NPR caught up with Lauryn Hill (who will supposedly be performing this summer!) for a rare interview, and asked her the question everyone has wanted to know for the last twelve years: Why did she stop releasing records? “There were a number of different reasons,” she said. “But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place … As musicians and artists, it’s important we have an environment — and I guess when I say environment, I really mean the [music] industry, that really nurtures these gifts. Oftentimes, the machine can overlook the need to take care of the people who produce the sounds that have a lot to do with the health and well-being of society, or at least some aspect of society … Oftentimes, I think people are forced to make decisions prematurely. And then that sound radiates.” Even better, her mental health seems good, or at least good enough to joke with a reporter, “He looks just like Matthew McConaughey. First, second cousin. He does! … What I was I saying?” [NPR]
