I love Lin Manuel-Miranda and I'm so glad he exists! If you haven't heard about him, then maybe Hamilton: An American Musical will ring a bell. If that doesn't, then please follow this link and listen to the album (I promise, you'll thank me later!). Here's some of the reasons why I love Lin and why I think he's so important:
1. In the Heights
Hamilton isn't the only Broadway musical Lin has written. His first musical, In The Heights, has the same kind of hip-hop style as Hamilton, except with a Spanish flair. If you haven't heard it, then please, I beg of you, listen to it here! In The Heights follows the story line of many individuals who wish for a better life and who learn to push through their adversities. I love the Spanish influence and how many of the characters come from immigrant families themselves. It really has wonderful representation of minority communities and the struggles first-generation children and immigrants face. It's emotional, funny, and one heck of a ride
2. Moana
When I first heard Lin-Manuel-Miranda was going to write music for the new Disney movie, Moana, I knew that I had to see it immediately. And if you've seen Moana, then you know how good the music and story line is. I've been listening to the soundtrack at least once a day ever since I saw the movie and I'm so delighted to see that it's been nominated for two Oscars: one for best original song and best animated movie. If the movie wins best original song, then Lin will be the youngest person ever to win an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony!
3. Twitter!
If you don't already, you should follow Lin on twitter right now! He's funny and sweet, posting uplifting good morning and good night tweets that make you smile. He also posts cute conversations he has with his wife and son!
4. Hamilton
It has to be mentioned! Hamilton is how I first heard of Lin Manuel-Miranda. The musical is funny, smart, and catchy and I'm so glad it exists! I also think it's great to see all the representation in the musical itself, with Lin wanting the cast to represent how America is today. Though much of the original cast is gone, the musical is still playing on Broadway and now it's coming to many different cities in America! If you don't know, the musical follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who comes to America and becomes a Founding Father. It's amazing how Hamilton's story is still inspiring and relevant today!
5. Writing
Literally, anything Lin Manuel-Miranda writes is beautiful and as an aspiring writer, I'm amazed at how he can create such beautiful verses that flow together yet they're so powerful at the same time. I'm simply amazed at how deep many of the lyrics are in the musicals Lin has written and how he can switch from that to something quick and witty. I mean, some of these words just really hit you right in the chest and knock the wind right out of you:
"Legacy. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see..."
-The World Was Wide Enough (Hamilton)
"I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable. I am an original."
-Wait For It (Hamilton)
