I find this truth to be self evident, all the men were created equal, and when she met Alex Hamilton (unh) she was compelled to make a rap that’d put us in the sequel (work!) Angelicaaa did well with her rapping. This Schuyler sister…was looking for a mind at work!
Burr's line in Aaron Burr, Sir "Fools run their mouths off wind up dead," immediately leads into the intro of John Laurens, a hard-core abolishonist, who died in his pursuit of freedom for black slaves, which is reflected by Burr's line immediately after his intro saying "Like I said,"
John Laurens died in an ambush with British forces that hadn't yet received word of the surrender in South Carolina. Did John and Al have a little war time love thing going on...maybe. when Eliza and her son were complying all his letters she notoriously had him burn most of the letters from Laurens, and his family didn't keep them. So, we have no way of knowing. WE do know Laurens married very young while in France, had one child, and left her never to return shortly after the child was born and sent money until the day he died. He did his job and produced an heir. Make of this what you will.
@@LPnerd i guys we'll never know but it is sus that they got roof of most of his letters. Language was very passionate then, even between men but something had to be different for them not to want the world to know what they talked about.
I love how King George's song sounds very much like you expect him to be dancing everywhere but instead he stands almost perfectly still through the whole song just making uncomfortably long eye contact with random people in the audience. It really enhances how unhinged he is. It's great.
Fun fact: There are 47 songs in the play (including Lauren's interlude), 47 songs = hamilton died at the age of 47. Nothing is a coincidence when it comes to lin miranda! Props to you Prof Knox for this great reaction and breakdown!
Another fun fact: In the song "take a break" hamilton's son philip was practicing to count in french and philip gets messed up on the number 7. That foreshadows how philip died in a duel with George Eacker. George Eacker shoot his shot on the count of 7 instead of 10 :)) Listen to the track "Blow us all away" A gun shot in the background on the count of 7.
This might be common knowledge for some people but another detail I love about Phillip is that when he sang with Eliza he always sang in an ascending tone rather than following along with her descending tone. It just shows that he was much like his father, he wanted to rise up.
@@geneladaii1755 and another fun fact: philip dies at the age of 19, and he lives 19 songs (since hes first mentioned in dear theodosia until he dies in stay alive (reprise))
The "Just you wait" vs. "Wait for it" dynamic is so beautifully illustrative. Their literal meanings are identical, but the former is a call to action and almost a threat while the latter is a call to inaction but also almost a veiled threat. They're two sides of the same fatally ambitious coin
Beautifully said! One of the things I love most in this musical was the different themes, motifs, meanings and contexts a single word or a phrase/sentence can take depending on who's saying it. A classic literary technique but I just forgot what is it officially called. Anyway, in Satisfied for example, that one concept alone means the same for Angelica and Hamilton but goes to an unfortunate extreme for Hamilton's end (which you'll understand the later parts of the musical).
@@earthbenderjfjdj4335 Leitmotif = short musical motif associated with a specific character or situation as a musical cue, the lyrical equivalent could be called a lyrical motif or a refrain. “Wait for it” and “Just you wait” are both simultaneously. A foil is the literary term for two characters or themes continuously compared and contrasted, so Burr and Hamilton-and their two lietmotifs/refrains-are foils of eachother.
I love that by the second act, the "wait for it" wich was what made Burr stay behind is what could have saved Hamilton when he wrote the Reynolds Pamflet. And at the same time Burr starts "not throwing away his shot" wich leas him to almost be president but also to kill Hamilton. It's cool to see how diferent each motiv applies to each character
Most people that react to Hamilton don't know much about the actual history. This was refreshing and exciting. To not only comment on the music but the history, awesome. I love history so double awesome for me.
Knox's history chops are so impressive. Man can analyze the music from a creator's perspective AND give insight to the context behind it. Such a great perspective.
Totally agree! As a norwegian I have little to no insight on the history here, but I love the musical and of course the music. Learning about the history behind it gives it so much more depth, and I really enjoyed watching this!
Exactly what I was impressed with for this reaction. Feel like I am learning so much and gaining a deeper appreciation for Lin Manuel Miranda's genius.
As a descendent of Burr, this play is actually one of the better portrayals of Burr I've seen in any mainstream medium, (even if they still did the false shot his gun into the air thing). Lin Manuel actually consulted with my dad and invited the whole Burr Association to a preopening show to see his play. This whole thing is a masterpiece and Lin Manuel was so gracious.
That must be so cool to be a descendent of someone who shaped your country. And then to see a portrayal made by one of the best play writes of our time
The only thing that sucks about reacting to just the music and not the actual musical is the fact that the amazing choreography of the ENTIRE cast and the rotating stage wont get the recognition they deserve. If you think Burr was putting in that singing work, imagine him doing it while dancing, singing, and jumping around!
Talking about the performance of Satisfied, and Renée Elise Goldsberry's whole performance of the whole play, Lin says she is the only person who *never* messed up a song.
yeah Knox is deeply knowledgeable in history and whole variety of things- I mean his 'Skrillex vs Mozart' breakdown for example is pretty impressive :0
I love both the Burr line "I am the one thing in life I can control! I am inimitable, I am an original" and the Hamilton line "If you stand for nothing, Burr, what'll you fall for?"
It’s funny that my history teacher introduce the Declaration of Independence as a break up letter to England. She had this whole bit she played out. Had this hand written note left on a desk that she grabbed and read out loud to the class. She had put the declaration in modern terms and it sounded just like a break up letter. Then revealed she was actually reciting the Declaration of Independence just with modern words.
I'd like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for appreciating the weight of the pause after he introduces himself "Alexander Hamilton." I'm from Puerto Rico and my first time watching the show was here on the island in 2019, after the hurricane, with Lin-Manuel reprising his role as Hamilton. When I tell you that the band had to ACTUALLY STOP EVERYTHING for a full minute because of the thunderous applause when Lin came out with his first "Alexander Hamilton"... For real I was in tears.
around 1:17:00-ish - Farmer Refuted - I LOVE that Lin-Manuel crafted this so that Hamilton is LITERALLY "running circles around" Seabury. Hamilton's lines are double time compared to Seabury's, and every line or so he comes around to the same word/sound as Seabury, while saying SO MUCH MORE in the same space... musically "talking circles around him"
enjoy the rabbit hole my guy haha fun fact: Lin actually based the evolving rhyme-structures of different characters off of different MCs. For example: Hamilton's polysyllabic interwoven schemes are inspired by Eminem Washington was Hamilton's Dr. Dre; hence his metronomic, on-beat rhyming. He sings more; the casting notice says John Legend meets Mufasa Burr dabbles in the most musical genres, representing his nebulous allegiances; the casting notice says Mos Def meets Javert from Les Mis Mulligan is inspired by Busta Rhymes and RZA Angelica is inspired by Queen Latifah
The first two are even more perfect when you consider the parallels between the Dre-Eminem relationship and that of Washington and Hamilton (a deliberate artistic choice by LMM that has been confirmed in interviews)
Knox's understanding of both history and rap make him literally the PERFECT audience for Hamilton. This was so thrilling to watch, because he was saying things and I was like YES, that comes later. Literally at 50:30 when he starts talking about the rap genre lending itself to this story because rap is revolutionary, that's almost verbatim what Lin Manuel said when he talked about his conception of Hamilton: that he realised Alexander Hamilton's story was literally the foundation for most rap: writing your way out of circumstance, and his realisation that in telling Hamilton's specific story, he could tell the revolutionary story of the founding of USA.
I have to say I think that Farmer Refuted is the most underrated song from the play. I watched so many reactions and finely someone appreciates it as much as I am!
Another little thing that a lot of people may not have noticed in "Satisfied" is that Angelica, despite the love for her sister Eliza, de-humanizes that relationship with the words "Now that's his bride", instead of "Now she's his bride... It's funny how that single word flips the whoile perspective. It's basically the regret and resentment of not having Alexander in her life except by proxy...
When you see who plays whom in the cast, you have Mulligan/Madison and Lafayette/Jefferson saying "We fought with him". You have Laurens/Phillip saying "I died for him", then you have Eliza, Angelica and Peggy/Maria Reynolds singing "I loved him". Washington sang "I trusted him".
@@TheRonybala yeah, but there’s a difference between knowing the history and knowing how it’s going to play out in the show. He probably already knows that Jefferson and Madison are gonna show up, like how he knows Mulligan was a spy and that Burr shot Hamilton. But he doesn’t know how, when, and what part of their characters will be shifted or not mentioned to fit with the show, you know? In a way it’s kinda like reading a book then seeing a (well done) movie based off the book. You know all the plot points, still exciting to see exactly how it’s done in this medium.
@@fidgetelftree9432 I’m was just being a bit sarcastic for the laughs. But since you decided to take it seriously- Knox pretty much knows exactly everything that happens in this musical just from his comments in the first 30-40 minutes or so. The main “milestones” are historically accurate (to a degree). Everyone with decent history knowledge already knows the ending before starting this musical. Unless you can convey how the music feels, sounds and what emotions it brings via writing better than listening and watching ever would, I respectfully disagree that you can really spoil it…
I started listening just to get a rapper’s take on the album, but I am seriously blown away by your love and knowledge of history!! Not that one doesn’t preclude the other, but it’s a great bonus to my expectations. Love it!
@@LPnerd I disagree; he seems to have a great grasp of this section of history and it’s always nice to hear them described in new voices/with new emphasis and analysis.
@@lyricmezzosoprano5357 , ok, but everything he told you , you would learned in the song , plus he would have had more time to review. RUclips has a time limit for their live shows, at least I think that's what he was referring to.
I love the actor's portrayal during "you'll be back" he looks into the audience and singles out people in the audience and stares at them and proceeds to move around only using his eyes as if the audience is his subjects and making sure they feel the pressure of what their decisions are toward this coming revolution and makes the audience feel uncomfortable
Yes Lin played Hamilton for the first year and change of the Broadway cast! And just as a joke,.the one thing he CANT do is take care of himself when working! He's talked about sleeping at the theater for the whole month before it debuted, barely eating any real food and kind of creeping out the construction crew by wandering around.
This video randomly came up in my recommendeds tonight and I gotta say, it's probably the best Hamilton reaction I've seen. Your knowledge of music (especially rap and hip-hop) combined with your knowledge of the American Revolution really makes for a fun watch. I would love to see you react to the rest of the show.
This version of satisfied will *never* live up to the live version. She has so much more flow, vocal range and emotion with the live version. It is quite honestly, basically flawless.
The lyrics "the model of a modern major general" is not Miranda's; it is his homage to Gilbert and Sullivan - the Modern Major General's song in Act 1 of Pirates of Penzance. Miranda makes many allusions to songs and shows in the musical theater canon throughout Hamilton...a genius merging of his loves of rap and hip hop AND musical theater.
It’s also an additional joke if you know the song. In addition to being one of the faster patter songs and viewed as a proto-rap, the punchline of the song is that the major general is a great scholar of everything except battle tactics, logistics, combat, etc.
Knox will really love the Guns and Ships rap but I also want him to listen to the Cabinet Battle raps too. Also, I find myself rewatching parts of this stream because of all the details he caught. Like when he noticed the shifted connotation of the word SON between Meet Me Inside and That Would Be Enough.
For the record you can find a picture of Eminem backstage with Lin taking a picture from when he went to see the show. Lin has openly stated he based Hamilton's style on Em. Hercules Mulligan's style was Busta Rhymes. George III was British Pop Invasion.
This is one of the most fascinating reaction videos I've ever seen. Knox understands this specific history so well, and also understands the theory of rap composition, and storytelling. Seeing him wondering who this new character was in "You'll Be Back", and slowly realize that it's King George, and that it's a threatening love letter to the colonies -- was a real joy to witness. I didn't mean to watch the whole thing, but now I'm halfway through and can't imagine I'll stop watching.
Thanks for watching! Sorry we had to cut early due to YT issues but hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I did 🤟 If someone could comment timestamps for all the songs I’d greatly appreciate it and will pin it 🙌
Good stream and breakdown as usual knox, still one of the best out there and knox hill certified. upcoming reaction should be of mic righteous suicycle album.
I clicked on this video planning to skim through it to see your reaction to a few songs but found myself staying for the entire thing. Love your energy and the knowledge you brought to this stream. I hope to see you react to the rest of the songs in the future. Some of the best ones are yet to come.
When I went to see Hamilton in person King George pointed to me when he said "cause you're my favorite subject" and we made eye contact, then for the rest of the show we kept looking at each other
The line "I'm past patiently waiting, I'm passionately smashing every expectation, every action's an act of creation" was the first line he wrote. It came to him on the subway in New York. The entire rest of the musical is based on that one line.
Lin didn't play Bruno but you could tell he was influenced by Lin, cast wise. Bruno was played by the same man who played sid the sloth in Ice age. His voice is somewhat similar to Lin's voice style however. Lin is a genius though!
You are single-handedly the best possible reactor for this impeccable work and one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. The fact that you are a rapper that knows history makes this incredible to watch 💯 From one indie rapper to another, thank you for doing this one 🙏🏼
A little something I noticed: in Aaron Burr, sir, Burr says "Fools who run their mouths all wind up dead" then right after, John Laurens starts talking, foreshadowing his death later on. Similarly, when Burr said "if you talk you're gonna get shot" then Hamilton starts speaking, hinting at their final duel in the end of the musical. Also in Helpless, when Lin did the little scratchy(?) low voice while singing "as long as I'm alive Eliza, swear to god you'll never feel so-" he actually did that because it makes the actress playing Eliza laugh.
“I am the very model of a modern major general” line is actually a tribute to the operetta, Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan. A whole patter song called “Modern Major General”
Is there anything better than watching someone who appreciates music and hip hop react to Hamilton for the first time? I’m reliving the first time I listened to the Album… cried like a baby. Get the tissues for Act II. WE NEED PART TWO
First time I heard a Hamilton song I had Pandora on while doing dishes. I stopped and went what the heck is this? He put a comma after dearest? Ok, I'll have to check that out. Then later It's Quiet Uptown came on. I was like, wtf why am I crying? Wth is this? What is this Hamilton about? What is happening???
"Model of a modern Major General" is a direct lift from Pirates of Penzance. There are many nods to other musicals in Hamilton in addition to the rap references.
This is amazing. Between you’re knowledge of the history and music makes a wonderfully balanced commentary. I agree with the comment that Helpless and Satisfied are two numbers that deserve a watch of the scenes. Cause the staging is insanely good. I mean the whole show is awesome but that section in particular is done impeccably
On Broadway, the actors are standing on a circular stage -- a record /record player --and during the rewind the record direction changes as the actors also rewind. Amazing.
You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge Knox! Couldn't think of anyone better to dissect Hamilton. This live was really good, didn't feel like 3 hours at all. Can't wait for more! Cheers bro.
the absolutely extraordinary thing with live theater is that not only do actors perform all this musical complexity every night, but there's also a full orchestra of musicians who have to know this score down to the every beat. it's literally a sung through show and so much of it relies on rhythm i can't imagine the type of musical mastery that must take
July 2022 we were lucky to be in row six dead center. Lin looked up at the monitors that displayed the orchestra's movement as he sang. Daveed Diggs completely (well, almost) stole the show.
I have seen dozens of Hamilton reactions and I’ve never seen ANYONE understand every single reference and the point of every song like holy shit, you just get it, and I love how informed you are on both music and history, such a joy to watch 😭
"Hamilton" was initially a concept hip-hop album - because LMM felt Alexander Hamilton embodied the spirit of hip-hop after grabbing Ron Chernow's biography of Hamilton as a vacation read. LMM was working on it when the White House called him up to perform something for their Evening of Spoken Word - and he performed "Alexander Hamilton". Well, the hip-hop concept album turned into a musical, but he still put out the Hamilton Mixtape. Lin-Manuel Miranda also had what were called Hamildrops - songs that would land on social media over the course of 2018. One of those was the "Hamilton Polka," a medley of songs from the musical performed by Weird Al. LMM is a HUGE Weird Al fan and to have Weird Al parody the musical is probably one of the highlights of LMM's career. LMM's wife recorded him doing a first reaction to the polka which is on RUclips. Jimmy Fallon did a side-by-side of Lin's and his first reactions to the Polka.
Was watching the whole thing. Shame we couldn't finish, but all that time really flew by sooo fast. Love your reactions and interpretations to the songs. Hoping we find a way for this to not be the end of Hamilton on the channel.
One thing I love the most is in You'll Be Back, the "Ocean RISE, empires FALL", are sung with the opposite tune It's kinda wonky to explain but instead of RISE being loud it ends up being normal and FALL is said so much more extravagantly, it just makes me happy lmao Another one is also with Satisfied, "When you said hi I forgot my dang name", when Angelica introduced herself she says Angelica Schuyler, her name then however would've been Angelica Church since she was married to someone named John Church (I think that's what his name was)
She got married later in the play, so she wasn’t married when they first met. That’s what the play implies, anyways; I don’t know if that’s historically accurate.
@@extralongbaguette8880 Angelica is already married during the Winter's Ball. That is one the historical inaccuracies for the sake of story telling. Understandable though!
Listen I know a good chunk of the first half of the musical by heart, line by line. And. Yet. You still point out double meanings and details in the production I had not noticed before Very nice Knox! Appreciate your work as always
Damn, first time here, Knox, you are a genius. You got it on the third song, that was actually Lin's intention with "Hip-hop is the voice of modern revolution" and there is, according to Lin, no one in American history who embodies the sense of Hip Hop as Hamilton did through his life.
Fun fact: Lin said that he thinks Hamilton embodies hip-hop perfectly. He was born in St Crox, moved to NY at 17, and used his brain to become treasury secretary
Yes! As the lyrics go, he "wrote his way out." Hamilton was extraordinarily prolific, and he used his way with words to get him where he wanted to be again and again and again throughout his life.
@@sammymariehey2252 none of the hamiltons owned slaves, only alex's mother did and i think he let them free when she died and they were passed down onto him
I was never into any rap besides Will Smith's "Parents Just Don't Understand" and a few songs by Salt n Pepa, but I've always loved musicals. I heard a lot of hype about Hamilton, so I decided to check it out and give it a chance. I was meh about it until I heard My Shot - and holy crap! I finally "got it"! The way Lin made the words along with the rhythm and cadence they created added so much to the song... I finally understood that rap was as great and complex a genre of music as any other. So I thank Lin Manuel Miranda for opening my eyes to a genre of music that I had a mental block against, and Hamilton is my favorite musical.
Hamilton is absolutely impressive with all the attention to detail it has. I've listened to the soundtrack many times and kept finding new connections and things I didn't realize before. You're a rapper and it's really cool to see your breakdown of the lyrics, but there are also all kinds of motifs and callbacks going on in the melodies that the instruments play, so if you're interested in that I really recommend you (or anyone reading this) the series "How Hamilton Works" by Howard Ho. Maybe not for a reaction but just for your own curiosity, after you're finished with the soundtrack of course. Can't wait to see the rest!
In "My Shot" they're actually still in a bar, which gives the "Shot!" shoutout an extra meaning aswell while everyone formulates their case. It's all so well thought out. nutty.
When I was in college, I was in a really dark place before I was diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder. In order to sort of escape my thoughts, I wrote down every lyric for Hamilton. Each character had a different color when they were singing or rapping. It truly helped me through. I am so excited that you have gone through all the music and have broken it down with not only musical knowledge, but historical. You're awesome, Knox!
This was my favorite reaction I've seen to Hamilton so far. There aren't many people online who appreciate both the music and the history like this. Definitely subscribing after this and I can't wait for part 2!
Hey, Knox, here's an idea for what to do next. We, the folks who are already familiar with Hamilton can do a sort of breakdown by arcs of the remaining of the musical, i.e. from song 1-4 is arc I, 5-9 is arc II, etc. And you can upload video reactions by arcs. That way, you don't have to risk another full length stream, and you can spread out the uploads. It could probably help to have a safety net in case YT is acting out again, so you would know if there's an issue to just cut it after one upload or whatever and figure out a different option.
@@KnoxHill Sure thing. 1. That would be Enough -> Non-Stop (just to finish up the actual first act of the show, since this is already pretty tied up) 2.What'd I Miss -> The Room where it Happens 3. Schuyler Defeated -> One last time 4. I Know Him -> The Reynolds Pamphlet 5. Burn -> It's Quiet Uptown 6. The Election of 1800 -> Who Lives, Who Dies, Who tells your story I tried to split them up somewhat so that there's not too much for one video, and also somewhat make the arcs fit storywise (i.e. end after a climax and then the next video would be like 'ok, here's the consequences from the prev video'). Unfortunately I can't do much about however long your videos might turn out, because some songs are 1min and a half, others are 4 mins, so, you know 😅. Hope this helps
@@alanardominim @Knox Hill This is a solid list :D I would put Burn at the end of arc 4 since I think it's much more satisfying to have it directly after the Reynolds Pamphlet, but otherwise I wholeheartedly approve. About time we have more appreciation for the genius that is Hamilton/LMM!
In Helpless, the part at 1:55:29 with Lin (Alexander) and Phillipa Soo (Eliza) invokes a JaRule and Ashanti vibe! Lin sometimes would sing his part in a lower bass voice like JaRule just to make Phillipa laugh on stage! So cute!!!
I came to watch a rapper break down the technique in the music of Hamilton, and got that and also so many history listens. You are like, incredibly intelligent. This has been a great reaction so far!
If you like Lin-Manuel Miranda, be sure to check out “In the Heights” too!! His first play!! Thanks, Knox!! Really impressed with your musical perspective, the way you educate us about music, and program!! 😊
dude i never noticed it til i was rewatching this stream just now but at 2:00:29 when knox is listening to satisfied, you can hear the men singing "LADIES" like they do in a winter's ball. SO SICK.
Man watching these reactions makes me realise how much the acting and choreography adds to the music. Do not get me wrong the music is the star and is amazing but it just got me to appreciate everything else so much more
Love how he’s calling out plot points before they happen. Talking about Hamilton running his mouth then grins when he gets to “Talk less, smile more.” Within a few minutes he’s talking about how Hamilton conflicted with Jefferson and was a 2nd for Lauren’s in a duel. Just wait til he gets to 10 Duel Commandments and the Act 2 battles
I don't usually watch these kinds of videos and didn't know what to expect but I loved this so much, the way he talks about the music and appreciates all the details so many people miss is amazing to listen to
Rewatching this series for the second time and finding myself delighted once again how much of the history you knew. It adds a whole different dimension to the breakdowns
You'll Be Back - just looked this up, not like I've had it at my fingertips for years: In the book "Hamilton: The Revolution", Miranda says that he went for a drink with Hugh Laurie after filming their 2009 episodes of Laurie's series House, in which Miranda guest-starred. "I told him I wanted to write a breakup letter from King George to the colonies," Miranda writes. "Without blinking, he improv'd at me, 'Awwww, you'll be back,' wagging his finger. I laughed and filed it away. Thanks, Hugh Laurie."
I never know going into these reactions how much people actually know about the history... The fact that you know about everything going into it was incredible!! Witnessing you react to this form of Hamilton's story was perfection!!! Please finish your reactions!! You haven't even gotten to Jefferson yet and you cut off right before guns and ships, which I swear you will absolutely love (and Jefferson and Lafayette are played by the same actor so you know it'll be good. I love Daveed Diggs).
Man, I've been a Hamilton fan since 2015 and I've heard hundreds of hours worth of content about it over the years, that been said I find your insights to be so refreshing and interesting. Thank you so much for putting so much into your work. I'm a great admirer and I hope you all the best and all the success you deserve. Keep going, brother!
This is the first reaction I've seen to just the audio, but more importantly: you're the the first reacter I've seen who knows the story from a from history perspective, not from the musical. Cool.
Cannot tell you the joy it brings me watching someone joy-out hearing this for the first time. Especially when they're so well informed of the time!! I had a blast along with you! ⭐️
Me too, 2 years later!! I saw Hamilton live in Chicago and I have watched it a hundred times on Disney. I love turning people onto the brilliance of the writing and music.
The fact that Knox was quoting lyrics from the musical before they came up, the first one that he also noticed was "outgunned and outmanned", mad, but also, he didn't get to listen to "non-stop", but he quoted "keep my cards close to my chest" which Aaron Burr says.
I went to see Hamilton yesterday in London and it hands down the best musical/play/show I have ever ever seen! I would recommend anyone to go and see it it’s definitely worth every penny 😃
Love how at the beginning of "Right Hand Man" you literally foreshadow the "outmanned" lyrics. Glad to see I'm not the only hip-hop/history nerd out there
1:21:28 Your reaction to the line, "I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love," was amazing already, then you started dancing, and I was dying of laughter!
I just watched Hamilton for the first time a few weeks ago and I’ve been OBSESSED, listening to the soundtrack everyday & I randomly got recommended this video and I’m in love lmao. Your reactions are everything! I’m smiling like an idiot seeing you appreciate it the way you are. Also, your knowledge on music, rap AND history is making this video STUPID ENTERTAINING 😍
Hey Knox I know I’m wayyyy late but in the musical some of the actors had double roles in different acts. Which played into the “we fought for him, Me I died for him, and I loved him”
My kid has a friend who got a Make a Wish granted to see this in NYC and meet the cast. Not having a sibling, they got to take my kid as their plus one. We have a pic of the two of them back to back on the stage holding the pistols. Coolest pic ever.
Seriously impressed with both your musical breakdowns and well as the historical connections. Ive seen the musical 10 times on Disney + but you brought something different to the reaction that made the story and music clearer. Great job!
First time here..was worried I was going to get annoyed with all the stopping...well I was WRONG !! This was incredible to watch, so entertaining and educational. New fan right here!!
Leslie Odin Jr & Christopher Jackson are the MVP’s the OG cast of Hamilton, also Knox you should listen to the Original In The Heights soundtrack, first winning Tony Award Musical for Lin
I’m not positive why this popped on my feed today but holy sh*t I got sucked in. I’ve watched Hamilton at least 10 times on +, listened to it countless times nonstop since 2016 and lucky enough to see it live 4 times (so far). Bottom line- I LOVE IT and this was incredibly refreshing… so great to see detailed feedback by someone so hip to rap constructs but also knowledgeable about history. This was more than the typical generic “hey this is really good “ reaction vid. I’m super impressed, totally subscribing and going to share this widely!!! Thank you!!
If you have time, you should listen to the version of Satisfied by Emmy Raver-Lampman where she options up at the end (musical theater term where there’s an option in the music to go up higher than normal. Most people don’t do it ever but occasionally the performer does when they are really feeling it). It’s absolutely amazing to hear. She was the understudy to a lot the parts in the original cast and then was Angelica in the first tour. She went on to play Alison in Umbrella Acadamy and has been with Daveed Diggs for several years now. (Though how one relationship can hold so much talent, I’ve got no clue).
I was never a history buff- not one bit - HOWEVER! It’s AMAZING knowing AFTER I watched the play to actually HEAR Knox explaining what happened (and it was EVERYTHING this play had (from Mulligan spying to Hamilton having different political beliefs from Jefferson- and of course the affair))
I love this i wish i was here live to see you cover it. The look on your face in certain parts are priceless. Especially for those VERY familiar with this piece of music/story.
Freestyle time 10:23
1. "Alexander Hamilton" 20:29
2. "Aaron Burr, Sir" 33:23
3. "My Shot" 43:23
4. "The Story of Tonight" 1:00:59
5. "The Schuyler Sisters" 1:05:14
6. "Farmer Refuted" 1:13:01
7. "You'll Be Back" 1:19:41
8. "Right Hand Man" 1:31:42
9. "A Winter's Ball" 1:47:38
10. "Helpless" 1:50:45
11. "Satisfied" 1:58:37
12. "The Story of Tonight (Reprise)" 2:09:51
13. "Wait for It" 2:12:21
14. "Stay Alive" 2:24:53
15. "Ten Duel Commandments" 2:30:51
16. "Meet Me Inside" 2:34:25
17. "That Would Be Enough" 2:38:40
Freestyle time 2:46:35
Where's Yorktown!!!!!
@@SugarcatPlays He didn't get that far.
thank you!
@@SugarcatPlays and room where it happens!
Any chance of a part 2?
The way angelica is the only female who raps...and on pace with Hamilton...it was meant to her being on his intellectual level
Apparently Vanessa (Lin's wife) asked why none of the female lines rapped, and that's how satisfied was born.
I saw a headcanon somewhere that Eliza never rapped because she never felt like she was running out of time. It was beautiful
don’t forget about eliza’s sick beatboxing though 😎
i didn't know that before but that's absolute genius
I find this truth to be self evident, all the men were created equal, and when she met Alex Hamilton (unh) she was compelled to make a rap that’d put us in the sequel (work!)
Angelicaaa did well with her rapping. This Schuyler sister…was looking for a mind at work!
Burr's line in Aaron Burr, Sir "Fools run their mouths off wind up dead," immediately leads into the intro of John Laurens, a hard-core abolishonist, who died in his pursuit of freedom for black slaves, which is reflected by Burr's line immediately after his intro saying "Like I said,"
I still keep finding links and nuances, wow. Never even thought of this one.
John Laurens died in an ambush with British forces that hadn't yet received word of the surrender in South Carolina. Did John and Al have a little war time love thing going on...maybe. when Eliza and her son were complying all his letters she notoriously had him burn most of the letters from Laurens, and his family didn't keep them. So, we have no way of knowing.
WE do know Laurens married very young while in France, had one child, and left her never to return shortly after the child was born and sent money until the day he died. He did his job and produced an heir. Make of this what you will.
@@LPnerd i guys we'll never know but it is sus that they got roof of most of his letters. Language was very passionate then, even between men but something had to be different for them not to want the world to know what they talked about.
That really hurts
damn. Still learning more and more stuff about Hamilton. This is so clever. Thanks for sharing^^
I love how King George's song sounds very much like you expect him to be dancing everywhere but instead he stands almost perfectly still through the whole song just making uncomfortably long eye contact with random people in the audience. It really enhances how unhinged he is. It's great.
During the song he only blinks like seven times
@@tangodamango752 Fr, the actor's are scary
@@johni_cuh And the guys voices Kristoff in Frozen. So talented
@@lorettabes4553 Yeah, Jonathan Groff is amazing lol
i saw rory o malley’s king live and he stole the goddamn show. the recorded version doesnt do it justice 😳
It's hilarious. He 'predicts' everything because it's just history that he's familiar with but still gets blown away with how it's handled. Love it.
Fun fact: There are 47 songs in the play (including Lauren's interlude), 47 songs = hamilton died at the age of 47. Nothing is a coincidence when it comes to lin miranda! Props to you Prof Knox for this great reaction and breakdown!
I never realised this omg
Another fun fact: In the song "take a break" hamilton's son philip was practicing to count in french and philip gets messed up on the number 7. That foreshadows how philip died in a duel with George Eacker. George Eacker shoot his shot on the count of 7 instead of 10 :)) Listen to the track "Blow us all away" A gun shot in the background on the count of 7.
This might be common knowledge for some people but another detail I love about Phillip is that when he sang with Eliza he always sang in an ascending tone rather than following along with her descending tone. It just shows that he was much like his father, he wanted to rise up.
@@geneladaii1755 and another fun fact: philip dies at the age of 19, and he lives 19 songs (since hes first mentioned in dear theodosia until he dies in stay alive (reprise))
@@geneladaii1755 me and my homies all hate George Eacker 😒😒
The "Just you wait" vs. "Wait for it" dynamic is so beautifully illustrative. Their literal meanings are identical, but the former is a call to action and almost a threat while the latter is a call to inaction but also almost a veiled threat. They're two sides of the same fatally ambitious coin
Beautifully said! One of the things I love most in this musical was the different themes, motifs, meanings and contexts a single word or a phrase/sentence can take depending on who's saying it. A classic literary technique but I just forgot what is it officially called. Anyway, in Satisfied for example, that one concept alone means the same for Angelica and Hamilton but goes to an unfortunate extreme for Hamilton's end (which you'll understand the later parts of the musical).
@@earthbenderjfjdj4335 a foil, or a leitmotif?
@@brandongrindle5883 im not sure but probably leitmotif? or was it lyrical motif? Hehe
@@earthbenderjfjdj4335 Leitmotif = short musical motif associated with a specific character or situation as a musical cue, the lyrical equivalent could be called a lyrical motif or a refrain. “Wait for it” and “Just you wait” are both simultaneously.
A foil is the literary term for two characters or themes continuously compared and contrasted, so Burr and Hamilton-and their two lietmotifs/refrains-are foils of eachother.
I love that by the second act, the "wait for it" wich was what made Burr stay behind is what could have saved Hamilton when he wrote the Reynolds Pamflet. And at the same time Burr starts "not throwing away his shot" wich leas him to almost be president but also to kill Hamilton. It's cool to see how diferent each motiv applies to each character
Most people that react to Hamilton don't know much about the actual history. This was refreshing and exciting. To not only comment on the music but the history, awesome. I love history so double awesome for me.
Knox's history chops are so impressive. Man can analyze the music from a creator's perspective AND give insight to the context behind it. Such a great perspective.
I was thinking the same thing...As a US history buff, him actually KNOWING much of the history made this more enjoyable
Totally agree! As a norwegian I have little to no insight on the history here, but I love the musical and of course the music. Learning about the history behind it gives it so much more depth, and I really enjoyed watching this!
Completely agree! Loved it.
Exactly what I was impressed with for this reaction. Feel like I am learning so much and gaining a deeper appreciation for Lin Manuel Miranda's genius.
As a descendent of Burr, this play is actually one of the better portrayals of Burr I've seen in any mainstream medium, (even if they still did the false shot his gun into the air thing). Lin Manuel actually consulted with my dad and invited the whole Burr Association to a preopening show to see his play. This whole thing is a masterpiece and Lin Manuel was so gracious.
That’s awesome to learn! Thanks for sharing.
I would say the complete opposite about burr. As a history nerd and a Broadway fan I have done my fair share of research. But hey idk. Cool story tho
That must be so cool to be a descendent of someone who shaped your country. And then to see a portrayal made by one of the best play writes of our time
@@AStrangePersonOnline why can’t they be?
@@AStrangePersonOnline I get where u come from but I'm pretty sure not every Burr descendent is listed on google (?)
The only thing that sucks about reacting to just the music and not the actual musical is the fact that the amazing choreography of the ENTIRE cast and the rotating stage wont get the recognition they deserve. If you think Burr was putting in that singing work, imagine him doing it while dancing, singing, and jumping around!
I mean, the table jump in Room Where it Happens is legendary.
@@meggsy82as well as the leap that Lafayette gave while singing
My favorite is when they rewind
Just watching Daveed Diggs move.
Talking about the performance of Satisfied, and Renée Elise Goldsberry's whole performance of the whole play, Lin says she is the only person who *never* messed up a song.
@@earthbenderjfjdj4335what's crazy is I dont think she has a mic either. Just pure talent
Renee actually has said that isn't true, she has messed up. LOL Just such little mistakes that they weren't caught, but they did occur.... ;)
@@CheeseGuyNotSpyshe did have a mic, at least for the disney plus recorded show
Never messed up a line* 🥲
Dude I had no idea you were such a US history buff. This musical was made for you
yeah Knox is deeply knowledgeable in history and whole variety of things- I mean his 'Skrillex vs Mozart' breakdown for example is pretty impressive :0
My thought too! Can’t wait for Guns and Ships and the cabinet battles!
99% of his ERB reactions he goes ham on giving everything in terms of background
As a history buff myself, Knox being one as well was a pleasant surprise.
Knox for King George III in a production.
"I'm not falling behind or running late I'm not standing still, I'm lying in wait" my favorite line of the whole play.
Mine too!
Yes! Such a mental vision with that line. Powerful.
👍👍
nah something’s better
AND PEGGY
I love both the Burr line "I am the one thing in life I can control! I am inimitable, I am an original" and the Hamilton line "If you stand for nothing, Burr, what'll you fall for?"
It’s funny that my history teacher introduce the Declaration of Independence as a break up letter to England. She had this whole bit she played out. Had this hand written note left on a desk that she grabbed and read out loud to the class. She had put the declaration in modern terms and it sounded just like a break up letter. Then revealed she was actually reciting the Declaration of Independence just with modern words.
What a great teacher!
She sounds amazing lol
Wait my teacher did the same thing-
@@hanjis5894 Mine as well
Sounds like history teachers be sharing tips online.
I'd like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for appreciating the weight of the pause after he introduces himself "Alexander Hamilton." I'm from Puerto Rico and my first time watching the show was here on the island in 2019, after the hurricane, with Lin-Manuel reprising his role as Hamilton. When I tell you that the band had to ACTUALLY STOP EVERYTHING for a full minute because of the thunderous applause when Lin came out with his first "Alexander Hamilton"... For real I was in tears.
Wow, that must have been awesome to witness!😭
What an epic moment in time!
What an epic moment for a wonderful cause so happy you got to witness that
I'm in tears just reading your comment man. It must have been absolutely spellbinding.
It's not surprising that the music and lyrics are so carefully crafted. It took Lin-Manuel Miranda 7 years to write this musical.
Damn... I have no clue when it came out but I was kinda young.. hmmm I would prolly be in m younger school life (kindergarten -5)
around 1:17:00-ish - Farmer Refuted - I LOVE that Lin-Manuel crafted this so that Hamilton is LITERALLY "running circles around" Seabury. Hamilton's lines are double time compared to Seabury's, and every line or so he comes around to the same word/sound as Seabury, while saying SO MUCH MORE in the same space... musically "talking circles around him"
enjoy the rabbit hole my guy haha
fun fact: Lin actually based the evolving rhyme-structures of different characters off of different MCs. For example:
Hamilton's polysyllabic interwoven schemes are inspired by Eminem
Washington was Hamilton's Dr. Dre; hence his metronomic, on-beat rhyming. He sings more; the casting notice says John Legend meets Mufasa
Burr dabbles in the most musical genres, representing his nebulous allegiances; the casting notice says Mos Def meets Javert from Les Mis
Mulligan is inspired by Busta Rhymes and RZA
Angelica is inspired by Queen Latifah
THIS
Also the burr note is EPIC.
The first two are even more perfect when you consider the parallels between the Dre-Eminem relationship and that of Washington and Hamilton (a deliberate artistic choice by LMM that has been confirmed in interviews)
He's actually stated hamilton is pun. Big pun being a fellow puerto Rican from NY one of lin's greatest influences
Of all the people I thought Angelica was based off of, I was not expecting Queen Latifah👁👄👁 (def not disappointed tho)
Knox's understanding of both history and rap make him literally the PERFECT audience for Hamilton. This was so thrilling to watch, because he was saying things and I was like YES, that comes later. Literally at 50:30 when he starts talking about the rap genre lending itself to this story because rap is revolutionary, that's almost verbatim what Lin Manuel said when he talked about his conception of Hamilton: that he realised Alexander Hamilton's story was literally the foundation for most rap: writing your way out of circumstance, and his realisation that in telling Hamilton's specific story, he could tell the revolutionary story of the founding of USA.
I have to say I think that Farmer Refuted is the most underrated song from the play. I watched so many reactions and finely someone appreciates it as much as I am!
I love Farmers Refuted
I hope we'll get a part 2 of this. Non Stop, Room Where it Happens, The Cabinet Meetings are just a jam
came for the rapper, stayed for the history nerd
frrr
Another little thing that a lot of people may not have noticed in "Satisfied" is that Angelica, despite the love for her sister Eliza, de-humanizes that relationship with the words "Now that's his bride", instead of "Now she's his bride... It's funny how that single word flips the whoile perspective. It's basically the regret and resentment of not having Alexander in her life except by proxy...
When you see who plays whom in the cast, you have Mulligan/Madison and Lafayette/Jefferson saying "We fought with him". You have Laurens/Phillip saying "I died for him", then you have Eliza, Angelica and Peggy/Maria Reynolds singing "I loved him". Washington sang "I trusted him".
Remember, he hasn’t gotten to the end of the war. Jefferson and Madison aren’t here yet
But he did say he was a us history nerd so he might understand that
@@fidgetelftree9432
Please, no spoilers!
This only happened a couple of hundred years ago 😂
@@TheRonybala yeah, but there’s a difference between knowing the history and knowing how it’s going to play out in the show. He probably already knows that Jefferson and Madison are gonna show up, like how he knows Mulligan was a spy and that Burr shot Hamilton. But he doesn’t know how, when, and what part of their characters will be shifted or not mentioned to fit with the show, you know? In a way it’s kinda like reading a book then seeing a (well done) movie based off the book. You know all the plot points, still exciting to see exactly how it’s done in this medium.
@@fidgetelftree9432
I’m was just being a bit sarcastic for the laughs.
But since you decided to take it seriously-
Knox pretty much knows exactly everything that happens in this musical just from his comments in the first 30-40 minutes or so. The main “milestones” are historically accurate (to a degree). Everyone with decent history knowledge already knows the ending before starting this musical.
Unless you can convey how the music feels, sounds and what emotions it brings via writing better than listening and watching ever would, I respectfully disagree that you can really spoil it…
I started listening just to get a rapper’s take on the album, but I am seriously blown away by your love and knowledge of history!! Not that one doesn’t preclude the other, but it’s a great bonus to my expectations. Love it!
If would have just said hey that's true, instead of interrupting to expound his knowledge he wouldn't have run so long.
@@LPnerd I disagree; he seems to have a great grasp of this section of history and it’s always nice to hear them described in new voices/with new emphasis and analysis.
@@lyricmezzosoprano5357 , ok, but everything he told you , you would learned in the song , plus he would have had more time to review. RUclips has a time limit for their live shows, at least I think that's what he was referring to.
I love the actor's portrayal during "you'll be back" he looks into the audience and singles out people in the audience and stares at them and proceeds to move around only using his eyes as if the audience is his subjects and making sure they feel the pressure of what their decisions are toward this coming revolution and makes the audience feel uncomfortable
The actor is Jonathan Groff
Yes Lin played Hamilton for the first year and change of the Broadway cast!
And just as a joke,.the one thing he CANT do is take care of himself when working! He's talked about sleeping at the theater for the whole month before it debuted, barely eating any real food and kind of creeping out the construction crew by wandering around.
"he can't take care of himself while working"
(resists the urge to sing Non-Stop)
not him creeping out the people on richard roger’s💀
This video randomly came up in my recommendeds tonight and I gotta say, it's probably the best Hamilton reaction I've seen. Your knowledge of music (especially rap and hip-hop) combined with your knowledge of the American Revolution really makes for a fun watch. I would love to see you react to the rest of the show.
And to react the play/movie. It’s simply one of the best theater productions I have ever seen.
(I’m in my late 50s.)
This version of satisfied will *never* live up to the live version. She has so much more flow, vocal range and emotion with the live version. It is quite honestly, basically flawless.
Like elizas scream after philips death, man, i wasn't expecting and it got me shaking
@@missjackson8634 - yeah for sure! Top notch acting along with phenomenal vocal skills!
Do you realize how old your account on RUclips it lol omg
@@NinaNime-eh7ew - It's interesting how astonishing longevity is these days
lol
The lyrics "the model of a modern major general" is not Miranda's; it is his homage to Gilbert and Sullivan - the Modern Major General's song in Act 1 of Pirates of Penzance. Miranda makes many allusions to songs and shows in the musical theater canon throughout Hamilton...a genius merging of his loves of rap and hip hop AND musical theater.
It’s also an additional joke if you know the song. In addition to being one of the faster patter songs and viewed as a proto-rap, the punchline of the song is that the major general is a great scholar of everything except battle tactics, logistics, combat, etc.
Knox will really love the Guns and Ships rap but I also want him to listen to the Cabinet Battle raps too.
Also, I find myself rewatching parts of this stream because of all the details he caught. Like when he noticed the shifted connotation of the word SON between Meet Me Inside and That Would Be Enough.
How come he didn’t listen to those ones?? Or are they father into the play then I remember? Haha
@@DanielFernandez-gv6iy yeah he didn't even get fully half way through. The half way mark is between Yorktown and and What Comes Next?
For the record you can find a picture of Eminem backstage with Lin taking a picture from when he went to see the show. Lin has openly stated he based Hamilton's style on Em. Hercules Mulligan's style was Busta Rhymes. George III was British Pop Invasion.
1. "Alexander Hamilton" 20:29
2. "Aaron Burr, Sir" 33:23
3. "My Shot" 43:23
4. "The Story of Tonight" 1:00:59
5. "The Schuyler Sisters" 1:05:14
6. "Farmer Refuted" 1:13:01
7. "You'll Be Back" 1:19:41
8. "Right Hand Man" 1:31:42
9. "A Winter's Ball" 1:47:38
10. "Helpless" 1:50:45
11. "Satisfied" 1:58:37
12. "The Story of Tonight (Reprise)" 2:09:51
13. "Wait for It" 2:12:21
14. "Stay Alive" 2:24:53
15. "Ten Duel Commandments" 2:30:51
16. "Meet Me Inside" 2:34:25
17. "That Would Be Enough" 2:38:40
doing god's work!
++
(everybody comment on this don't just like, to drive it to the top. Give it a "+" or something)
Legend
Not all heroes wear capes. But you sir are a hero.
This is one of the most fascinating reaction videos I've ever seen. Knox understands this specific history so well, and also understands the theory of rap composition, and storytelling. Seeing him wondering who this new character was in "You'll Be Back", and slowly realize that it's King George, and that it's a threatening love letter to the colonies -- was a real joy to witness. I didn't mean to watch the whole thing, but now I'm halfway through and can't imagine I'll stop watching.
Thanks for watching! Sorry we had to cut early due to YT issues but hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I did 🤟 If someone could comment timestamps for all the songs I’d greatly appreciate it and will pin it 🙌
Amazing breakdowns! Looking forward to Part 2!
Someone named Haley did it. If you're looking for that.
Pls pls do a part 2!!!!
Good stream and breakdown as usual knox, still one of the best out there and knox hill certified.
upcoming reaction should be of mic righteous suicycle album.
Ok where do we go from here? Are you going to record the rest? Just curious not gonna lie this is my favorite live to date.
I clicked on this video planning to skim through it to see your reaction to a few songs but found myself staying for the entire thing. Love your energy and the knowledge you brought to this stream. I hope to see you react to the rest of the songs in the future. Some of the best ones are yet to come.
Definitely planning on it! And thanks for staying for the whole journey - that’s just awesome
@@KnoxHilldid you do the rest!?❤
Lin Manuel always said that if he could make it past "My Shot" the rest of the show was easy for him.
When I went to see Hamilton in person King George pointed to me when he said "cause you're my favorite subject" and we made eye contact, then for the rest of the show we kept looking at each other
The king likes you 😍😍
It was Jon?
@@Rocio.Suarez no, I don't remember the tour but it was in Dayton Ohio in February.
The line "I'm past patiently waiting, I'm passionately smashing every expectation, every action's an act of creation" was the first line he wrote. It came to him on the subway in New York. The entire rest of the musical is based on that one line.
Lin didn't play Bruno but you could tell he was influenced by Lin, cast wise. Bruno was played by the same man who played sid the sloth in Ice age. His voice is somewhat similar to Lin's voice style however. Lin is a genius though!
Sid is voiced by Jon leguizamo I'm pretty sure.
And Lin helped write the encanto songs, and a bit of the script as well
@@CheeseGuyNotSpy He didn't help write them he wrote all of them
You are single-handedly the best possible reactor for this impeccable work and one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. The fact that you are a rapper that knows history makes this incredible to watch 💯 From one indie rapper to another, thank you for doing this one 🙏🏼
A little something I noticed: in Aaron Burr, sir, Burr says "Fools who run their mouths all wind up dead" then right after, John Laurens starts talking, foreshadowing his death later on. Similarly, when Burr said "if you talk you're gonna get shot" then Hamilton starts speaking, hinting at their final duel in the end of the musical.
Also in Helpless, when Lin did the little scratchy(?) low voice while singing "as long as I'm alive Eliza, swear to god you'll never feel so-" he actually did that because it makes the actress playing Eliza laugh.
“I am the very model of a modern major general” line is actually a tribute to the operetta, Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan. A whole patter song called “Modern Major General”
I've loved hamilton for six years now, and this man, on his first listen-through, is picking up on things I haven't even noticed
Is there anything better than watching someone who appreciates music and hip hop react to Hamilton for the first time? I’m reliving the first time I listened to the Album… cried like a baby.
Get the tissues for Act II.
WE NEED PART TWO
I submit that there is not.
I saw him drinking all that water and i was like, save it for Act II, you will need it
First time I heard a Hamilton song I had Pandora on while doing dishes. I stopped and went what the heck is this? He put a comma after dearest? Ok, I'll have to check that out.
Then later It's Quiet Uptown came on. I was like, wtf why am I crying? Wth is this? What is this Hamilton about? What is happening???
@@kelliemishmish Kelly Clarkson’s cover of It’s Quiet Uptown was the first one I heard, and I had to know what it was from. Gorgeous writing.
I search for these. The best is two black dudes totally blown away. IT's amazing and made me so happy to watch.
"Model of a modern Major General" is a direct lift from Pirates of Penzance. There are many nods to other musicals in Hamilton in addition to the rap references.
"You have to be carefully taught" is a reference to South Pacific.
The C'est Moi line in the Lafayette introduction is from Camelot
@@inkling868 that goes nicely with him saying he is "the Lancelot of the revolutionary set"
My fav is “nobody needs to know” during Say No To This as a nod to The Last Five Years
This is amazing. Between you’re knowledge of the history and music makes a wonderfully balanced commentary. I agree with the comment that Helpless and Satisfied are two numbers that deserve a watch of the scenes. Cause the staging is insanely good. I mean the whole show is awesome but that section in particular is done impeccably
On Broadway, the actors are standing on a circular stage -- a record /record player --and during the rewind the record direction changes as the actors also rewind. Amazing.
You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge Knox! Couldn't think of anyone better to dissect Hamilton. This live was really good, didn't feel like 3 hours at all. Can't wait for more! Cheers bro.
the absolutely extraordinary thing with live theater is that not only do actors perform all this musical complexity every night, but there's also a full orchestra of musicians who have to know this score down to the every beat. it's literally a sung through show and so much of it relies on rhythm i can't imagine the type of musical mastery that must take
July 2022 we were lucky to be in row six dead center. Lin looked up at the monitors that displayed the orchestra's movement as he sang. Daveed Diggs completely (well, almost) stole the show.
I have seen dozens of Hamilton reactions and I’ve never seen ANYONE understand every single reference and the point of every song like holy shit, you just get it, and I love how informed you are on both music and history, such a joy to watch 😭
"Hamilton" was initially a concept hip-hop album - because LMM felt Alexander Hamilton embodied the spirit of hip-hop after grabbing Ron Chernow's biography of Hamilton as a vacation read. LMM was working on it when the White House called him up to perform something for their Evening of Spoken Word - and he performed "Alexander Hamilton". Well, the hip-hop concept album turned into a musical, but he still put out the Hamilton Mixtape.
Lin-Manuel Miranda also had what were called Hamildrops - songs that would land on social media over the course of 2018. One of those was the "Hamilton Polka," a medley of songs from the musical performed by Weird Al. LMM is a HUGE Weird Al fan and to have Weird Al parody the musical is probably one of the highlights of LMM's career. LMM's wife recorded him doing a first reaction to the polka which is on RUclips. Jimmy Fallon did a side-by-side of Lin's and his first reactions to the Polka.
Was watching the whole thing. Shame we couldn't finish, but all that time really flew by sooo fast. Love your reactions and interpretations to the songs. Hoping we find a way for this to not be the end of Hamilton on the channel.
Yeah watched it all. Time flew by.
How do you watch the whole thing but still can't finish?
@@hungryeyes2786 knox didnt finish the musical itself, he was like 3 songs away from the end of act one then youtube striked
@@mikiwilliams4133 hmmm, that explains it🤔
One thing I love the most is in You'll Be Back, the "Ocean RISE, empires FALL", are sung with the opposite tune
It's kinda wonky to explain but instead of RISE being loud it ends up being normal and FALL is said so much more extravagantly, it just makes me happy lmao
Another one is also with Satisfied, "When you said hi I forgot my dang name", when Angelica introduced herself she says Angelica Schuyler, her name then however would've been Angelica Church since she was married to someone named John Church (I think that's what his name was)
She got married later in the play, so she wasn’t married when they first met. That’s what the play implies, anyways; I don’t know if that’s historically accurate.
@@extralongbaguette8880 Angelica is already married during the Winter's Ball. That is one the historical inaccuracies for the sake of story telling. Understandable though!
Listen I know a good chunk of the first half of the musical by heart, line by line.
And. Yet.
You still point out double meanings and details in the production I had not noticed before
Very nice Knox! Appreciate your work as always
Damn, first time here, Knox, you are a genius. You got it on the third song, that was actually Lin's intention with "Hip-hop is the voice of modern revolution" and there is, according to Lin, no one in American history who embodies the sense of Hip Hop as Hamilton did through his life.
Fun fact: Lin said that he thinks Hamilton embodies hip-hop perfectly. He was born in St Crox, moved to NY at 17, and used his brain to become treasury secretary
Yes! As the lyrics go, he "wrote his way out." Hamilton was extraordinarily prolific, and he used his way with words to get him where he wanted to be again and again and again throughout his life.
The play right ? Not the actual man who owned slaves… because that’s so not hip-hop 🫤
@@sammymariehey2252 none of the hamiltons owned slaves, only alex's mother did and i think he let them free when she died and they were passed down onto him
I was never into any rap besides Will Smith's "Parents Just Don't Understand" and a few songs by Salt n Pepa, but I've always loved musicals. I heard a lot of hype about Hamilton, so I decided to check it out and give it a chance.
I was meh about it until I heard My Shot - and holy crap! I finally "got it"! The way Lin made the words along with the rhythm and cadence they created added so much to the song... I finally understood that rap was as great and complex a genre of music as any other.
So I thank Lin Manuel Miranda for opening my eyes to a genre of music that I had a mental block against, and Hamilton is my favorite musical.
I'm so glad that you were able to finally find and appreciate the amazing art that hip-hop is. Much love.
Hamilton is absolutely impressive with all the attention to detail it has. I've listened to the soundtrack many times and kept finding new connections and things I didn't realize before. You're a rapper and it's really cool to see your breakdown of the lyrics, but there are also all kinds of motifs and callbacks going on in the melodies that the instruments play, so if you're interested in that I really recommend you (or anyone reading this) the series "How Hamilton Works" by Howard Ho. Maybe not for a reaction but just for your own curiosity, after you're finished with the soundtrack of course. Can't wait to see the rest!
In "My Shot" they're actually still in a bar, which gives the "Shot!" shoutout an extra meaning aswell while everyone formulates their case. It's all so well thought out. nutty.
When I was in college, I was in a really dark place before I was diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder. In order to sort of escape my thoughts, I wrote down every lyric for Hamilton. Each character had a different color when they were singing or rapping. It truly helped me through. I am so excited that you have gone through all the music and have broken it down with not only musical knowledge, but historical. You're awesome, Knox!
This was my favorite reaction I've seen to Hamilton so far. There aren't many people online who appreciate both the music and the history like this. Definitely subscribing after this and I can't wait for part 2!
Hey, Knox, here's an idea for what to do next. We, the folks who are already familiar with Hamilton can do a sort of breakdown by arcs of the remaining of the musical, i.e. from song 1-4 is arc I, 5-9 is arc II, etc. And you can upload video reactions by arcs. That way, you don't have to risk another full length stream, and you can spread out the uploads. It could probably help to have a safety net in case YT is acting out again, so you would know if there's an issue to just cut it after one upload or whatever and figure out a different option.
Ok can you lay out the arcs for me?
@@KnoxHill Sure thing.
1. That would be Enough -> Non-Stop (just to finish up the actual first act of the show, since this is already pretty tied up)
2.What'd I Miss -> The Room where it Happens
3. Schuyler Defeated -> One last time
4. I Know Him -> The Reynolds Pamphlet
5. Burn -> It's Quiet Uptown
6. The Election of 1800 -> Who Lives, Who Dies, Who tells your story
I tried to split them up somewhat so that there's not too much for one video, and also somewhat make the arcs fit storywise (i.e. end after a climax and then the next video would be like 'ok, here's the consequences from the prev video'). Unfortunately I can't do much about however long your videos might turn out, because some songs are 1min and a half, others are 4 mins, so, you know 😅.
Hope this helps
@@alanardominim @Knox Hill This is a solid list :D I would put Burn at the end of arc 4 since I think it's much more satisfying to have it directly after the Reynolds Pamphlet, but otherwise I wholeheartedly approve. About time we have more appreciation for the genius that is Hamilton/LMM!
@@MicSebastian I second this. Burn makes perfect sense straight after the Reynolds pamphlet! What a great idea from Madalina though ☺️
Sounds good gang, let's get it 🤝
In Helpless, the part at 1:55:29 with Lin (Alexander) and Phillipa Soo (Eliza) invokes a JaRule and Ashanti vibe! Lin sometimes would sing his part in a lower bass voice like JaRule just to make Phillipa laugh on stage! So cute!!!
I came to watch a rapper break down the technique in the music of Hamilton, and got that and also so many history listens. You are like, incredibly intelligent. This has been a great reaction so far!
If you like Lin-Manuel Miranda, be sure to check out “In the Heights” too!! His first play!! Thanks, Knox!! Really impressed with your musical perspective, the way you educate us about music, and program!! 😊
I saw in the heights play and the movie both were great. Worth seeing
dude i never noticed it til i was rewatching this stream just now but at 2:00:29 when knox is listening to satisfied, you can hear the men singing "LADIES" like they do in a winter's ball. SO SICK.
Dude, you HAVE TO watch it! The visuals give extra layers of meaning to the music!
Man watching these reactions makes me realise how much the acting and choreography adds to the music. Do not get me wrong the music is the star and is amazing but it just got me to appreciate everything else so much more
Hamilton blew my mind the first time I saw it. As a theater kid, I had never seen a stage production quite like it, and it was simply amazing!
This made me so happy. Seeing Hamilton and Lin Manual Miranda get so much appreciation
Love how he’s calling out plot points before they happen. Talking about Hamilton running his mouth then grins when he gets to “Talk less, smile more.” Within a few minutes he’s talking about how Hamilton conflicted with Jefferson and was a 2nd for Lauren’s in a duel. Just wait til he gets to 10 Duel Commandments and the Act 2 battles
I don't usually watch these kinds of videos and didn't know what to expect but I loved this so much, the way he talks about the music and appreciates all the details so many people miss is amazing to listen to
Rewatching this series for the second time and finding myself delighted once again how much of the history you knew. It adds a whole different dimension to the breakdowns
You'll Be Back - just looked this up, not like I've had it at my fingertips for years:
In the book "Hamilton: The Revolution", Miranda says that he went for a drink with Hugh Laurie after filming their 2009 episodes of Laurie's series House, in which Miranda guest-starred. "I told him I wanted to write a breakup letter from King George to the colonies," Miranda writes. "Without blinking, he improv'd at me, 'Awwww, you'll be back,' wagging his finger. I laughed and filed it away. Thanks, Hugh Laurie."
I never know going into these reactions how much people actually know about the history... The fact that you know about everything going into it was incredible!! Witnessing you react to this form of Hamilton's story was perfection!!! Please finish your reactions!! You haven't even gotten to Jefferson yet and you cut off right before guns and ships, which I swear you will absolutely love (and Jefferson and Lafayette are played by the same actor so you know it'll be good. I love Daveed Diggs).
Man, I've been a Hamilton fan since 2015 and I've heard hundreds of hours worth of content about it over the years, that been said I find your insights to be so refreshing and interesting. Thank you so much for putting so much into your work. I'm a great admirer and I hope you all the best and all the success you deserve. Keep going, brother!
This is the first reaction I've seen to just the audio, but more importantly: you're the the first reacter I've seen who knows the story from a from history perspective, not from the musical. Cool.
Cannot tell you the joy it brings me watching someone joy-out hearing this for the first time. Especially when they're so well informed of the time!! I had a blast along with you! ⭐️
Me too, 2 years later!! I saw Hamilton live in Chicago and I have watched it a hundred times on Disney. I love turning people onto the brilliance of the writing and music.
The fact that Knox was quoting lyrics from the musical before they came up, the first one that he also noticed was "outgunned and outmanned", mad, but also, he didn't get to listen to "non-stop", but he quoted "keep my cards close to my chest" which Aaron Burr says.
I went to see Hamilton yesterday in London and it hands down the best musical/play/show I have ever ever seen! I would recommend anyone to go and see it it’s definitely worth every penny 😃
Love how at the beginning of "Right Hand Man" you literally foreshadow the "outmanned" lyrics. Glad to see I'm not the only hip-hop/history nerd out there
This made me so happy to watch, please do a part 2 to finish it!
1:21:28 Your reaction to the line, "I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love," was amazing already, then you started dancing, and I was dying of laughter!
I’ve never seen Knox having THIS much fun reacting 😂😂
It reminds me of his discovery of BlackPink. There was just so much astounding joy coming through from him that it drew me in.
I just watched Hamilton for the first time a few weeks ago and I’ve been OBSESSED, listening to the soundtrack everyday & I randomly got recommended this video and I’m in love lmao. Your reactions are everything! I’m smiling like an idiot seeing you appreciate it the way you are. Also, your knowledge on music, rap AND history is making this video STUPID ENTERTAINING 😍
Ay Knox- this breakdown is incredible! Musically it’s A+ as always, but your knowledge of history is really impressive!! 🙌🏼
Hey Knox I know I’m wayyyy late but in the musical some of the actors had double roles in different acts. Which played into the “we fought for him, Me I died for him, and I loved him”
My kid has a friend who got a Make a Wish granted to see this in NYC and meet the cast. Not having a sibling, they got to take my kid as their plus one. We have a pic of the two of them back to back on the stage holding the pistols. Coolest pic ever.
I hope they are doing better...
That’s really cool. I’m so sorry for your son’s friend.
Seriously impressed with both your musical breakdowns and well as the historical connections. Ive seen the musical 10 times on Disney + but you brought something different to the reaction that made the story and music clearer. Great job!
First time here..was worried I was going to get annoyed with all the stopping...well I was WRONG !! This was incredible to watch, so entertaining and educational. New fan right here!!
Leslie Odin Jr & Christopher Jackson are the MVP’s the OG cast of Hamilton, also Knox you should listen to the Original In The Heights soundtrack, first winning Tony Award Musical for Lin
Busta Rhymes went to that show 4 times!! He said that it really changed his view on music
I’m not positive why this popped on my feed today but holy sh*t I got sucked in. I’ve watched Hamilton at least 10 times on +, listened to it countless times nonstop since 2016 and lucky enough to see it live 4 times (so far). Bottom line- I LOVE IT and this was incredibly refreshing… so great to see detailed feedback by someone so hip to rap constructs but also knowledgeable about history. This was more than the typical generic “hey this is really good “ reaction vid. I’m super impressed, totally subscribing and going to share this widely!!! Thank you!!
If you have time, you should listen to the version of Satisfied by Emmy Raver-Lampman where she options up at the end (musical theater term where there’s an option in the music to go up higher than normal. Most people don’t do it ever but occasionally the performer does when they are really feeling it). It’s absolutely amazing to hear. She was the understudy to a lot the parts in the original cast and then was Angelica in the first tour. She went on to play Alison in Umbrella Acadamy and has been with Daveed Diggs for several years now. (Though how one relationship can hold so much talent, I’ve got no clue).
I was never a history buff- not one bit - HOWEVER! It’s AMAZING knowing AFTER I watched the play to actually HEAR Knox explaining what happened (and it was EVERYTHING this play had (from Mulligan spying to Hamilton having different political beliefs from Jefferson- and of course the affair))
I couldn't believe 22:20 where you just listed off all the stuff Hamilton has done without even listening to the show yet. Oh my.
I love this i wish i was here live to see you cover it. The look on your face in certain parts are priceless. Especially for those VERY familiar with this piece of music/story.
This is awesome! Not only do you appreciate and understand the music but you are also a history buff? Best reaction to Hamilton I've ever watched.
This is probably the BEST reaction to Hamilton I have ever seen. I love your analysis of the music and history.