Ex-Factor

"Ex-Factor" is the second single from American recording artist Lauryn Hill from her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). The song incorporates elements of R&B, neo soul and hip hop soul. Released by Ruffhouse and Columbia Records, the song features a sample of "Can It Be All So Simple" by Wu-Tang Clan.[1] The song has been claimed to be about Hill's former Fugees groupmate Wyclef Jean.[2] Upon its release, critics praised the song's enchanting vocals and lyrics.[3] The song peaked in the Top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached number-one on US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and on the UK R&B chart. It was awarded the Best R&B/Soul single - Female award at the 2000 Soul Train Awards.[4] Spin named it the 3rd best single of 1999.[5] In 2020, The Ringer ranked it as the 18th greatest breakup song of all time.[6] The song has been sampled by numerous artists including Drake ("Nice for What") and Cardi B ("Be Careful"); and has been covered by Beyoncé,[7] Kelly Clarkson,[8] John Legend,[9] and H.E.R.[10]