A PRAYER FOR LAURYN HILL: YOUNG, GIFTED & LABELED 'CRAZY' !

I'd like to speak about Lauryn Hill today... and put a lot of the tabloid rumors to rest ~~I am talking to you Praz and Perez Hilton.~~

Lauryn is a one of the most highly creative and intelligent artist in this universe... She's somewhat of a Nina Simone of our times in MY OPINION. And, Nina had to move to France to get away from all this insanity that comes with being famous in these United States. Fans here are so obsessed with celebrities. In other countries, they treat you like a human being with some type of respect and privacy. They just don't give stars that intense, invasive energy.

As her hair stylist on previous projects, I remember Lauryn as a beautiful, humble and giving individual. Yes, demanding! A perfectionist and perhaps a know-it-all -- but what artist isn't? She is extremely intelligent, brilliant and creative.

I worked with Lauryn on The Fugees' second CD release, 'The Score,' creating a rich auburn hue to enhance her natural hair color and on the 'Killing Me Softly' video, working on some of the group members and all the talent in the video. And over the years, I have worked on her tresses for the NAACP awards, her Essence cover in Miami back in 2002, and most recently in creating some of my hair pieces and accessories, after she decided to cut her locs off and experiment with NEW LOOKS !

She's been in the spot light since childhood and in her case, she may have a condition she was born with. Like most geniuses, there's a thin line between genius and insanity. And when you are such an artist, it is hard to balance your life. BALANCE is the key word here. Yes, Lauryn may allegedly have a a condition, like some creative people do. That's what makes these artists unique and different. These artists, who create the excitement for all people to enjoy... But how do you manage it? And further more, how do you deal with the stigma of what comes with it -- being called THE WORD 'CRAZY'!

Has anyone seen the movie with Russell Crow, A BEAUTIFUL MIND... Ever think of that? It's one of my favorite movies. And please don't insinuate that I'm saying this condition is what Ms. Hill has. I'm making a dramatic example. It's a true story of a professor who went on to become a brilliant PULITZER PRIZE WINNER. But when you're Black, Young and Gifted, you are labeled CRAZY!

So let's give Ms. Lauryn Hill just a little SPACE and understanding. It's a personal thing. One that only she can change with help, which may or may not affect her mentally, physically and spiritually. (Although, if you put it out there, people are going to talk!)

Instead of blasting her every chance we get ~~Perez Hilton, oops!~~ Why not send her some encouragement, so she can also believe she can still live a lovely and beautiful life. This can happen, once she is in BALANCE. Let's remember Lauryn for who she really is, and what we all know she will become. PRAY for her recovery... ACCEPTANCE IS THE FIRST STAGE.

A Little Education: Let me educate you a little bit on what that word -- Crazy! What it actually means is CREATIVITY! This capacity, according to Dr. Henry McCurtis, former Chief of Psychiatry at Harlem Hospital with a private practice in New York City, is caused by the chemistry in the brain... It is a condition you may be born with... it is not a condition that any one has asked for. It is this 'chemistry' that may also make an individual very artistic and extremely hyper (manic) or low (depressed).

Many women after giving birth experience a low point in their mood: a hormonal change, also due to a change in the chemistry, hence post par-tum depression. So many prominent leaders, businessmen and actors suffer from this condition and have spoken out about this topic like Ted Turner of Turner Broadcasting, Sally Fields and Katie Couric, as well as Linda Hamilton from 'The Terminator,' who appeared on the Larry King Show last year, speaking out about depression. Just in case you didn't know.

Making the right choices in life and seeking professional help can go a long way in maintaining health and well being.

Food for thought!