You may not be aware of this, but each year The Library of Congress selects 25 recordings to add to their archives. It is a collection of some of the most influential and popular music ever made.

This year, Lauryn Hill’s epic album was chosen to join the selection.

According to the press release by the Library of Congress, there are a few requirements for recordings to join the archives. The recordings must be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old.

The Library of Congress gave a lengthy explanation as to why they chose Hill’s first album.

They said:

“Lauryn Hill’s debut solo record, following the breakup of the Fugees, is a work of honesty in which Hill explores her feelings on topics that included the deep wonder of pregnancy, the pitfalls of modern relationships and the experience of the sacred. The album effortlessly fuses soul, rhythm and blues, rap and reggae. Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of conversational speech. Standout guest performances include Carlos Santana’s soulful acoustic guitar solo on ‘Zion,’ and duets with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo on ‘I Used to Love Him’ and ‘Nothing Even Matters,’ respectively.”

No matter what one things of Hill today, this was and is an instant classic. I remember being in college when the album dropped and it changed the music scene forever. The woman’s melodies, voice, rhymes and everything were on point. She left the campus and the community in a state of shock as she challenged us to think, grow and expand with her through this time in her life.

Props to you Lauryn Hill for changing the musical landscape forever!

SOUND OFF: Tough question, but what was your favorite song from this album if you can choose just one?