Beyonce Knowles has claimed that she will never "lose herself" like Lauryn Hill.
Beyonce described the former Fugees star's story as "tragic", claiming that Hill has been unable to cope with the demands of fame and success.Whilst Beyonce describes Hill's story to be tragic, others view her self-imposed exile as inspiring. After the phenomenal commercial and critical success of 1998's 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill', she returned head-shaved and glam-free with the 'MTV Unplugged' album of 2002, and has since performed at underprivileged schools across New York, channelling her humanitarian ethos. Hill also made an appearance at Dave Chapelle's Block Party in 2004, documented in the Michel Gondry film of this year.
Still, Beyonce said, "[Lauryn Hill's] story is the most tragic. I mean, her record was genius. But drama and demands and the pressure and all of the people giving you so much access to so many things can be too much.
"I don't know what's going to happen to me but I know I'm more than a singer and I have so many other things in my life to keep me focused. I hope and pray that I stay as comfortable in my own skin as I am right now."
Beyonce's new album, 'B'Day' is released worldwide on September 4, and in the US on September 5, to coincide with the star's 25th birthday.
