Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Hamilton Cast Recording Cover Art
Hamilton Cast Recording Cover Art
'Hamilton'

The Roots-Produced 'Hamilton' Soundtrack Tops The Billboard Rap Charts

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.

Over and over for almost the last year, critics have sung the praises of Hamilton, pointing to the hip-hop-fueled retelling of America's birth as an essential recontextualizing of race, class, music, and heritage. The Broadway smash's soundtrack (produced by none other than The Roots themselves) has also a runaway success following its September release--and now it appears that the commercial market is mighty damn pleased as well.

The Hamilton original cast recording reached #1 on the Billboard rap charts this week, a milestone achievement that was celebrated on twitter by its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Celebrating the 46-track record's spot at the top of the hip-hop heap, Miranda wrote "You have made the HamiltonMusical OBC the #1 album on the Billboard RAP CHARTS this week."

"Unbelievable," he continued. "Thank you. You are the best."

As VIBE dutifully points out, a Broadway musical topping the Billboard rap charts is an unprecedented accomplishment. For those that haven't treated themselves to the record, it's still available on iTunes--what are you waiting for?