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Lauryn Hill’s ‘Consumerism’ Video Visualizes Evils of the World

Lauryn Hill 'Consumerism' Lyric Video Prison

On the eve of her release from prison in October, Lauryn Hill released the song “Consumerism,” wherein she “rapidly and raspily assails all matter of ‘isms’ atop a loose, live-sounding rhythm section.” SPIN’s Marc Hogan wrote at the time, “It’s hard to keep track of all Hill’s specific criticisms — how do you pull a single drop out of a flood?” Well, how about a lyric video?

Above, you can see Hill’s creation in consort with Jon Casey, in which a collage of secondhand footage is employed to illustrate the frustrations called out in the song. With the lyrics pasted over shots of various injustices and oddities, it’s a bit easier to sink one’s teeth into the evils Hill puts on blast.

Also, be sure to revisit the former Fugee’s homecoming show at the Bowery Ballroom.