The 1979 cult classic film The Warriors has had a lasting impact on Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has now transformed the movie into a musical concept album
The 1979 cult classic film The Warriors has had a lasting impact on Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has now transformed the movie into a musical concept album with playwright Eisa Davis. The film follows a group of Coney Island gang members on a harrowing journey home from the Bronx, after being falsely accused of killing the leader of the city’s biggest gang.
Miranda and Davis were inspired by their own experiences growing up in New York City, with Davis recalling her “romanticisation” of the city as a kid. The film’s gritty portrayal of New York’s underbelly resonated with Miranda, who remembers watching it on a VHS tape at the age of four.
The album is executive-produced by Nas, who is from Queens. Miranda and Davis drew inspiration from the film’s 1979 release, which was embroiled in controversy over outbreaks of violence linked to screenings. They also referenced the real-life gang truce in 1971, led by Benjy Melendez of the Ghetto Brothers, which marked a turning point in the development of hip-hop.
The album features an eclectic mix of genres, including ska, punk, and R&B, to represent each gang’s unique sound. The Furies, who never speak, are given a haunting, atmospheric track, while the skinhead Turnbull ACs from the Bronx are given a salsa-infused sound.
Former Hamilton stars, including Phillipa Soo and Jasmine Cephas Jones, have also contributed to the album. Miranda and Davis have reimagined the gangs as female-led groups, inspired by the Gamergate incident in 2014 and their own desire to reclaim the night.
Miranda’s collaboration with Davis has been a chance to explore different creative approaches, drawing on their shared experiences as artists and their shared passion for music. The result is a love letter to the origins of hip-hop, with its own unique blend of genres and sounds.
FAQs:
* What is the basis for the album?
The album is based on the 1979 film The Warriors, which follows a group of Coney Island gang members on a harrowing journey home from the Bronx.
* Who are the collaborators on the album?
The album features a mix of artists, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eisa Davis, Nas, and former Hamilton stars like Phillipa Soo and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
* What is the concept behind the album?
The album is a love letter to the origins of hip-hop, with a focus on the culture and styles of the 1970s.
* Will the album be turned into a stage show?
While there are no plans to produce a stage show immediately, the album’s creators are open to the idea and see it as a possibility for the future.
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