Unless you take after Patrick Star and live under a rock, you've probably heard of Hamilton the Musical by now. Just in case you haven't, Hamilton the Musical is a biographical musical based on Alexander Hamilton's life. This work of genius (with book, music, and lyrics written by Lin- Manuel Miranda) has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, numerous Tony awards, a Grammy for the Best Musical Theater Album, and a myriad of other awards. This legendary musical even halted the replacement of Hamilton on the $10 bill with a female American history figure.

So what's the big deal? It's just a musical.

I'm sure that many people aren't interested in a musical about history. Perhaps many people don't care for musicals at all. I'd wager that people especially don’t want to see men in wigs with frilly colonial garb prancing about the stage singing about Jefferson's return from France in 1789. With the bleak upcoming election, I'm sure many people also do not wish to think about American politics any more than they have to.

But maybe with the current political landscape, this music is the perfect way to revive America's spirit. From the unthinkable win of the American Revolution to the fight for the passing of the Constitution, the idealistic drive of the early Americans can inspire present-day Americans to take pride in their country. And that's just one result of listening to this soundtrack!

There are a plethora of positive effects Hamilton can have on a person. It's a good gateway drug for Broadway. It's a way to hear about Lin-Manuel Miranda; the hilarious, positive role-model we never knew we craved. It's a great tool in the quest to get a 5 on your APUSH exam.

Allow me to explain why this musical is as legendary as I have been claiming.

First of all, most of the musical is a rap. A rap. Yes, you read that correctly. These colonists and early Americans employ the same musical expression as Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and Wiz Khalifa. If that's not a fantastic way of appealing to the youngsters of today, I don't know what is.

Second of all, critically important issues that still plague America today are repeatedly mentioned. For example, the shameful and disgusting institution of slavery is mentioned in multiple songs, including the song, " My Shot". At one point, John Laurens, a statesman and strong abolitionist, says, "But we’ll never be truly free / Until those in bondage have the same rights as you and me". The way the song is worded forces the audience to think about whether or not everyone is actually being granted equal rights, which is what this country was founded on.

In another song, " The Schuyler Sisters", Angelica, Elizabeth, and Peggy Schuyler quote a part of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, and Angelica continues with her own idea. They say, "'We hold these truths to be self-evident/ That all men are created equal'/ And when I meet Thomas Jefferson/ I'm a' compel him to include women in the sequel". Again, Lin-Manuel Miranda reminds us of the reason for The United States of America's existence. His words are subtle, yet moving. He drives the point home with style, grace, and rhyme.

Finally, this musical captures the essence of bringing an ancient art to the present day. Many actors in this musical do not have the skin tone their character has, but instead of being denied a role on the basis of one's skin, absolutely anyone is given the chance to be whoever they want to be. Aaron Burr, for example, was a white man in the 1700's and 1800's, but in this musical, Leslie Odom, Jr., is enabled to play a role he performs beautifully. In fact, most actors and actresses play characters who are not of their same skin color.

This modernization extends past race, however, as Lin-Manuel Miranda has said that he welcomes the idea of gender not being a factor in the casting process, something that is surely pleasing to the many altos and tenors who are finally given a shot to have their ideal role.

There are reasons why thespians are memorizing, reciting, and obsessing about Hamilton the Musical. Anyone can see how powerful, important, and deep Hamilton is. I ask that if you hear someone rapping about Lafayette bringing guns and ships from France during the American Revolution or the ten rules of dueling, do not judge them, for truly they are not just listening to a nerdy soundtrack, but to the American dream.