| "To Zion" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Promotional single by Lauryn Hill featuring Carlos Santana | |
| from the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | |
| Released | November 18, 1998 |
| Recorded | 1997 |
| Studio |
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| Genre | |
| Length | 6:09[a] |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | Lauryn Hill |
| Producer(s) |
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| Audio | |
| "To Zion" on YouTube | |
"To Zion" is a song recorded by American rapper and singer Lauryn Hill for her debut solo studio album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). It was written and produced by Hill herself, while Che Pope received a co-production credit under his pseudonym Che Guevara. Featuring American guitarist Carlos Santana, "To Zion" is an acoustic Spanish guitar-driven hip hop and gospel track. Lyrically, it is a tribute to Hill's oldest son Zion David Marley, to whom she gave birth in 1997, during her relationship with Rohan Marley.
"To Zion" discusses Hill's decision not to terminate her pregnancy in favor of her burgeoning career, while further lyrical themes derive from spirituality, rebirth and Hill's relationship with God. The lyricism elicited unanimous acclaim from music critics upon the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, with numerous journalists accentuating the track as a focal point on the album. The song was subsequently released as a promotional single on November 18, 1998, by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records, peaking at number 77 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Hill performed "To Zion" live with Santana at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards (1999), and has included it on set lists for all of her concert tours. In retrospective commentaries, the critics have acknowledged the influence "To Zion" has had on artistry of numerous rappers who achieved mainstream prominence decades after the song's release, as well as the impact its lyrical message of encouragement to pursue motherhood simultaneously with a career has had on various female celebrities. Furthermore, a multitude of recording artists have sampled or referenced the song in their respective works.
- ^ Hill, Lauryn (1998). "To Zion". The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (CD). Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. CK 69035.
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