When musicians face legal and financial troubles, all they really need to do is get a reality show or a record contract to solve these issues, and Lauryn Hill, who was amassing hundreds of thousands in late tax payments, chose the latter. The outspoken artist signed a million-dollar deal with Sony Music that stipulates she release five new songs and a full album as a way to avoid going to jail. Whether we think that the singer, known for her wide-reaching social critiques, is exhibiting a conflict of interest in making this decision is you know, whatever. Since Hill hasn't released any new music since her MTV Unplugged album in 2002, it's nice to see her back on the horse, regardless of the circumstances. Along with an angry post inciting her now binding contract with Sony, Hill unleashed a song entitled “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)” and though the signature Hill rhyme style and movement is present, the beat is weak and there's something rushed about it. Probably all due to that whole pesky impending jail sentence. Take a listen and then read Hill's rant beneath the embed.
“Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline. I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there. In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!“
