L. Boogie does the Bowery

Miss Lauryn Hill played the classics last night at the Bowery Ballroom, my favorite venue in Manhattan, and left no song unsung and no ear drum, un-blown. I have NEVER been to a show with that much energy and raw emotion. Every single person in the audience was going through an emotional experience listening to her. Let's just say she's still got it.

Lauryn stripped down each song on her legendary No. 1 album,The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, including "Lost One", "Do-Wop (That Thing)" and my favorite "Ex-Factor", and played a few do-wop and Bob Marley covers. Not to mention, she pulled out a few Fugee tunes that absolutely turned the place on its ass. She has immeasurable talent that, once witnessed, makes one think about the pathetic, disgraceful state the entertainment industry is in these days. To sum it up, Rihanna ain't got shit on her. Watching her direct the band as she slides through her riffs and freestyles is something of the greats.

Ms. Hill sang a heart-melting Happy Birthday to her daughter Selah (a must hear track, too, by the way) who was in attendance in the balcony with the rest of her children, including Zion, another track she absolutely sang her life into.

Sure, some may say the years may not have been kind to her looks or style, but her voice is an indisputable gift from God, not to be denied or taken lightly.

P.S.: Lauryn didn't hit the stage until 12:30AM and played until 2:45AM, after the venue posted she was to begin at 11:30PM.

P.P.S: The tickets said 8PM.