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Lauryn Hill drops new music, and she didn’t even want to, sort. According to Ms. Hill, we’re getting this new song, “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix),” because her record label forced her hand.

The former Fugees start explained the circumstances via her Tumblr page, while sharing the song.

Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline. 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. 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!

– MLH

That “impending legal deadline” is when she goes before the judge to receive her sentence after pleading guilty to tax evasion last year. A byproduct of her legal trouble was signing a new record deal with Sony, where she will have her own label and release new album. She will be using the money from her advance to pay Uncle Sam the money she owes, which will hopefully prevent her from doing time. Hill faces the judge tomorrow, May 6.

On “Neurotic Society,” Ms. Hill is in MC mode, kicking swift rhymes about society’s ills and superficiality, among other topics, over a sprinting drums and shimmery keys. There are definitely too many bars (L Boogie drops three verses) to fully digest them all in one sitting.

You can listen to “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)” below and if the spirit moves you, cop it over on iTunes.

Photo: AP