There are few times when hip hop fans and musical theatre fans rejoice at the same news—but don’t tell that to Lin-Manuel Miranda. He gave both communities a reason to celebrate at the announcement of The Hamilton Mixtape Friday. Miranda, the mind behind the wildly successful musical Hamilton, has been teasing the release of the mixtape since a week after the release of the original cast album for the show. Now, after over a year of anticipation, people will be able to enjoy even more of the musical genius that springs from the mind of Miranda. Here are some important things to know about the mixtape.
What is it?
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Miranda said the The Hamilton Mixtape was originally supposed to come before the musical.
“I thought I would write a bunch of great songs that tell the greatest hits of Hamilton’s life, have artists cover it, and someone else would stage it later,” Hamilton said.
Obviously the sequence of events did not occur like that, but the original idea was still retained. The mixtape, that Miranda collaborated with the Roots’ Questlove to create, features many different artists covering songs from Hamilton, along with remixes of some of the original songs, all of which highlight some of the major points in Alexander Hamilton's life. The tracklist features 23 songs, making it half the length of the Hamilton cast recording.
When does it come out?
The mixtape is available now for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes. The release date is Dec. 2.
Who is on the mixtape?
If you were worried that the songs on the mixtape would not do justice to the original songs, have no fear. It is filled with award-winning artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, Busta Rhymes, Usher, Nas, and Sia. Many of these performers are self-proclaimed Hamilton lovers ready to have their shot at some of the shows now iconic songs. Check out the full tracklist for the rest of the artists.
What style of music is featured?
Just like the musical, The Hamilton Mixtape will feature more than just hip-hop. The diversity of artists featured on it allows for a diversity of musical styles as well. Along with hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and ballads will be featured on the mixtape.
What if I just cannot wait until Dec. 2?
Luckily, Mr. Miranda has you covered. You don’t have to wait until Dec. 2 to get a taste for what the mixtape has to offer because two of the songs have already been released. “My Shot” by The Roots feat. Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz and Nate Ruess and “It's Quiet Uptown by Kelly Clarkson are both available to purchase and listen to.
Do I have to have a knowledge of Hamilton to enjoy this mixtape?
To be a human being, you should have a knowledge of Hamilton. However, if you live an unfortunate life and have not been exposed to it yet, this would be a great way to start. You will probably pick up snippets of the story, but more importantly, you will be exposed to the style of Hamilton that Miranda created. And if you do listen to the mixtape before the musical, you will be doing it as Miranda originally intended it. More importantly, if the two songs that have been released are any indication, you just have to be a fan of music to be satisfied with The Hamilton Mixtape.
