Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborated with some of our favorite Latin artists on a song to support Puerto Rico
The devastation Puerto Rico is facing after Hurricane Maria is heartbreaking to witness, and has left the island and its inhabitants in disarray. Following the U.S. government’s slow response, many celebrities have taken it upon themselves to help those affected. Pitbull sent a plane to help cancer patients, Jennifer Lopez donated $1 million dollars of her own money, and others keep joining in. The latest celebrity to chime in is America’s sweetheart, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who just recorded a song called “Almost Like Praying” to support Puerto Rico.
The sales from “Almost Like Praying” will go directly to the Hispanic Federation’s Hurricane Relief Fund for the island. And since the song includes some of the biggest Latin names in the game — like Jenifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Rita Moreno, and more — you can rest assured knowing that it’s a true bop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1IBXE2G6zw?start=197&feature=oembed
The song was inspired by the song “Maria” in West Side Story. According to NPR, before he even started to write the song, Miranda knew he wanted to transform the lyrics into something positive and called to get permission to use them.
“Almost Like Praying” is sung almost entirely in Spanish, and includes the name of every city in Puerto Rico.
Okay I have to go to bed I'm getting up in 3 hours.
Love you 🇵🇷
Love you, reading this.
Gnight. #AlmostLikePraying https://t.co/pwlRvvgaVy— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) October 6, 2017
In an interview with NPR, Miranda explains why he chose to do this, saying,
"They have forgotten about us."
One day in the life of battered Puerto Rico https://t.co/3rlPPsLe4V
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 1, 2017
Maestro, el honor es mio… https://t.co/uMfPhSVA8c
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) October 6, 2017
The song is a hip-moving anthem that reminds us of the resilience of Puerto Rico and it’s people. We’re hoping that by listening to this song, or reading the lyrics, those in Puerto Rico are reminded that they aren’t forgotten or alone.
We’re thankful that Miranda is using his voice for a good cause, and giving us some good jams while he’s at it.
