Lauryn Hill has influenced many of today’s artists, but few have been more inspired by her than Melanie Fiona. After meeting her after her show in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, the Canadian singer was compelled to write an open letter to the Fugees frontwoman.

She expressed her gratitude and appreciation, while crediting Hill for breaking down barriers and making her the artist she is today.

“My life will never be the same… It will be better… For what I received last night in energy and inspiration will most definitely make me a better artist and woman in this industry,” wrote a humbled Melanie.

Read her heartfelt words below.

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Earlier this week, Lauryn Hill was sentenced to three months behind bars for tax evasion. In the aftermath of her trial, the Grammy-winning icon took to her blog to thank her supporters including Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder, who wrote letters to the judge on her behalf.

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Lauryn Hill has been sentenced to three months in prison for failing to pay taxes on about $1.8 million in earnings.

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As part of her new venture with Sony, Ms. Lauryn Hill returns with the new song “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix),” which quietly hit iTunes on Saturday via her label Obverse Creation Music/Sony ATV.

The outspoken Fugees frontwoman raps about “toxic society” and the perils of the industry on the four-minute track. She was “required” to release the song now due to her financial troubles (She is scheduled to be sentenced for tax evasion on May 6).

“Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline,” writes Ms. Hill. “I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there.”

The song is especially poignant in the days following the tragic death of Kris Kross member Chris Kelly. “In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!” she explains.

Hear Ms. Hill’s powerful message below.

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Earlier this week, it was reported that Lauryn Hill had signed a new record deal to help pay off some of her tax debt. The former Fugees frontwoman, who is facing jail time, is now sharing more details surrounding the agreement. As part of the lucrative deal, she will launch her own label with Sony and release new music there.

“I have recently entered into an agreement with Sony Worldwide Entertainment, to launch a new label, on which my new music will be released. And yes, I am working on new music,” the mother of six writes in an open letter.

The deal was reported to be worth $1 million dollars, but she says those figures are incorrect. “The nature of my new business venture, as well as the dollar amount reported, was inaccurate, only a portion of the overall deal,” she explains.

The 37-year-old singer attributes her current financial position to “a completely complicated set of traps, manipulations, and inequitable business arrangements.” It was reported that she owes $968,000 in back taxes, but her lawyer is confident that she will pay off the debt prior to her sentencing on May 6.

Read Ms. Hill’s letter below.

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Lauryn Hill was scheduled to be sentenced for tax evasion today, but her case has been delayed for two weeks. She appeared in a Newark courtroom, where it was revealed that she has signed a lucrative deal with Sony.

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Lauryn Hill kicked off her “Life Is Good/Black Rage” joint tour with Nas last night in Dallas. The former Fugees frontwoman performed her classics and debuted the tour’s namesake, “Black Rage,” reciting the lyrics. The powerful record deals with the derivative effects of racial inequity and abuse.

“Obviously this is a song about confrontation,” explained Ms. Hill, who is facing three years behind bars after pleading guilty to tax evasion. “Black rage is founded on drainin’ and drainin’/ Threatenin’ of freedom to stop your complainin’/ Pausin’ your water while they say it’s rainin’/ Then call you mad for complainin’, complainin’.”

The rebellious singer continued with the spoken-word diatribe. “Try if you must, but you can’t have my soul,” she laughed. “Black rage is founded on ungodly control/ So when the dog fight and when the beat ends, and when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember all these kinds of things and then I don’t fear so bad.”

Listen to Lauryn’s thought-provoking lyrics.

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Jhené Aiko is hitting the road with hip-hop royalty. The up-and-coming songstress will join Nas and Lauryn Hill on tour this month.

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