Hamilton's Hip-Hop Revolution Continues to Reign 10 Years On

Hamilton's Hip-Hop Legacy: A Decade Later Ten years after its groundbreaking opening on Broadway, Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The show's innovative blend of hip-hop and traditional show tunes has become a cultural phenomenon, but does it still hold up in 2025? The original cast recording, released in 2015, was a massive commercial success, selling over 1 million copies in the United States alone. The live-capture version, premiered on Disney+ in 2020, further cemented Hamilton's status as a cultural touchstone. Now, with its release in movie theaters, die-hard fans are flocking to see the musical on the big screen. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, an English and theater professor at Portland State University, notes that Hamilton's impact extends beyond the stage. "It's not just a show; it's a cultural event," he says. "Hamilton has become a symbol of American identity, and its influence can be seen in everything from music to politics." The show's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, was ahead of his time when he first brought Hamilton to life. By setting the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton to a 1990s-era hip-hop beat, Miranda created something entirely new and innovative. "I wanted to tell a story that would make people feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves," Miranda explained in an interview. Hamilton's cultural significance is undeniable. The show has been praised for its diverse cast, tackling themes such as immigration, racism, and ambition. Its impact on the music industry is equally impressive, with many artists citing Hamilton as a source of inspiration. However, not everyone is convinced that Hamilton remains cool in 2025. Some critics argue that the show's message has become too commercialized, losing its original edge. "Hamilton was always about challenging the status quo," says Pollack-Pelzner. "But now it feels like it's been co-opted by mainstream culture." Despite these criticisms, Hamilton remains a beloved and enduring musical. Its live-capture version on Disney+ has been viewed over 100 million times worldwide, making it one of the most-watched shows in streaming history. As Hamilton continues to tour the world and inspire new generations of artists, its legacy is clear: it's not just a show – it's a cultural phenomenon that will continue to shape American identity for years to come. *Reporting by Vox.*