Every year, the Library Of Congress Archives deems select works of art worthy of immortal preservation. Musically, these elite few are the albums, songs, scores, and compositions worthy of timeless consideration, analysis, and curation. Just 17 years old, Lauryn Hill’s solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill now carries this huge mark of distinction.

“Lauryn Hill’s debut solo record, following the breakup of the Fugees, is a work of honesty in which Hill explores her feelings on topics that included the deep wonder of pregnancy, the pitfalls of modern relationships and the experience of the sacred,” wrote The Library Of Congress on the announcement page. “The album effortlessly fuses soul, rhythm and blues, rap and reggae. Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of conversational speech.

The Ruffhouse/Columbia/Sony Records release grabbed five Grammy Awards shortly after its 1998 release. Largely self-produced, the effort also welcomed D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, and Carlos Santana to its ensemble. In addition to its Frankie Valli cover of “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” the benchmark release included samples from legendary Hip-Hop acts including Boogie Down Productions and Wu-Tang Clan.

Along with Ms. Hill’s 18-times-platinum (worldwide) post-Fugees debut, 2015’s entrants into the Library include Radiohead’s OK Computer, Sly & The Family Stone’s Stand!, The Doors’ self-titled debut, and Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” ballad.

All these years later, what do you think makes L-Boogie’s first LP so iconic?

Related: Lauryn Hill Releases a Chilling Dedication to Michael Brown (Audio)