Written By: Nicole Summer
Okay, I’m ashamed to admit it, but I am not a diehard Hamilton fan. But before you rule me out, hear me out. I had a coworker for a year, and we geeked out quite a bit together over Blerdy stuff. She was a Hamilton suffragette, so I knew it had merit. I could never listen to the entire soundtrack in one sitting, and I’m not totally familiar with the story itself.
But I know that Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius and that Hamilton is revolutionary. So, when my excited coworker emailed me today to alert me that the Hamilton mixtape had dropped, I decided I would honor all that is good and right in the world, and give it a listen. All I can say is… Genius!
- Because of the artists: As I listened to Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, John Legend, and then Wiz Khalifa trample over that beat, I wondered to myself, did they audition to be on this mixtape? Or were they hand-selected by Hamilton’s production team? Either way, what an honor! Being selected to record a track on this mixtape means you have reached an identifiable level of celebrity wokeness. Not to mention the cross of genres and listening audience it has managed to bring together under a common roof. Hamilton, the great equalizer.
- Because the production team who put this together: Whoever made the final selections of which artist should perform each track was so on point. I could feel the energy of the Hamilton characters speaking through our decade’s most prominent voices. Given Hamilton’s wide reach, large white American following, and Pulitzer Prize status, it means A LOT to be featured on this album. There is no doubt in my mind this will win EPIC numbers of Grammy nominations and awards. Hamilton can do no wrong at this point.
- Because Hamilton represents the true melting pot that makes America awesome: “Immigrants,” (Track 11) featuring many underground artists, is just brilliant. But I suppose people would have to be able to acknowledge their own ignorance, to really appreciate that every single “American” was once an immigrant in this land. We all know that the true First People or Native Americans are the only true citizens here. But how easily some seem to conveniently forget that. This song is a great reminder.
- Because of the Roots and Jimmy Fallon: I have had mixed feelings about Jimmy Fallon because he is, at the end of the day, a white man appropriating “Black cool;” but you know we women of color can read energy, and I think he’s sincere in his admiration, though he can’t help being painfully awkward. Still, the fact that he is on this mixtape earned him a few more cool points from me. And the Roots, well, I came up outside of Philly in the late 90s when the Roots still performed locally at nightclubs or on the sidewalks of South Street. It means the world to me they have a permanent home on his show and were featured heavily on the mixtape.
- Because of that statement, the cast of Hamilton read to VP-Elect Mike Pence: Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Vice President Aaron Burr in the play, addressed Mr. Pence, saying:
“We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us — our planet, our children, our parents — or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us.”
The fact that our soon-to-be POTUS disapproved of the statement written by liberal-left Broadway darling that is Hamilton further elucidates the reasons for the frequent street protests outside Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, which is less than a mile from the Richard Robins Theater where the show is running.
Basically, Hamilton represents all that America’s Constitution stands for. It captures the energy of many people outside of the cis white male mold, Blerds, and everyone else who can relate. Anyone who feels the election was an attack on their personhood. Anyone who is offended by the government’s blatant disrespect of the people’s vote. The mixtape represents hope. The show and its music, and its ability to unify are yet further evidence that as long as we stand together, we cannot be ignored or overcome.
- From New York Times Article: ‘Hamilton’ Cast’s Appeal to Pence Ignites Showdown With Trump
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/us/politics/hamilton-cast-mike-pence-donald-trump.html
Nicole Summer is a writer, blogger, and mother. When she’s not at her 9-5, she’s scouring the internet for inspiring stories to read, write about and share. Visit her blog and follow her at:
@vnicolesummer on Twitter
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