Daveed Diggs raps his way through GUNS & SHIPS from HAMILTON | Musical Theatre Coach Reacts

[@jeanninebello9415]

Not only is he rapping at breakneck speed, in a French accent, but he also has a level of physicality with the performance. Daveed is amazing. And Chris Jackson could sing the phone book and I’d be star stuck. And don’t forget the word smith Lin Manuel Miranda. Rhyming quagmire and Beaty Ross’ flag higher?!?! Come on man! That’s talent!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Haha - omg, how I wish I could have pointed that out in the video! Love that

[@tatyplaysyt9163]

I mean Lin did rhyme Canada with janitor (In How I Met Your Mother). Lin is amazing ✨

[@vanessaelliott1127]

That moment when Leslie jumps up on the railing, sinks down, and then pops up to put his leg on the top rung really adds to the momentum of the song. I feel like if he had continued to stand relatively still, Daveed jumping up onto the table wouldn't have had as much flow. It would have felt really disjointed.

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

I had never thought about that, but I 100% agree! It's like matching cuts I film. OMG, Hamilton just keeps on giving ❤️

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Such a good point!! Yesss

[@DorothyGilmore-so4qc]

Led me to think

[@FloraWest]

The director paid so much attention to this sort of detail throughout the show. So good.

[@JayAllenftw]

Wow I had the same thought. Just that upward momentum and when he put his foot up it created a raised the tension. “Is he about to jump??!” At which point the upward movement is continued by Lafayette’s rise on the stage, relieving the tension with a powerful and focus-grabbing sequence. I was thinking that if Leslie had just fist pumped or something, it would have completely lacked the explosiveness of the current scene. Amazing stage direction and physical embodiment of the scene.

[@amandam.4841]

I love the idea that Lafayette goes from this "how you say? Oh anarchy" character who struggles with his English to the lead on the arguably fastest song in the whole musical (which Daveed manages in a FRENCH accent--crazy!).

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

bhahah omg - love this.

[@Shae_Leigh]

Not only does this go at breakneck speed. Daveed breaks the record of fastest lyrics in a broadway musical

[@efkaservicegirl]

Lin has said in interviews that when you have a friend with a voice like Chris's, you write him songs like One Last Time. So that one, at least, was written specifically with Chris's voice in mind.

[@ric7044]

That song always makes me cry just because I compare Washington's political sacrifice for the well being of the country with the actions of politicians today (ALL of them from BOTH parties) and they can't let go of the bone. We love to try to stick by our favorite amendments saying that "that's how the founding fathers wanted it", but none of these old semi-demented politicians wants to "say goodbye" the way the man their city is named for did. Get our of OUR lawn, old timers!! Go find your fig tree and stay there

[@patdugas1342]

In one of Lin's interviews he talked about writing for Chris's sweet spot in his voice. Lin and Chris are old friends. Chris was in Lin's wedding and also In the Heights.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thats one giant sweet spot that man has

[@patdugas1342]

@@MarcDanielPatrick Yes it is. Love your show. It got me through pandemic lockdown boredom.

[@shiftfocus1]

There’s a brilliant interview out there where Tommy Kail tells the story of how he spilled the beans telling Chris Jackson that Lin wanted him to play Washington. Yes, the songs were written for him. And to me his performance is my favourite for all in the OBC.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

Lin has said that Washington was written with Chris Jackson in mind... but Chris still had to audition because final decision wasn't just Lin's. Lin also saw Daveed Diggs performing and KNEW he had to be Lafayette, same with Oak being Hercules Mulligan and Phillipa Soo being Eliza. And things changed... aspects of the songs changed and what songs were included changed as the show was workshopped and evolved. There's some really cool old footage out there of some of the workshopping. I remember being told by a friend once that when he raps, he isn't rapping words, he's rapping syllables/sounds/phonics. He likened it to how your brain can distinguish mny wrds wtht the vwls & stll cmprhnd wht is being said. The same is sort of true for words. If the emphasis is on the right sound, it doesn't matter so much if the rest of the word trails off into the next work or was absorbed by the previous word. That's also part of what helps make slant rhymes work so well from my understanding. Have you reacted to Weird Al's parody? He actually raps Daveed's lines faster than Daveed. It apparently took months of practice... and he wasn't doing it in a French accent, on stage, under hot lights, while moving around quite energetically... so I think that says a lot for Daveed and anyone who takes on the roll after him to be honest.

[@gillian927]

3:19 - that rich tone! Full body chills!!

[@lindsayrmeyer]

I am a part of a team doing a sign language interpretation for the Peggy tour out here in the PNW. It's.... so beautifully challenging. Honestly, Lafayette isn't too bad to interpret bc of the difference in grammar. But!, it is really fun to match the syllabic intent. Hitting those staccato moments with our signs making sure we pick the right sign to convey the meaning as clearly and crisply as possible... If you think the actors look tired after the show, go to one that has interpretation for an added layer of artistry and performance!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

...and an added layer of exhaustion. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Tinseltess]

Such cool information. Thanks for sharing!

[@alisonlyonsphoto]

Thank you for returning to this format... one of its strengths and delights is watching the emotion wash over your face as you watch the clips. It is honest and heart-felt. :)

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

well thank you Alison, I appreciate that.

[@irisbowforest9199]

Lafayette’s verses are “I’m taking this horse by the reins, making red coats redder with blood stains…. And I’m never gonna stop until I make em drop, burn em up and scatter their remains…watch me engaging em, escaping em, enraging em out… go to franchise for more funds. I come back with more guns..”

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

I think Lin might have written a lot of Hamilton with Chris Jackson's voice and talent in mind. I've seen Lin talk once about how the "for real though" from 96,000 from in the heights was written FOR Chris, because that's something Chris always says. If back then he was already doing that, it makes sense that he'd do it again in Hamilton, especially given how they're close friends. I would love to be able to see Hamilton live someday, but if I ever get the chance to, I need to mentally prepare for that fact that there won't be Leslie, Chris or Daveed. Especially Daveed. The man is a beast! So amazing both as Lafayette and as Jefferson. And being able to transition in a way that you even forget it's the same actor. I'm not sure how anyone can follow that. It's like Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black, which I'm currently rewatching and still keep "forgetting" it's the same person playing such different characters.

[@wjquick32]

My dad really struggled with no Renée when we saw it live a few months ago, so I completely understand. I got nosebleed seats in my cheap hometown so I could go back and get used to the changes. Broadway made it better though, somehow the intimate size of the Richard Rodgers theatre is just electric

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

I hear ya. I've seen a touring cast and while its amazing to see it live - you do spend the 2.5 hours longing for the OG cast.

[@PenandPurpose]

Yes!! Leslie can emcee ANYTHING! He’s amazing, and steals every scene he’s in for me!

[@JadeDragon2525]

"What did he say? Who knows what he's saying?" I do. I know. And it's so brilliant!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Bahaha. :)

[@CDG1228]

"God I love him"...same here Marc...same.

[@mountainmolly2726]

This song is chills and goosebumps from beginning to end. Thank you for reminding me that it's been a few months since I watched Hamilton. Time to dive back in. And, Marc, I'm not going anywhere. Your content is too good so I'll be sticking around no matter what.

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

SAME! HAHAHA all of a sudden my mind went like "oh crap, I'm gonna have to get Disney+ again for a month here soon" 🤣❤️

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Aww, thank you so much! It means a lot.

[@kiziegort8898]

I've been waiting for this forever!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

You and soooo many others it seems.

[@Zo0ph1l3sarenotvalid]

I love how sarcastic and funny the perceived Lafayette and i love how he very expressive with his hands in all i just think they made him perfect 👌

[@oinkmastersupremeforever]

This is my Favorite moment in this masterpiece of many of my Favorite moment shows! Daveed Diggs: Hats off to you sir! Performance or not,I don't many people could speak that quickly and fluently,let alone rap that fast! 😀😎 Leslie: Please MC my life Sir! Christopher: I saw him on stage in Freestyle Love Supreme and Oh My God! Thank you for that voice and the ability to make it up on the spot with everyone else!

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

"I don't know many people that could speak that quickly..." AND WITH A FAKE ACCENT ON TOP OF IT. I'm a sucker for people who can do accents. I can take naturally take on accents and certain sounds by being exposed go them, but whenever I try to intentionally do it, I just feel so self conscious that it doesn't work at all (granted, I'm not an actor nor do I have any training on it, but still...)

[@jnelson0615]

Here's an historical musical theater idea: I was reading to today in Bill Bryson's "One Summer: America, 1927" that Show Boat--music, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern--changed musical theater forever (perhaps in a similar or greater magnitude than Hamilton). The lyricist's revolutionary idea was that characters should sing songs that advance the plot and reflect their (the character's) intentionality. Before this, it seems that musicals were loose plots designed to present an unrelated variety of songs and promote sheet music sales. I'm sure there are illustrative songs that can be reacted to from one of the 3(!) film adaptations that have been made.

[@shelbychesnut99]

I am so excited. This is one of my favorites because of the complexity. Thank you!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Had to name drop ya in the video too! You've been asking for this one FOREVER. loll

[@kenfromhawaii1138]

Thank you so much for your wonderful content. Lots of love from Hawaii.

[@Cleow33]

When cj sings Alex-aa-aa-ander ❤❤❤

[@gracecase998]

All so much talent in this show. But Daveed is impressive in this bit! Chris' voice is like butter. So wish I could of seen this live with this cast.

[@wjquick32]

Yayyy finally! My favorite song in the entire performance, it’s like act one’s Reynolds Pamphlet with the all excitement and fun 🥰

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

Have you read this?

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

RP is coming soon!

[@DawnMontgomeryAuthor]

The way it was explained to me was like this...focusing on syllables allows you to have the same kind of breath control you have in other musical pieces. The focused syllables give you the rhythm you need to maintain the flow. Either way, he's amazing!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

It makes total sense when its broken down like that, thanks for sharing!

[@lisab7308]

Thank you for this video! It is one of my favourite songs ever :) Truly enjoy your content.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

thank you so much

[@dianej1714]

Love this. Thanks.

[@Macygal]

this was my first introduction to David Diggs. I have since watched some of "Snowpiercer" with him and kept expecting him to break into song! I did see the traveling Hamilton in Minneapolis and Daveed's replacement just didn't cut it.

[@FollettaWinkie]

Hi! I watched Hamilton in Broadway this summer and I can say that the energy that Daveed Diggs brings to the character is unmatched, it was probably the character that felt most flat. Same for Chris Jackson, Tamar Green was great vocally but definitely less emotional, especially in One last time. Instead I was super impressed by Miguel Cervantes as Hamilton and Nik Walker as Burr, they really did a great job.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Its gotta be the most daunting task to follow the originals - especially when its all over Disney+, so its almost certain everyone has seen the original cast perform these roles at one point.

[@Emaariee]

I’m still kinda waiting on “Who lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” when I first mentioned it

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

the subtly... its coming, I promise

[@MobilityDiva73]

I saw a video where Lyn and Chris both said that during in the Heights when came up to Chris and said I need you to be my Washington.

[@shannonobrien2572]

My favorite number from Hamilton ❤

[@Macygal]

and King George!

[@jamiericcardo6698]

This is the first video of yours I have watched in a while! Probably a year or so? Your style of commentary was always brilliant but now you have perfected the structure 👌👌 love this new style of video

[@Arkazon]

I agree, never stop experimenting. Creativity is the foundation of success. I also seem to recall you started the Patreon page during the pandemic as a way to help and support musical theater, which was of course hit hard by the shut-down.

[@jamiejones6163]

Lin Manuel-Miranda has said that Chris Jackson will always have a job as long as Lin is writing because he loves him so much. So I don’t doubt that he was writing with Chris in mind

[@deirdrerogers1907]

Lin has said in interviews that yes - he wrote specifically with Chris in mind and cast him in the part before it was done while they were working on In the Heights

[@reallollabunny]

I thought I'd give you an update on the current Hamilton cast on Broadway. I watched Hamilton for the first time 3 weeks ago, on Broadway. I knew almost nothing about the show, and definitely nothing about Lesley, Daveed, Chris Jackson, Johnathan Goff etc. You'll be happy to hear that the new cast is absolutely great! Their performance was pretty close to the one in the recording. In fact, the guy who plays Hamilton has so many of Lin's mannerisms that it was like watching Lin on stage (except he's a slight stronger singer, which is really a bonus). The King is absolutely amazing, and so is Burr. I like the new Angelica slightly better too, but that's mostly because I am an Angelica/Hamilton stan and the actress is more my type 😅 All in all, they do an amazing job. I just came back to Europe and now I cannot wait to get the time to watch it again in London ❤ Hopefully West End did a similarly amazing job with the casting.

[@kathleenewing3673]

I've seen a few different casts do the show, Daveed Diggs is much harder to replace than Chris Jackson. Not that Chris' voice isn't flawless, but the ballads are easier to do than that rap sequence.

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

I can totally see that. I'd love to have seen the understdies/alternates of the OBC, even. I believe Seth Stewart has played Lafayette/Jefferson when he was on the show. I'd love to have seen that, especially since I only know him vocally as Graffiti Pete from the In The Heights OBC.

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

Now I'm not sure if Seth was an understudy or if he took over the role after Daveed left, because I think he stayed for another year or so.

[@wjquick32]

Agreed, it’s almost like they get lost in the rhythm a little. And this is nowhere near Daveed’s fastest rap speed so it’s really to his unfair advantage

[@shawnaburgess]

Can never get enough of these Hamilton reactions.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

I'm glad you think so, cause theres more where that came from! lol

[@lizdavison7798]

Ok so I’ve recently become aware of Bob Fosse and his impact on Lin: you referring to Burr as “the ultimate MC” just unlocked a huge connection for me (MC in Cabaret and Chicago)

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Would be such a good role for him.

[@loveinspired7]

Just....DAMN! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@janedubose8220]

I'd love to know what you think of Chris Jackson's early performance at the White House. Especially the song "One Last Time..." It moved everyone in the audience and even in the cast.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Really should react to that one on this channel. I mean Chris - one of the best on the Hamilton stage IMO.

[@nancystalik6828]

Goosebumps! The. Whole. Time. ~ Thank you, Marc. Daniel. Patrick! Pretty sure we all get it's tough to create a successful KZbin Channel and balance where to place your content to make it all work together. My issue is there is only so much time in a day. ("To do the things you want to do once you find them" (to throw some lyrics in there... :D ) So I have to limit it somewhere. Love seeing your reactions with the videos and music. Thank you for continuing to create and for sharing your knowledge and emotions with us!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thank you so much Nancy. Always love reading your comments and kind words, it means so much - you have no idea.

[@nancystalik6828]

@@MarcDanielPatrick ♥♥♥

[@一二0]

3:44 god I love this part

[@brendanboy411]

I didn’t see the original cast, but I saw the traveling tour who came to San Francisco three years ago. I actually won the lottery and was able to sit in the first and second row. I actually won the lottery three times. It was a lot of fun. The cast that I saw was amazing. The man that played King George was just as great as the original. The guy that played Lafayette was amazing too. I can’t describe it, but they did the original justice. I can’t even tell the difference between the actors in songs, because they actually sound the same. I loved it. I wish I remember the name of the the cast,

[@nicolekerr4726]

If you want to understand Rap the best documentary to watch is IceTs Art of Rap - the go into great detail the techniques and the art of Rap and how you need special technique to pull it off

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Honestly - I need to check this out. Its such a blind spot for me in the music world, so thank you.

[@nicolekerr4726]

Your welcome. It's a wonderful documentary It goes into its origins and how different Rap artists have developed it over time The different techniques One of the best interviews is Eminem, he goes in depth into words and how he sees Rap as a puzzle. It's so interesting, hope you enjoy it

[@otherbrotherdaryl3283]

Lafayette 1: “I’m taking this horse by the reins making redcoats redder with bloodstains. And I’m never gonna stop until I make ‘em drop, burn ‘em up and scatter their remains. Watch me engaging em, escaping em, enraging em… 2. Sir he knows what to do in a trench ingenuitive, and fluent in French I mean. Sir, you’re gonna have to use him eventually, what’s he gonna do on the bench, I mean. No one has more resilience or matches my practical tactical brilliance.. 3. Get your right hand man back, you know you gotta get your right hand man back, I mean you gotta put some thought into the letter but the sooner the better to get your right hand man back…

[@cartergray9397]

after singing karaoke of Guns & Ships for like 50 times in a row I got pretty good at singing as fast as him, but I could *not* do the french accent

[@TheRandomDoesAirsoft]

The best way i can explain how to rap that fast is to find the flow of the syllables off your tongue

[@Happymali10]

I read somewhere that Guns and Ships' fastest bit is the second-fastest word-rate in musical history. Seems like it could be true...

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

I wouldnt doubt it.

[@harleenquinzel2058]

Please do History Has It's Eyes On You or Schuyler Sisters next!

[@GianlucaGuglielmi]

I saw Hamilton in September at Richard Roger's theater, and it was amazing! Kyle Scatliffe, who's replacing Daveed, wasn't as great as him during the Lafayette parts (still great, but Daveed nailed that part), but he totally blew my mind during What'd I miss as Jefferson, his voice is incredible!

[@kiarajones3870]

A true Hamilton fan knows exactly what daveed is saying in the rap part bc we are do it🤣🤣

[@ashtonwaters]

Leslie as Burr and Chris as Washington cannot be better cast, the rest of them I feel have had equal or better performances by others but none better than Leslie as Burr and Chris as Washington.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

You really think Daveed can be matched too? No argument here on Leslie and Jackson.

[@ashtonwaters]

@@MarcDanielPatrick Daveed is incredibly talented, but I agree, it would take someone insanely good to match him, he just brings an energy to Lafayette and Jefferson that not many people can mimic.

[@preciosacantu4321]

I have recently watched Hamilton live the replacement is not as good he does well but I agree no one can replace him.! He focus’ a lot on the emphasis on the word of the syllabus. I also agree the way they deliver the telegram is absolutely perfect.!

[@erikagholston6610]

I never remember the name of this song. I think of it as Get Your Right-hand Man Back.

[@Bowling_Dude]

I look at rap and particularly fast rap the same I look at patter songs, figure out the best way to say the phrase at normal speed with minimal mouth movement then get faster and faster until you can do it above tempo. cause if you can do it above tempo you can do it a tempo

[@Hello-ul2gh]

Please react to Reynolds pamphlet

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Sure thing! on the list

[@inchenbelton3068]

In rap, speed is measured by syllables per second across the entire track. That's how the GBWR did it, if I remember this correctly. (Tung) Twista held the record for over a decade, I think. Then Eminem did. I wonder if Daveed used Twista, specifically, to perfect this. If you've never heard of him, check him out. He's great.

[@cheyennewoe]

I wonder what this will be like in the German version, if it will be as awesome as the English version 🤔

[@shiftfocus1]

While this song hits a breakneck pace, it doesn’t sustain the pace for very long. A few days ago I watched a video of Katie Finneran singing “I’m Not Getting Married Today.” Wow!!!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

true enough

[@Bowling_Dude]

for the lack of voice Lin has he sure knows how to mold a supporting cast that does.

[@Happymali10]

Hamilton is debuting in Germany later this year, finally, but sadly they translated it/adapted some of the songs, and...it just doesn't work. Like, I was really excited because it'll be in my hometown, but after seeing some previews and snippets I'm not gonna go see it because it just feels...off.

[@JulianaBittencourt24]

I understand your frustration, but even though I don't understand German, I liked the way it sounded (I think I heard only the opening number). I know a lot gets "lost in translation", but it seems like a nice way to get more people to experience the show, especially those who don't speak English or don't like to read subtitles. I know it sounds lazy, but commercially, it makes sense. I hope artistically it does too, even though it'll feel off for you and others. I hope you enjoy it!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

is that common to have shows translated like that? I'd be furious if I was Lin - though he would have had to green light it. "Carmen" isn't translated to English when its done in Opera houses all over the world...why would this be?

[@Happymali10]

@@MarcDanielPatrick I'm not sure. HP got translated, lion king too. It...kinda works, at least with Lion King. They scrapped the first translation of Hamilton, SUPPOSEDLY because Lin wasn't happy with it, but now it's going ahead. I mean, it's not bad, it's not a straight translation, they adapt the music to it, but...it's just...off. I don't think I'll go see it. I guess its done to attract people to it who don't speak/understand (much) english. This is the opening piece in German: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oamog4mvn76pj7s

[@guaranteedtopwn]

recently saw the tour.. the guy's Jefferson was amazing but yes his Lafayette was not up to Daveed's immense level of skill

[@zumalehmkuhl2924]

fun fact: daveed diggs is an actual rapper for the band clipping. and has rapped faster then this in in a song, and he ALSO plays jefferson in the same musical

[@theresaschuebel5151]

It's not a telegram It's a letter.

[@Elios0000]

more Beatlejuice!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

more...? I dont think i've done any 😄

[@DblJerseyGirl]

Weird al hamilton

[@Stupidstars8558]

I can rap lafayettes part faster then that I'm taking this horse by the rains making red coats redder with blood stains LAFAYETTE And I'm never gonna stop burn em up and scatter they're remains I can do the French accent too

[@dieckmann-film]

There's too less rap in Musical theatre I think

[@CherryChocolat2308]

So happy you returned to your normal format - I'm currently not in the financial position to be a patreon but I love your content

[@ashtonwaters]

Me in a nutshell.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Heard loud and clear. The support on here means the world - so thank you.