Ever since breaking out with his smash Broadway show Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s star has taken off and luckily for us he’s used his shine to bring light to a number of social issues.
Today the Broadway artist/rapper checks in with the Breakfast Club to talk about Puerto Rico, why he chose the Alexander Hamilton to be the subject of his play, and what he’s heard about Harvey Weinstein.
Here are the 8 things we learned from Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Breakfast Club.
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Photo: Power 105
1. Busta Rhymes
Lin recalls the time that Busta Rhymes was dozing off during his performance in Hamilton. Miranda playfully claims had Busta fallen asleep he could’ve closed down the show for good.
2. Love of My Life
Lin says that Hamilton was his “love letter to Hip-Hop.” Interestingly enough he didn’t have to pay for any of his Biggie samples used in the show even though he wanted to so kids who aren’t familiar with the King of New York could look at the credits and go look for those tracks referenced.
3. President Obama
When he asked President Obama what it felt like knowing he’d eventually be in history books, the 44th President with soul said “It’s actually freeing” before adding “I know I might get bad press today but my eye is not on that, my eye is on the decisions that will have ramifications on the future.” Lord how we miss that man.
4. Long Time Coming
He started writing his play when he was 19-years-old. He didn’t get it to Broadway till he was 28. Talk about sticking to your passion.
5. Hamilton
Part of the reason he chose Hamilton was because the man on the $10 bill had a rich history as a writer and he likened that to an MC in Hip-Hop. Interesting view to say the least.
6. Puerto Rico
Though he hasn’t been pleased with the American Government’s response to the devastation that’s hit Puerto Rico he has been loving how the American people themselves have jumped to aid his home island.
7. Harvey Weinstein
Having just gotten into Hollywood Lin says he’s never heard anything about Harvey Weinstein raping women but had heard of him screaming at assistants and “generally being a terror.” He is glad Harvey is getting put on blast.
8. Big or Pun
When asked to choose between Biggie and Pun, Lin says Big was untouchable but Pun was his hero. So we got no real answer.
