See Black Thought, Ja Rule, Ashanti Perform ‘Hamilton Mixtape’ Songs
The Roots‘ Black Thought, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Regina Spektor, Andra Day and Joell Ortiz performed songs from the forthcoming The Hamilton Mixtape on Thursday at Richard Rodgers Theatre. The concert was also streamed live.
As The Hollywood Reporter noted, Black Thought, who serves as an executive producer for the project, launched the show with an abbreviated “No John Trumbull.” He also rapped a fiery rendition of “My Shot” with Joell Ortiz. The recorded version includes the addition of bandmates The Roots along with Busta Rhymes and Nate Ruess.
Regina Spektor sang her touching take of “Dear Theodosia,” which features Ben Folds on the recorded version. Andra Day performed a vibrant “Burn” that culminated with the singer dropping to her knees, eliciting a standing ovation from the audience.
The short set closed with Ashanti taking on Eliza’s role and Ja Rule as Hamilton for their duet of “Helpless.” Watch the performances via The Hollywood Reporter below.
The 23-song The Hamilton Mixtape features an all-star cast of diverse artists covering songs from the hit Broadway musical. It will be released on Friday.
“My Shot”
#HamiltonMixtape kicked off with @blackthought and @JoellOrtiz on “My Shot” (sans Busta and Nate Ruess) pic.twitter.com/QAjxMBicYl
— Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) December 1, 2016
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“Dear Theodosia”
and here’s a bit of @respektor on Dear Theodosia, which she recorded with @BenFolds. #HamiltonMixtape pic.twitter.com/TtoMenEHGN
— Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) December 1, 2016
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“Burn”
wow @andradaymusic SLAYED Burn. https://t.co/asdSptVXqg #HamiltonMixtape pic.twitter.com/D4OtP32ixH
— Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) December 1, 2016
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“Helpless”
Ja Rule rapping as Hamilton to @Ashanti as Eliza on Helpless ❤️ https://t.co/asdSptVXqg #HamiltonMixtape pic.twitter.com/acbcxlJg0Z
— Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) December 1, 2016