Lin-Manuel Miranda Raps on History for the Prez

Who can take a historical figure like former United States Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, wrap him in rhymes, toss in piano riffs by Tony winner Alex Lacamoire and spin the whole thing into a rap-turned-history lesson so impressive it garners a standing ovation from President Barack Obama? Broadway’s Lin-Manuel Miranda (duh). The Tony Award-winning creator and former star of In the Heights took the mic at the first-ever White House Poetry Slam back in May 2009 as one of many poetry, hip-hop and jazz artists to appear at the event, which included performances by James Earl Jones and jazz singer Esperanza Spalding. Miranda, however, was a standout, pulling out a character-driven ditty that had the First Lady snapping her fingers with appreciation. (Not surprising, considering this is the same guy who turned a lottery ticket into one of the hottest production numbers on Broadway.) Now, nearly six months later, crystal clear video and audio of performance is available, which means all of us left off the Poetry Slam guest list (seriously, Michelle... it still stings) can finally see Miranda in action. Watch it!