what happened to...?

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

Probably the worst tease in recent music history, Lauryn Hill released this ridiculously amazing album out of nowhere. It won five Grammys and mixed R&B, soul, and hip-hop into pretty much 16 tracks of perfection. The solo project made for a tense relationship with The Fugees, particularly with Wyclef Jean. After the album (and a super-weird Unplugged album), she virtually disappeared out of the industry, cancelling interviews, tours, and anything that would put her back into the public eye.

My favorite track: "I Used To Love Him"

Fenix TX – Self Titled (1999)

This pop-punk, blink-182-ish album is less than an hour long, but it’s just fun. The band’s follow-up wasn’t that great, and they disappeared in 2002.

My favorite track: "Flight 601"

D’Angelo – Voodoo (2000)

I’ve been waiting ten years for a follow-up with no sign of one yet. His Prince-inspired sophomore album had smoothness and soul on every track; a beautiful combination of old school and neo-soul. D’Angelo broke under the pressure of being a sex symbol and an international superstar. He fell into a drug addiction and has been quietly writing songs for his always-delayed but much-anticipated album, tentatively named James River. Seriously, come back, D'Angelo.

My favorite track: "Send It On"