Lauren Hill performed at Miami's Jazz in the Gardens festival on Saturday, March 8, 2025, delivering a performance steeped in legacy and vibrancy. The festival brought together significant talents of hip-hop, showcasing both its rich history and exciting future.
The highlight of Hill's set came as she invited GRAMMY-winning rapper Doechii, who has recently been named Billboard 2025 Woman of the Year, to join her on stage for a dynamic rendition of her iconic 1998 classic, "Doo Wop (That Thing)." Hill's surprise collaboration energized the audience, embracing the artistry of both women, who represent powerful voices within the genre.
Doechii, whose star has been rapidly rising, had earlier made headlines after winning Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards held on February 2, making her just the third female artist to achieve this honor after Hill and Cardi B. Following her Grammy win, her album, ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL, shot up to No. 14 on the Billboard 200, cementing her as one of rap's promising new talents.
Sharing her thoughts on the experience via social media, Doechii expressed her deep admiration for Hill, stating, "Thank you Miss Lauryn Hill. Thank you. My heart is so full. She is my hero. This is the greatest honor hip hop could give me. Praise God ... my entire body is vibrating with joy right now. I’ll never forget this day! EVER!" Her emotional statement reflected the personal connection she has with Hill's influence over her music career, illustrating how Hill's Miseducation served as foundational inspiration.
"The first full length album I ever listened to was The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. My mom would play it from top to bottom every day on my way to school for years. I would sing your songs as if I wrote them, imagining myself on stage... Thank you Miss Lauryn Hill. This is the greatest honor hip hop could give me. Praise God 🤎," Doechii added, showcasing the impact Hill's work had on her upbringing and identity as an artist.
Hill's set, which she dubbed the "Diaspora Calling!" event, was not solely centered around her but also lifted the spirits of rising stars within the rap community. The festival saw performances from artists such as Samara Cyn, who has garnered recognition as the next superstar by EBONY, as well as hip-hop legends Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star.
Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star sent the audience back to hip-hop's energetic roots, performing hits like "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" and "I Know What You Want." Their energetic delivery rekindled nostalgia for the genre's classics, reinforcing Hill's enduring importance within the scene.
Adding more depth to the night, Hill included her family by inviting her sons, Zion Marley and YG Marley, onto the stage, which offered a glimpse of her world outside music and highlighted the personal connections deeply woven through her songs.
Emerging talents like Foggieraw and Mannywellz also infused fresh energy to the show, which underscored the relevance of new styles within hip-hop and Hill's openness to diverse expressions of the genre. Their performances, alongside Hill's, created a dynamic representation of hip-hop's evolution.
The event was more than just another performance; it was a showcase of hip-hop's continuous power to connect artists across different generations. Hill's commitment to mentoring and spotlighting new talent reflects the culture she helped to establish, ensuring its vibrancy and relevance for years to come.
The evening at the Jazz in the Gardens festival celebrated not only the music but also the bonds formed through shared experiences and influences. With established artists like Lauryn Hill paving the way, the future of hip-hop looks promising, nurturing the next generation inspired by their legacies.