Time is of the essence. But fans of Ms. Lauryn Hill feel as if theirs isn’t being respected. Last month, Hill kicked off her The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour to share the Grammy Award-winning album. According to ticketholders, Hill’s reputation for chronic tardiness has again reared its ugly face. In 2021, Hill referenced the discourse in her guest appearance on Nas’ song “Nobody.”
On Saturday, November 4, during her tour’s first night stop in Los Angeles, California, Hill addressed her lateness yet again. In the video captured by concertgoers, joined by her children and mother, Hill laid it all out in front of the Crypto.com Arena.
“They say, ‘Oh, she’s late’ and ‘She’s late tonight,’” Hill told the crowd. “Yo, y’all are lucky I make it to this bloodclot stage every night. I leave my soul on this stage. And I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand her in the name of God. And I know it. God is who allows me to do it. He surrounded me with family and community when there was no support. When the album sold so many records and no one showed up and said, ‘Hey, would you like to make another one… We’re survivors. Not just survivors, we’re thrivers.”
Lauryn Hill addresses criticism for constantly showing up late to her concerts:
“Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this stage every night”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 5, 2023
Several fans chimed into her pushback.
The lack of accountability and the religious deflection is crazy….here’s some fun little tea, did you know she has to have like 20 mirrors in her green room and no other woman can be on staff when she plays a venue
— CosmicRanger (@CosmicRanger006) November 5, 2023
It’s important for artists to address their fans’ concerns and strive for punctuality, but it’s also valuable to understand the challenges they face in the entertainment industry.
— The Pet Nation (@thepetnationn) November 5, 2023
Lauryn Hill’s response to criticism highlights the challenges of her schedule, but it’s important for artists to respect their fans’ time and expectations.
— Mian Omer (@iam_mian7) November 5, 2023
One of the worst things is someone who disrespects other peoples time
no excuse
— Suyi (@mac_shad) November 5, 2023
Thanks for addressing the criticism, Lauryn! Your talent always shines bright on that stage!
— 𝕄𝕖𝕥𝕒 (@metansangames) November 5, 2023
She’s trying you know. Everyone has their own hidden fights…
— Happiness Anwulika (@HAnwulika72407) November 5, 2023
This isn’t the first time Hill has responded to the criticism. In 2016, Hill took to her official Facebook page to share a lengthy note with followers. Read the note below.