Hamilton (Broadway) type Stage genre Musical

History is happening in Manhattan…thanks to Alexander Hamilton. The hip-hop musical conceived and written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also stars as the titular character) is continuing to break records across the board.

According to the AP, Atlantic Records reports that Hamilton has sold over 54,000 albums since its Oct. 16. release, becoming the highest debuting cast album on the Billboard 200 in over 50 years. Additionally, the musical’s songs have been streamed more than 16 million times.

Hamilton initially debuted in the No. 1 spot for a Broadway cast album, but its record breaking statistics come from the fact it also debuted as the No. 3 rap album and No. 9 top current album — all highlights that are a rare feat for a cast recording. The last time a cast recording debuted so high on the Billboard Top 200 was Camelot with Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, in 1961.

The musical tells the real life story of Alexander Hamilton through a score that features a variety of styles including hip-hop, R&B, pop ballads and rap. Hamilton is only the sixth cast album to hit the Billboard Top 20 in the last 50 years, following If/Then, The Book of Mormon, Rent, Dreamgirls, and Hair.

Episode Recaps Previous Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Hamilton performance with Lin-Manuel Miranda By Ruth Kinane

Hamilton in Los Angeles: All the Stars Who Attended Opening Night By Sarah Weldon

What's Next for Hamilton's Breakout Stars? By Isabella Biedenharn Next