Lin-Manuel Miranda Fuses Hip-Hop and History at White House

Alexander Hamilton embodies hip-hop. While this seems a lofty claim--and a shaky premise for a song--Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony-winning writer and star of "In the Heights," appears to feel so strongly about this notion that he's working on a concept album on this foundation. Here's a video of the first track from the album--a tribute told from the perspective of Hamilton's rival and killer, Aaron Burr--performed at a poetry night event at the White House:

It's no surprise that the song is catchy while feeling both clever and authentic--the man has won awards for those characteristics. Miranda elevates his amusing interpretation and basic chords with history that does not feel pedantic and a tone that does not mock the genre it mimics.

According to Miranda, Hamilton "embodies the word's ability to make a difference," evidenced in his path from illegitimate birth in St. Croix to Treasury Secretary on the basis of writing alone. That appears to be Miranda's own area of expertise. Whether he uses this power to liven up some history lessons or keep breathing his unique sense of life into Broadway theater, it's an enjoyable video that seems to bode well for the full album.