After months of being the most buzzed-about show off and on Broadway, Hamilton is finally unveiling its official original cast recording. The new musical tells the story of the titular "ten-dollar founding father" -- though as a "hip-hopera" with a distinctly modern flare.
Though it's officially available for sale starting September 25th, NPR began streaming the album Monday morning, bringing the revolutionary musical -- and incredibly tough-to-get Broadway ticket -- to the masses.
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"Good morning," the show's creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted Monday. "Now usually I don't do this, but go ahead @NPR and break 'em off with a first listen."
Fans have responded enthusiastically, getting #Hamiltunes trending worldwide and, later, in the United States.
Produced by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots with musical direction by Manuel's long-time collaborator Alex Lacamoire, the 46-track album melds rap, hip-hop, Top 40, and a traditional Broadway sound, paying homage to the diversity of the contemporary American music scene.
Listen to the show today before the album drops later this week -- and see if you can catch any of its many Easter egg references to musical theater, hip hop and history.