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.