Hamilton: The Mixtape

The Hamilton Mixtape

This is the album that finally gave me the courage to start this blog ....and make it public. The thing is, I've been a teacher for over a decade. With most of those being in America and her silly connotations about a teacher's personal life, I've not found my blog voice on a subject that won't cause any controversy should a litigious parent want to find some random, unassociated-with-their-child problem. (Not kidding... this happens)

So, taking a hint from the Twitter accounts I loahte most but notice they have the largest follower number, I am just going to talk about myself and things I'm not good at... yet. Helloooo car crash gawkers!

Anywho, I've been teaching Theatre in Secondary schools since 2003. Hamilton seemed a rather logical gateway drug into this venture, right?

But that MIXTAPE remix though... Why did  I not know about this??? I'd heard "Immigrant" drop, of course. As such, given how much I enjoyed it and forwarded it to everyone during this hellaciously unkind 2017, I'm completely uncertain why I didn't ... wait, I do know. The Hamilton Phenomenon annoys me. Don't get it twisted - I LOVE that Lin Manuel created his masterpiece and he and the multi-ethnic cast and crew are getting PAID. I'm annoyed that White America, like the Eminem thing, seemed to get to decide when hip hop was "good" or "acceptable." That's really moreso my beef with it's popularity. And truly likely what kept the Mixtape from my ears.

It's all good in da hood now, though! Luckily I had such a full day that I didn't get to my walk until 8pm-ish. So, on my 3 mile neighborhood loop, it was perfect that now one could see when I burst out some choreography! 5--6--7--8-- mayn!

Oh, the sucky part. At 206 pounds (down 11 at this date, though and DURING holiday season!), it took my all 80 minutes to get through these three miles. I've got my quick stride back, thanks to a new chiropractor and wellness trainer. Right now this quick stride only sustains for 1.25 miles before I need a break.

Okay, I have to figure out how to assess which songs affected me most as I can't really take notes! Hmmmm Got any ideas?

Alrighty then, I DO know that while my body was incapable of just power-striding straight down the sidewalk, the lyrics told such an incredible story. Given their incredible significance in this political climate, I was riveted. I was also motivated to shout a few "yaaasssss-es" and "fo' reals".

• Who Tells Your Story (feat. Common & Ingrid Michaelson)
• It's Quiet Uptown (Kelly Clarkson)
• And I just love all the possibilities of
  Wrote My Way Out (Nas, Dave East, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Aloe Blacc - Topic) Really, what teacher of underprivileged teenagers wouldn't?

My students won't be able to listen to this version of Hamilton in my classroom given the cursing. It's infrequent, sure, but it's enough to not make the cut. This is definitely something I'm going to have to truly get used to hearing given this journey. Hearing cursing truly makes me uncomfortable. #firstworldproblems, right?

What album should I listen to next???