Updated as of August 16, 2024
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative genius behind Hamilton and In the Heights, is at it again. This time, he’s teasing us with a concept album titled “Warriors.” Released earlier this week, the teaser offers a glimpse into what promises to be another groundbreaking musical experience.
The Premise Behind the Concept Album
The concept album is adapted from the 1979 cult classic film The Warriors. Which follows a street gangs journey from The Bronx to their native Coney Island while being pursued by a rival gang who are on the hunt under the false belief that they killed their leader. The film famously conjured the catchphrase “Warriors…Come Out and Play”. The line has been parodied, the subject of an infinite number of memes and skits and essentially a part of the pop culture lexicon. While details are scant Miranda has provided some insight into the album.
“We’ve spent the past three years musicalizing the Warriors’ journey home, from the South Bronx to Coney Island,” says Miranda and Davis in a joint statement. “Along the way we’ve gotten to work with a lot of our favorite artists, and we’ll be announcing their roles on the album in the weeks ahead.”
What We Know
Talent
When it comes to assembling a stellar team, Lin-Manuel Miranda spares no expense. The album features top-tier talent both above and below the line. Miranda is collaborating with Obie Award-winning actor/writer Eisa Davis on the piece. Grammy Award winner Nas is executive producing the concept album, with Mike Elizondo producing and numerous artists making appearances.
Tracks & Release Date
Up to 26 tracks are said to be on the album and “Warriors” is set to release on October 18, 2024 under Atlantic Records.
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more teasers and behind-the-scenes content as we inch closer to the release date. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda or someone who simply appreciates innovative music, “Warriors” is shaping up to be an album you won’t want to miss.
Cast Announcements
On August 15th, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis revealed the first group of artists who will be featured on the concept album.
Multi Grammy Award winner and salsa icon Marc Anthony will appear as Tato, Grammy nominee Luis Figueroa will appear as Miguel, the newest phenom on the scene Flaco Navaja as Jesús, and Chris Rivers as The Bronx—they are all playing member of the Turnbull AC’s, the fictional gang at the center of the concept album.
By the looks of it, rather than The Warriors, this has the makings of a Latino Justice League, with some heavy hitters from across the Latinoverse!
Peep the teaser here.