Everything Is Everything by Lauryn Hill

"Everything Is Everything" is the third and final single from American recording artist Lauryn Hill's debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). Released on May 4, 1999 by Ruffhouse and Columbia Records, the song was written by Hill and Johari Newton, and produced by Hill. The song contains elements of R&B, '60s soul, and hip hop influences. "Everything is Everything" garnered acclaim from critics, many of whom praised its lyrical themes and genre variance. The song marked the first commercial appearance of pianist John Legend, who was still 19 years old when the song was recorded. During the recording sessions, Hill wanted to write a song about injustice and struggles amongst youth communities in inner-city Urban America. "Everything Is Everything" reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, number 14 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, number 18 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and number 19 on the UK Singles Chart upon release. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the song Gold in shipping 500,000 units and in 2007, the song was ranked number 66 in About.com's list of the "Top 100 Rap Songs". A music video, directed by Sanji, was filmed in Los Angeles' Method Studios depicting Hill walking through New York City. In 2000, "Everything Is Everything" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, along with a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award nomination and 3 MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Hip-Hop Video, Best Direction (Sanji), and Best Special Effects (Method Studios). The song is covered by The Roots and Booker T. Jones for the latter's album The Road from Memphis (2011).