Lin-Manuel Miranda reveals title of mega-collaboration for Hurricane Relief
By Andi Ortiz
Lin-Manuel Miranda has created the ultimate collaboration, and it’s all for a good cause. His new track benefitting Puerto Rico’s relief efforts will drop tomorrow.
When it comes to doing good, Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the best. His latest effort plays to his strength: music.
In what Miranda describes as “a love letter to Puerto Rico,” he has brought together as many Latin artists as he could, including Luis Fonsi, Marc Anthony, Camila Cabello and Gloria Estefan for a new song. The proceeds from the track will go toward Hurricane Maria relief efforts through the Hispanic Federation.
Miranda himself was born in New York, but is of Puerto Rican descent. Growing up, he spent a month every summer living with his grandparents in Vega Alta. In the aftermath of the hurricane, Miranda confirmed that his family was safe, and has since been working nonstop to provide resources for people to help out.
In June 2016, the Broadway community came together in a similar effort, supporting those affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL. “Broadway for Orlando” united stage icons, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, to cover Burt Bacharach’s “What The World Needs Now.”
Miranda has contained most spoilers, but has been posting teaser videos of the artists singing “Puerto Rico” throughout the week. This song, which has now been revealed to be titled “Almost Like Praying,” will be released at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6.
As fans wait for the song, Miranda made a new Spotify playlist — mix tapes, as he lovingly calls them — including songs from every artist featured on the upcoming track.
This mix comes with an extra incentive; if it reaches 50k followers, Miranda has promised to release a photo of him from college, dressed as Jennifer Lopez. J-Lo herself is also appearing on “Almost Like Praying.”
Next: Hamilton as a movie: Lin-Manuel is going to wait for it
According to Miranda, the song is “designed for dancing AND catharsis.”