Lauryn Noelle Hill, born on May 26, 1975, in East Orange, New Jersey, is an American songwriter, rapper, singer, producer, and actress. Raised in a musically inclined household, Hill was surrounded by melodies and rhythm from a young age. Her mother, Valerie Hill, was a teacher, and her father, Mal Hill, was a computer management consultant and a talented singer who frequently performed at social events. Lauryn was brought up in a Baptist household that moved between New York and New Jersey, allowing her to experience culturally diverse influences, including time spent among Jewish families. One notable connection from this period was actor Zach Braff, who attended school with Hill.

Music played a central role in Hill's childhood. Inspired by a wide range of iconic artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, she developed an early passion for performance. She once recalled playing Gaye’s album What’s Going On repeatedly until she fell asleep. Hill's early vocal talents emerged when she performed the national anthem at a middle school basketball game—her performance was so well received, it became a regular recording for future events.

Hill’s dedication to the arts extended into extracurricular activities including violin lessons, dance classes, and the founding of a school choir. She was also a top-performing student and ran track. Her first steps into public performance came through a local talent showcase at “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” though she was met with criticism on that occasion. Undeterred, she continued to pursue her passion.

In high school, Hill connected with Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, who proposed forming a music group. Together they created the Tranzlator Crew, later joined by Wyclef Jean. The trio began performing at community events and local talent shows, blending multiple languages and musical styles. It was during this time that Hill began rapping, influenced by MCs including Ice Cube and female rappers of the era, gradually shaping her own distinctive flow.

By 1991, Hill had begun acting, appearing in off-Broadway productions. Despite the initial lack of commercial success, her talents were spotted by an agent, leading to more prominent roles in television and film. Her breakout role came in 1993’s Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, in which she performed renditions of gospel and soul songs and showcased impromptu rapping. Critics noted her remarkable talent, with some suggesting her skill outshone the material she was given.