource just years, months or moments before.
Since those who believe they need a hero/celebrity outnumber the actual heroes/celebrities, people feel safe and comfortably justified in numbers, committing egregious crimes in the name of the greater social ego. Ironically diminishing their own true hero-celebrity nature in the process.
It was this schism and the hypocrisy, violence and social cannibalism it enabled, that I wanted and needed to be freed from, not from art or music, but the suppression/repression and reduction of that art and music to a bottom line alone, without regard for anything else. Over-commercialization and its resulting restrictions and limitations can be very damaging and distorting to the inherent nature of the individual. I Love making art, I Love making music, these are as natural and necessary for me almost as breathing or talking.
To be denied the right to pursue it according to my ability, as well as be properly acknowledged and compensated for it, in an attempt to control, is manipulation directed at my most basic rights! These forms of expression, along with others, effectively comprise my free speech! Defending, preserving, and protecting these rights are critically important, especially in a paradigm where veiled racism, sexism, ageism, nepotism, and deliberate economic control are still blatant realities!!!
Learning from the past, insulating friends and family from the influence of external manipulation and corruption, is far more important to me than being misunderstood for a season! I did not deliberately abandon my fans, nor did I deliberately abandon any responsibilities, but I did however put my safety, health and freedom and the freedom, safety and health of my family first over all other material concerns! I also embraced my right to resist a system intentionally opposing my right to whole and integral survival.
I conveyed all of this when questioned as to why I did not file taxes during this time period. Obviously, the danger I faced was not accepted as reasonable grounds for deferring my tax payments, as authorities, who despite being told all of this, still chose to pursue action against me, as opposed to finding an alternative solution.
My intention has always been to get this situation rectified. When I was working consistently without being affected by the interferences mentioned above, I filed and paid my taxes. This only stopped when it was necessary to withdraw from society, in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of myself and my family.
As this, and other areas of issue are resolved and set straight, I am able to get back to doing what I should be doing, the way it should be done. This is part of that process. To those supporters who were told that I abandoned them, that is untrue.
I abandoned greed, corruption, and compromise, never you, and never the artistic gifts and abilities that sustained me.
Too Long!
That was beautiful and authentic….you don’t get many people who speak out about what the true agenda is for record companies…which is “$$$”…….I appreciate and respect her decisions….and I think this is going to be just the beginning of this season….thanx lauryn…..and learn to read some substance hater (toowong)…..
What she was saying makes you wonder just what Rihanna is going through. Now I really believe that the Chris Brown incident in 2009 was a set up and they used Rihanna to bring him down. All is clear now because I remember when one of these record labels wanted Chris to join them and he didn’t. I believe it was Roc Nation or the label Jay-Z left from or maybe L.A. Reid. This all makes sense now.
Darren, that was funny and stupid and ridiculous
@Chk-ahh
Don’t give a f*** how funny,stupid,ridiculous this may sound but I must say Lauryn has opened up my eyes while yours are wired shut
I wasn’t laughing at that.
I was laughing at the association you made with what Lauryn Hill said to… Chris Brown
@Chk-ahh
The association I made is from what Lauryn Hill said about the industry and how they f*** up your image if you are not apart of them. So my point is Chris never joined them nor sold his soul for fame. But what they did to him is on the same level of what they did to Lauryn. F*** up their image. The least little thing they do people call them crazy.
Absolutely! The truth will always come to light and the agenda of the industry is being exposed. Michael jackson and Whitney Houston lives and demises (and countless others) reflect what Ms. Hill so eloquently divulged.
SPEAK! BLESS YOU DARREN
In in two words you sum up what society has been trying ans has done to us. Short attention spans for that good knowledge, just for short bursts of foolishness.
God strengthen and increase you knowledge wisdom and understanding Lauryn.
Ok Lauryn…we feel you gurl! But we gon’ need you to pay your taxes like the rest of us do! GTFOH if you don’t want to! Regular folks opressed by whatever machine everday and still paying their taxes boo!
Dear Beyonce,
Make YOUR letters sound as eloquent as this and we will take them seriously.
Kind Regards,
Half Amazin!
It’s a process. Once u realize what the industry is about and you choose to do otherwise, they throw the tax fees on you on purpose.. It’s not that she didn’t want to pay em… Just like the threw Chris brown and dmx in jail.
There in itself lies a problem. Why are the less fortunate and middle class paying all the taxes while the rich get richer? When will people wake up and say enough is enough? Mind boggling how complacent we are.
LAUREN ! THE MUSIC YOU MAKE IN THE NAME OF GOD WITH THE ONLY PARTICIPATION OF YOUR MUSICIANS AND NOT YOURS MUST ONWARDLY CONVEY THE SCRIPTURAL FOLLOW-UP TO YOUR UNPLUGGED TO ZERO! YOU ARE TOTALLY SPACE-LAGGED FROM THE IMPACT YOU WISHED FROM YOUR “BRAND NEW DAY” JUST BECAUSE…JUST BECAUSE YOU MADE IT OUT HIS WINGS. AND, NO ONE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY MAY CONCRETELY CANCEL IT OR PLAY IT BEFORE GOD YOU DIDN’T DO IT. WHERE ARE “YOU” GONNA GO NOW BUT IN EXISTENCE AT UNTRYING TO ERASE WHAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ‘PERPETRATED’? WHAT ARE “YOU” GONNA DO NOW BUT OFFERING YOURSELF A TIME IN JAIL FOR UNPAYING WHAT IS MOSTLY REFUNDED IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS? WHAT ARE “YOU” GONNA SAY NOW THAT NONE OF ALL YOU CONVEYED DIRECTLY CONCERNS ANYONE OF US HERE AND OVER THERE TOO? GOOD LUCK LAUREN!!!TRY A LITTLE CRYING NEXT TIME YOU WANNA BE OUTTA WHAT YOU ONLY CONSIDER TO BE AT THAT DISTURBS YOU SO MUCH IF YOU WOULDN’T. NOBODY REQUIRED YOU OUT OF YOUR FAMILY, SO STAY WITH THEM AND DON’T VAMPIRIZE THEM TOO MUCH LIKE YOU HAVE LET BE WITH YOUR BEARERS!!!
OKAY, LET’S START A PETITION SO “SHE” SHOULDN’T PAY TAXES LIKE A 6-9 HR WORKER, WHO MAKES SURE HER HOTEL ROOM AMONGST ANY OTHER “SHE” COULD HAVE’S CLEAN. NEXT POSTER STARTS IT UP, LAUREN: TOWARDS AND AGAINST ALL!?! YOU FIT NOWHERE LEGITIMACY IS, TOO BAD!!!
AND YEAH! KEEP YOU CLEAN! DON’T SHOW UP AT THE TRIAL NEXT FRIDAY! A WAY TO KEEP YA INCONTRADICTED…petition…petition…petition…petition…
It’s just incredible to here an intelligent artist tell the truth about the industry and what lies behind the smoke and mirrors, i saw Lauryn in concert and was blown away she is INCREDIBLE, i’m glad she set the record straight, whenever artist are fighting for there artist freedom they are labelled as crazy, the same was said about Prince when he decided to be known as The Artist, I hope Ms Hill gets all of this sorted out and finally we get to here some new music, she’s a Legend
She is so articulate
Agree with you a billion times. This is beautiful!
damn!!!!!! I wonder if she did a slew of concerts to raise the money would the record companies take it away? you know they’re greedy and shady as all hell…
Just like we think Rihanna is making all that money. These greedy m************ I bet they are taking a big part of it. Did you read the part where she said they f*** up your image. This is some deep s*** Lauryn is saying
Get over Rihanna.
She is NOT a creative artist. So the above doesn’t apply to her.
She might not be as creative as Lauryn granted but she is a artist. We are all artist just in many forms.
These are just my words- Infinity and Beyond
grrrrrl you also neglected to pay taxes!
That was beautiful and authentic….you don’t get many people who speak out about what the true agenda is for record companies…which is “$$$”…….I appreciate and respect her decisions….and I think this is going to be just the beginning of this season….thanx lauryn…..
This is a great time in music!
Read between the lines. I don’t believe she is saying their agenda is money directly, or even implying it.
She is pointing out to you the kind of tactics they use when you refuse to conform to the image they want.
They want a certain image not just because it sells — they want a certain image because of how it affects society. Wake up, folks — the record companies are just another arm of the “mainstream media” and the entire mainstream media is trying to brainwash you.
This is a war for your mind and soul. It sounds to me like lauryn understands this, as she became a direct victim.
And would everyone please STFU about taxes? I can understand wanting to be fair, and that everyone “should” have to pay if anyone does. But there are mega-rich corporations and some of their top employees who get away with tax s*** that would make your head spin. As she explains in the letter — she was damn near in hiding. Some things take priority. Also realize that “tax evasion” is a tool of the system to criminalize people who they otherwise have no “legal” recourse to arrest and/or harrass.
Seriously… wake up. This is your alarm. Do not hit the snooze button. You may regret if you do…
Thank You!! I was reading along all the comments waiting to see if someone really understood what she meant. All you have to do is listen to the words in her Unplugged album and clearly hear everything. Satan uses music to grasp on to peoples souls. There is much more important thing going on in this world than the majoriity of people understand. Full of ignorant people and they want us to stay that way, blinded by the beats of a song. The messages that are in music these days are molding todays generation into pupets. Again, thank you for posting.
@the truth…the best comment posted! you hit it on point.
But she didn’t pay her taxes so what exactly is the problem here?
Girls you know you’d- better, watch out (Watch out!)
Some guys, some guys are only about (About!)
That thing, that thing, that thing! (Thing!)
I love her, great memories back in the day when Music was still alive.
Its coming back, seek the true music and you will find it.
@BEYONCE’S WEAVE
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO LEARN TO HAVE SOME ORIGINALITY AND THINK OF THEIR OWN DAMN NAME.
PIECE OF WEAVE IS THE ORIGINAL- WHAT IS YOU? WHAT IS YOU?
ERASE YOUR EXISTENCE .
PIECE OF WEAVE HAS SPOKEN.
Firstly i must say i missed Piece of Weave!!!!!
Secondly, although these words were too long for this kind of blog, many a true words were said.
Example. Alexandra Burke is blacklisted and i feel that this is due to the fact that Simon never wanted her to win, that she re-signed elsewhere, and that she always thanks god for her success and mentions her faith.
Alexandra Burke to me is a great artist, but I’m not sure if she has been able to let go and share who she is fully in her music. At the ened of the day labels want hits. Why was Lauryn Hill’s album so impactful? It was real from her mind and spirit. That is what remains. That can come in so many sounds but as long as its really from the heart/spirit people will feel that and connct with that.
These are my words- Infinity and Beyond
Why are you telling me this?
Because i love you and you silky wavy ways
As much as I believe her struggle, admire her talent and applaud her contributions to an otherwise shallow and corrupted music industry; I simply don’t buy such struggle as an excuse for her tax predicament. You are a US citizen exercising your legal rights as such by simply residing in the US – so contribute financially in order to ensure those rights and pay your taxes like the rest of the population.
Thank you!!!! That’s exactly what I said on twitter. No one is denying her talent or her words about the music industry. However, she is a US citizen and is required to file/pay taxes. She’s has failed to do so for 3years. Her words, although eloquently written does not excuse her from these rules.
i think you all are over simplifying the process it would take for someone in her shoes to file taxes… she would have to work closely for a very long period of time or over multiple sessions with the very people she believed was threatening her.. in 2009 one of the musicians who performed on her ’07 tour was tweeting some ms hill quotes. here is one of them:
@aagee613 I don’t think ya’ll understand… They tried to kill me! Ms Hill on the industry Japan 2007
1:24 PM Apr 20th from TwitterBerry
link: http://fugeesonline.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=lauryn&action=display&thread=3192
I just wonder if she paid taxes for the years following 07. If she did, she’s prob. telling the truth and really genuine when she says it was difficult for her to pay those years. Anyway, maybe we can help her.
I do think with her contribution to music and to the world, with her first album alone– she deserves to not have these issues. & I don’t EVER remember seeing pics of her frolicking on the beach, or driving fancy cars– you know, like MANY other artists.
So Sam,does this mean your going to to stop shading Lil Kim with the Tax evasion line that you always put in her post.
of course not… that b**** ass n**** sam is obsessed of lil kim.
I got through more than half of it for now, but this long essay actually revealed to me that Lauryn Hill is far from crazy! She’s conscious and more aware than I thought. I see how some artist struggle and deal with obstacles that the “willing” and “exploited” seem to avoid. The music industry is very destructive and it’s becoming more and more like a prison with every passing year. I pray for Lauryn’s well being and I hope that she finds a way out of her financial troubles. I admire her strength and I think she’s really brave to be speaking out the way she is.
http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.com
Yes Lauryn is brave. MJ was going to tell the world about the industry then he died or was he killed?
he was killed!
La Toya voice ” He was murdered!”.
I have new fould love and respect for this woman. She so articulate and smart.
Lauryn Hill >>> your fave
I absolutely love and admire this woman…..Many are asleep. Distracted by the glitter.
I think a lot of people are missing the point of what she is saying in regards to the tax problem. She basically said she is being taxed on money she did not collect. The money went to “certain institutions” but she is bearing the blame.
basically!
BRAVO JASMINE!!!! THIS JUDGMENTAL QUASI INTELLIGENT GROUP OF IDIOTS CANNOT CONCEPTUALIZE ANYTHING BUT NEGATIVITY AND UNNECESSARY DRAMA. SHE IS LITERALLY BEING “PUNISHED” FOR NOT COMPLYING. PRINCE AND SEVERAL ARTIST PROTESTED THEIR ISSUES; LAURYN CHOSE A DIFFERENT ROUTE. IT IS QUITE SELECTIVE HOW THE POWERS TO BE TEND TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHO THEY ATTACK. BEING ACCUSED OF TAX “EVASION” IS NOT UNCOMMON NEITHER IS CREATING A PLAN TO RECTIFY THE MATTER. THIS PUBLIC TYRANNY IS WICKED AND ANCIENT AS THE SALEM WITCH HUNTS. WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR INTELLIGENT ARTIST. THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO OPEN OUR MINDS, HEARTS AND SOULS. THE INDUSTRY DOESN’T WANT US TO THINK BECAUSE WE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO BE MANIPULATED SO EASILY BY THEM, THE ARTIST THEY CHOOSE TO “ALLOW” TO BE HEARD! IT IS ALL WRAPPED UP IN GREEDY INTENT HIP-HOPCRACY! THESE ARTIST ARE TOO VALUABLE. TUPAC SAID: “EVEN WHEN I AM DEAD I AM GOING TO BE A PROBLEM!” SUPPORT LAURYN HILL!!!
@Jasmine
This is what I was saying above that these artists that’s in that 360 contrat don’t get what the list said. Yes you made 50 million but what people don’t know most of it goes to others. Fans spend all their money making a song #1 to fill the pockets of the others while the artist get very little of it. They need to get rid of that 360 contract but I guess they won’t because it’s bringing in alot of maoney.
Jasmine you are very wise!
The entertainment business has always been a source of debauchery so what is her point?! She has been in it since a t*** and now that she is being threatened to go to jail for not paying taxes on all the millions she has made, all of a sudden the business that has been her bread and butter for years is ‘the devil’. Well Lauryn Hill sold her soul to the devil now she realizes the devil is a liar. If she cares so much about music she could have finished college with a music degree and taught the future artist the ‘true meaning’ of being an artist without the need for the excess of the ‘industry’. God Bless her but too many artist in the industry are delusional and that includes Lauryn HIll. I hope she gets it together.
ANOTHER ONE WHO HAS “MISSED” THE POINT! LAWD GEESUS!
I beg to differ. They’ve made a valid point as well. They just don’t necessarily agree with the points Ms. Hill made and that’s fine; merely a difference in perspectives on the matter at hand.
Lord please keep your arms of protection around lauryn and her family
it see like when one speaks out againts the evil powers of the industry it ends in tragedy
It’s she was writing that at Illuminati in chief Jay z
PREACH LAURYN!!!1
THAT’S A REAL WOMAN
GAGA ACTS LIKE SHE HATES THE INDUSTRY YET SHE CONTINUES TO PUT OUT ALBUM AFTER ALBUM AND DO WORLD TOUR
AN ARTIST THAT TRUELY HATES THE INDSTURY AND EVERYTHING IT STANDS FOR WILL DO A COMPLETE 180 AND LEAVE.
NOT SAY “I HATE THE INDUSTRY” while doing promo and stuff
LAURYN HILL BETTER SPEAK THESE DEVILS DOWN!
HALLELUJAH
Gaga is under contract with UMG…not her fault, it’s a dirty game…many artists are fed up with the crap in the industry but have to continue to play the game because of contracts and money..US Pop Radio completely dissed Marry The Night By Gaga as a way to teach her a lesson…US Radio is the source of most of this crapola being pushed…I wish the best for Gaga, she’s just making a living on her grind…Lauryn has my respect but she should get the tax issue corrected and become an Indie artist….
Reading Lauryn’s letter reminded me of the Inside the Actor’s Studio with Dave Chapelle. It is unfortunate that many artists are put in a position where they have to sacrifice themselves to the defunct system that is the music industry, just to spread their message to millions of people- messages that may truly inspire and spark change. At the same time, they say only two things in life are guaranteed: death and taxes, so I hope she can resolve the matter in a decent manner. She has had such a great impact and her departure has been long enough.
@ PIECE OF WEAVE
I think there is room for more than one weave on this blog, don’t you think?
So sit and STFU because Beyonce’s Weave is here to stay.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL Y’ALL SILLY! LOLOLOLOLOLOL! YOU ARE NOT PLAYING WITH HER BEYONCE’S WEAVE! LOLOLOLOLOL THIS IS UNBE”WEAVABLE” LOLOLOL I LOVE IT! THE WEAVE WARS! “GO BEYONCE!”, “GO BEYONCE!” “GET YO WEAVE ON”, “GET YO WEAVE ON!”
no worries ms hills,you have people out here who love and respect you,i know you will get through this.
I really appreciate her honesty, many young people need to read this because many of them want to be music artist but don’t know some of the ramifications of the industry. I hate to be superstitious but I’m honestly scared for her now that this letter has come out; it really seems like when people speak out against the industry, something bad happens. I wish her all the best…
Lauryn Hill is delusional…..this sounds all too familiar as to what Michael Jackson dealt with and talked about, except w/ him it was more believable becuz he was making so much money, and had so much commercial power.
Umm
Lauryn Hill’s debut album was a commercial and critical SMASH!
If she had produced more, which she is more than capable of, she would soon have much more commercial power than you would know…
DON’T F****** DELETE MY POSTS SAM
Anyway like I said This INDUSTRY IS FULL OF DEVIL WORSHIPPERS
LADY GAGA SAYS THAT SHE HATES THE INDUSTRY YET HER ASS KEEPS PROMOTING THEM TIRED ASS ALBUMS. SHE IS A LIAR.
LAURYN KEPT HER WORLD. TELL THE TRUTH B****!
THEN JUDGE YOURSELF! LOLOLOLOL
GaGa is probaly under that 360 contract. I hope not because if she is then that answers you question about her liking the industry. Once you sell you soul to the devil (industry) you be surprised what they want you to do. If they want you to show ass then that’s what you going to do. If the indurstry want you to eat p****,suck d*** that what you going to do to become a superstar for the devil with a very small bank account. This is why Jasmine Sullivian left because she was not selling her soul. She said that she only wanted to sing but that was not happening unless she sold her soul
Lauryn Hill is telling us DO NOT JOIN THE ILLUMINATI.
I am so happy Ms. Hill wrote this letter but as a true fan I would want her to be ok first then have the music even if I have to have The Miseducation of Lauren Hill as her finally album. Why are people shocked at how well written the letter was when she was accepted to Columbia University. She could start a website for like minded artist and still continue her mission.
I wish Ms. Hill all the best and if she wants to create music I will be checking for her. Nas and her would be a great team.
follow mrtooincredible on twitter bout illuminati
This is not about illuminate you idiots. It’s about the evils of the U.S. government and capitalism across the world. Illuminati is just a scapegoat for the worlds real enemies.
Do you even know what is the illuminati? better yet the Bilderberg?
THis is what the illuminati is. Not literally satanic but people that wan to control your life and your money and own you.
God bless her
Wow…she couldnt have said it better, this just screams “Chris Brown” as regards to oppression. It was MJ, Whitney, who’s next? Rihanna? Chris brown? I am afraid for Chris and respect to Lauryn Hill for having the guts to come out and say it, there are so many ignorant music listeners out there and are easily manipulated by the mainstream media into labelling, hating, judging…wow again as a breezy fan I am worried about his skinny frame is it depression or DRUGS? SMH.
The only ignorant listeners, are the ones who listen to ‘artists’ like Chris Brown and Rihanna.
Chris Brown beat a woman. He deserves the judging and hating and labelling he gets. Not to mention, his music is bad.
Ok hope you have a wonderful day then.
Doesn’t everybody ALREADY know this…?
Lauryn Hill does seem delusional.
Because the industry is corrupt, she thinks she shouldn’t pay her taxes?
No one is above the law. Don’t practise what you condemn Lauryn.
You sir…Are a fool.
Sorry if I can’t see why Her Tax Bill has anything to do with the music industry being dangerous????
Not in the slightest. You all are missing the reason for her statement. The issue is she failed to pay taxes and could be facing jail time as a result. I don’t care how much I adore a celebrity, the rules still apply. The vile music industry and her displeasure with that industry does not excuse her from following the rules. We are all taxed. We don’t like many things about this country, does that mean we get to hide out and no longer pay taxes simply because we feel systems are debauched?
That’s exactly my point. Thankyou
IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN IN A SITUATION WITH THE IRS YOU KNOW THAT THEY CAN LITERALLY DECIDE HOW TO HANDLE YOU DEBT! TO MAKE HER ISSUE PUBLIC IS EXACTLY THE TACTICS SHE IS REFERRING TO IN ORDER TO GAIN CONTROL, DIMINISH INTEGRITY, DISCREDIT AND HARM HER! REMEMBER “SOMEBODY” TOLD THE PRESS! AND IT IS UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE YOUR FATE HOWEVER “ANYONE” IS SUBJECT TO INCARCERATION FOR TAX EVASION. ON THE OTHER HAND, IT “DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL BE TRIED IN THAT MANNER. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, JAIL IS NOT THE OPTION! AND FOR YOU GUYS THAT ARE MISSING THE MESSAGE, (AND THERE ARE “MANY” OF YOU MISSING THE MESSAGE), PLEASE READ JASMINE’S COMMENT IT WILL SHED A LITTLE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT FOR YA’. SPREAD LOVE!
Lauren…you were with the Fugees for years. I don’t know what type of contract you signed but your album and sells were incredible. We all have to pay taxes. It’s the law. A lot of you 90s artist didn’t pay and now owe Uncle Sam. Hell Ronald Isley did a 3 yr bid for avoiding the tax man. He’s been in the game for decades. Wesley Snipes is still in prison. You were top notch R&B and every race color loved you. You are a songwriter and producer. Hollywood was beating down your door. You were triple threat. There were so many things u could have done for money. Sorry to say but you let a man put a dimmer on your light for years and you became a baby making machine instead of a musical legend. Sometimes the heart and having someone’s love is all that matters. Now that your man has moved on and female rap has made a drastic change, here you are gracing us with your musical presence. If you hated this game so much you would not be trying to return to it. Someone was on tv said that in Hollywood you can’t make a living but you can make a fortune. That’s some real s*** for ya. I will support you because u are my sista but let’s deal with the real. The music industry was shady before we were even born. Would u prefer to be an artist back in the day where they stole your creation, gave it to white artist and barely gave u a dollar or a thanks. U obviously feel you made the right choice though. Put it in a book and make some money.
Touché.
Preach. I feel her pain but isnt it funny shes making a return to music now her man has left her.
Thats how men are. He bred her left right and centre and when he was done he went back to his wife leaving you with the kids and unpaid taxes.
I hope Rihanna doesnt end up the same way and I hope Beyonce gets smart and realizes the same thing could happen to her.
Thats illuminati for you!
I can guarantee when beyonce has had enough of this b******* then beyonce too will recieveve bad press etc.
yet they give idiots like beyonce an award for writing.. this is written by a very intelligent woman
Truth
HEYY! Beyonce PAID for those aware fare and square! 😉
Awards*
I love Lauryn to death but what Im going to say wont be nice…
I know she was distrusting of the industry but if anyone was in a position to beat ‘the system’ it was her because she had such a strong following who would support her with or without bad press.
Lauryns biggest problem is that she dedicated her ENTIRE being to a man who didnt even love her enough to leave his wife for her. Lauryn had so much going for her, the movies, the music so I’m shocked that she doesn’t have enough money to pay her taxes UNLESS she signed a shady contract which ate the money she earned before and after the miseducation.
If thats the case I feel bad for her but if not, I hope women take this as alesson. No matter how much you love a dude ALWAYS put your self first cos lets be honest, I doubt her baby daddy is planning to help her through this problem.
word
She’s smart and very articulate. I hope she rectify this issue and get back into the studio and give her fans another album.. I LOVED the Unplugged album a great deal. However I disapproved of her lack of professionalism when she shows up during her live shows.
“I entered into my craft full of optimism (which I still possess), but immediately saw the suppressive force with which the system attempts to maintain it’s control over a given paradigm. I’ve seen people promote addiction, use sabotage, black listing, media bullying and any other coercion technique they could, to prevent artists from knowing their true value, or exercising their full power”
***YES, Chris Brown pay attention baby!***
Lauryn is basically saying what I’ve been seeing in the music industry from the “POWERS THAT BE” for quite awhile now!! Thought Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson Beyonce, Usher and the new media favorite Justin Bieber have and currently sing LIVE LEAD VOCALS over a backtrack while doing a heavy dance routine, ONLY Chris Brown has been accused of LIP SYNCING A SONG….LOL! ..”black listing, media bullying ” <– speak on it L-Boogie! 🙂
Gurl, pay your taxes and STFU! Lol! Just playing Lauryn, still love you boo!
Lauryn has always been an very liberal…. very intelligent….and kinda a rebel against the music industry. She is a genius in my opinion… her unplugged album is the most lyrical, liberating album in the world…
With that being said, I dont excuse Lauryn for showing up hours late to a concert which hard working citizens (all of which have to pay taxes) paid their money. If she needed to go underground, I respect and understand that. Hell, we all have felt at some point that our freedoms might be jeopardized (esp if you’re a black male in america)… but because we continue to stay in this hell bound country, we have to abide by its rule. Withdrawal from society, unfortunately, isn’t reason enough to not pay your taxes. They dont care that your liberties may have been compromised, all they know is that you are residing in some sort of dwelling, using some type of transportation, eating some type of food, wearing some type of clothes, using some type of electricity, using some type of water….. and all of this requires that you pay taxes.
Much love and respect to the lyrical queen Ms. Hill….I really wish she’d write a book or come out with an audio book….
i love her.
i have followed lauryns work very closely for a very long time i feel like i need to set the record straight:
1. Rohan MArley was divorced before his first child with Lauryn was conceived
2. Lauryn has submitted at least two albums to her record company (THAT I KNOW OF)… they were turned down…. it must really be a smack in the face for her when fans say “f*** what you’re going through, just give me an album”… when in reality what she is going through is RESISTANCE to putting out an album
3. Lauryn’s grandmother had thirteen child some very close to lauryns age they grew up more like siblings.. she liked the idea of having a large family and has procreated accordingly.
4. Now that you all know Ms. Hills feelings on the industry and control… where do you think Wyclef fits in? In a 2005 article for Essence magazine ms, hill said “the fugees was a conspiracy to control”.. Wyclef would be very happy to sell integrity and freedom for money and fame that is why the reunion will not happen
5. For someone with four corporations, income from international concerts, movie and film royalties.. FILING TAXES IS NOT AS EASY AS WALKING INTO H&R BLOCK… her responsibilities as an American aside, she clearly felt that her life and health was in danger from the very institution that she would have to work very closely with in order to file taxes… Who’s to say that an “accident” could not possibly occur during or in transit to the record label offices for a meeting with the accountants? if you feel like you life is in danger, f*** a tax return! and besides if she wasn’t given the money by the middlemen then they should share some responsibility for filing.
i could say so much more but i just want to encourage, if not understanding of Ms. Hill, at least patience and the reservation of judgement. PRAY FOR HER AND HER FAMILY, HER YOUNGEST IS NOT YET ONE YEAR OLD…
God bless
Let’s be real here. This talk about being underground and so forth does not EXCUSE her from paying her taxes all citizens do and Lauryn is making excuses for her self its a shame and it will not work 1.3 million in back taxes does not happen overnight and she is at fault not what ever it is she is trying too blame. This who hoolaa for what???? She is only making herself look like a bigger fool. You did not pay your taxes end of story
Many of these Citizens United people (“corporations”) don’t pay ANY taxes. The MIC is supported by real human people who pay their taxes and those who pay with their lives if they are military personnel.
We should all STOP paying taxes and break the back this corrupt system. If the bulk of our tax dollars were spent on serving human need instead of corporate greed, I would think and act differently. What we have now is a system that denies people universal health care but ensures universal war.
Finally someone with balls!
Thank you Lauryn Hill for having the balls to bring this out for others to know!
I’m sick of these creeps getting away with all that they do! So many beautiful and talented people out there that get caught up in this EVIL system. So many beautiful women treated like whores and promoted as whores. This industry needs to be stopped. And yeah we all know Jay Z (Evil #1) is the head of all this.
He needs to be canned (literally). What happend to MJ, Whitney…not necessary!
But he knew they had something to say…
God bless Lauryn, keep her safe and help her to help others.
way too long and does she smoke weed?
I have to say I’ve always admired Lauryn as an artist and she is the one of a few artists who got out while they can and I love the fact that she is grounded eben though she is one of the best vocalists ever!
I love this article and I love u ms. hill I admire and respect u so much you inspire me to be a better artist and human being much love sister
Lauryn… I always love your Art and you were missed which sadden me by not knowing the reason until I found this and other informative web site postings of yours that explains your absence. I am much happier knowing that your choice is of the best for the best.
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice, it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved and you have done just that, the end results is you are at the top, you are the winner…” luv ya always” Bless
I applaude you Ms. Hill for taking the stand to the corruption of the obstructed minds of the Industry known as music showing the true form of the agenda “Control” “one world Order” in order to have level in the craft. You have given a insight into the world known as the “Illuminati” the illusion of what is not. It’s sad to see people being controlled and not even know it. Anyone in mainstream has already sold their soul to the Industy the question is if they are a victimizer or victim hence the truth behind “Mystery of Iniquity” and “I Get Out”. Wake up sleeping people for you are caught up in the illusion. Your on fire and don’t even know it. The reality behind politics, music , and Hollywood. Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his SOUL?
i love this woman…and she is definitely a strong GOD FEARING human and that to me is enough from her..i salute u Lauren, they have tried to make u look like u craze but there is that few that knows the truth and know exactly what u talking about. And with the knowledge u keep sharing and with the help of God, i hope many will start seeing the real light and find the true love in God
Mwa
Yes gurl! Just like poetry! The truth is coming out! RESISTANCE!
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to grasp so much about this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I feel that you can do with a few p.c. to drive the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Really? Just shut up and crawl away to the darkness troll devil…
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And the sad thing is that even though she flat said the music industry DOES have an agenda and is a dark, unhealthy, DANGEROUS environment that promotes immorality and drug use some and is intentionally out to corrupt the morals and values of minors, some will stay discredit her or deny that there is anything dark, shady and wrong going on in the music industry or in Hollywood at all.
How many insiders have to expose the industry? How many celebrities have to dies under strange circumstances? How many more time do we need to hear Randy Quaid expose how celebrities are dying SUDDENLY and MYSTERIOUSLY?
These folks are not crazy. They know what they’ve been through. Hollywood and the music industry is sick and on life support.