" Hamilton: An American Musical," created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is not your average show. The musical is inspired by a biography about Alexander Hamilton that Ron Chernow wrote. Whaaaaaat? Alexander Hamilton? Isn't that the guy on the $10 bill? What's interesting about him? Answer: EVERYTHING when portrayed by Lin-Manuel Mirander. This entertaining musical is completely sold out on Broadway for a while and is the hardest to get tickets to right now. But we are very lucky to have the cast recording available on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming services. These hip-hop songs will make you emotional about a founding father in ways that you never imagined.
1. THE LYRICS
They are so clever and delivered perfectly.
Ex. "The ten-dollar founding father without a father"
"If you stand for nothing, burr, what’ll you fall for?"
"I'm a trust fund, baby. You can trust me"
"Immigrants, we get the job done"
"But we’ll never be truly free until those in bondage have the same rights as you and me. You and I. Do or die. Wait 'til I Sally in on a stallion with the first black battalion."
"I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love!"
These are just a few of my favorites. There are so many more that you'll have to hear for yourself.
2. THE MUSIC
All the music on the album is hip-hop R&B, and rap with many professional rappers (one of whom holds the record for the fastest rap on Broadway) and produced by The Roots from "The Tonight Show."
3. ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Alexander Hamilton watched his dad leave and his mom die while he lived in the Caribbean. He worked and wrote until he made enough money to come to New York City in order to rise up and make a name for himself. He is driven, smart, quick-witted, stubborn and funny. You will find yourself always rooting him, even through some major mistakes made.
4. THE CAST
It's not how you pictured George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to look, huh? It's a historical story told in a modern voice and look. Although they may not seem "traditional," I couldn't imagine a more perfect and talented cast. (Plus Daveed Diggs is a total babe.)
5. THE FEELS
If you decide to listen to the full album, please be prepared to be in your feels or even cry due to the amount of longing, regret and loss.
6. THE HISTORY
Shout-out to all the history majors and history buffs out there, because for the most part the play's story line is historically accurate and still entertaining for everyone else.
7. RAP BATTLES
Have you ever heard Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton in a rap battle? No? Well you need to. See "Cabinet Battle 1."
"Madison, you’re mad as a hatter, son, take your medicine.
Damn, you’re in worse shape than the national debt is in,
sittin’ there, useless as two shits.
Hey, turn around. Bend over. I’ll show you
where my shoe fits"
OOOOOH
8. LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights) is genius. He's not only a great writer, rapper and actor. but the perfect Alexander Hamilton.
9. THE HUMOR
When you aren't in your feels during "Burn" or "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story," songs like "The Story of Tonight (Reprise)", "Aaron Burr, Sir", "You'll Be Back" and "The Cabinet Battle 1 & 2" are hilarious. But many of the other songs have humorous one-liners.
10. THE WOMEN
The Schuyler Sisters seem like an 18th century version of Destiny's Child. After listening to them, you'll too be "looking for a mind at work" because these strong, independent women will steal your heart. Although you feel bad for Eliza, Angelica will end up being your favorite.
Here's a link to a playlist I made on Spotify with some fan and personal favorites.
Everyone gets a playlist!
Now go. Listen. Learn to love a founding father and have a newfound appreciation for the $10 bill.
