My Shot (Rise Up Remix) Lyrics – The Hamilton Mixtape

Song Overview

Personal Review

Sometimes you witness musical history being made in real time, and that's exactly what happened when The Roots dropped their "My Shot (Rise Up Remix)" in 2016. I remember thinking this was impossible – how do you take Lin-Manuel Miranda's already perfect fusion of hip-hop and musical theater and somehow make it even more authentically hip-hop without losing the theatrical magic? Black Thought, Joell Ortiz, and Busta Rhymes answered that question with three verses that hit harder than a Philadelphia street corner cipher at 2 AM. This isn't just another remix. It's a masterclass in how to honor source material while completely transforming it into something new. The Roots took Hamilton's revolutionary anthem about seizing opportunity and filtered it through the lens of modern Black American experience, creating lyrics that speak to systemic racism, educational inequality, and the grinding reality of trying to make it when society tells you you're destined to fail. When Black Thought opens with "mugshot, gun shot, dope shot, jump shot – take your pick, but you only get one shot," he's not just rapping – he's teaching a sociology lesson over a beat that makes you want to march on Washington.

Song Meaning and Annotations

The genius of this remix lies in how it maintains Hamilton's core message while completely recontextualizing it for contemporary America. Where Miranda's original celebrated revolutionary ambition, The Roots created something more urgent – a call to arms for anyone who's been told they don't belong in spaces of power and influence. The musical framework keeps the driving energy that made Hamilton's "My Shot" so compelling, but the production adds layers of complexity that wouldn't sound out of place on a Roots album. Mike Elizondo's production walks a tightrope between Broadway grandeur and hip-hop authenticity. The familiar melody line from Hamilton remains, but it's wrapped in production that feels more like classic Roots material – live instrumentation, organic rhythm section, that slightly off-kilter timing that makes everything feel human rather than programmed. Black Thought's opening verse immediately establishes the song's darker worldview compared to Hamilton's original optimism. Where Alexander Hamilton rapped about scholarship opportunities and revolutionary potential, Black Thought confronts the limited options presented to young Black men in America – crime, addiction, sports as the only perceived paths to success.

"Ayo, mugshot, gun shot, dope shot, jump shot Take your pick—but you only get one shot Advice from a schoolteacher to a young tot Applyin' a sticker to his Spider-man lunchbox"

This opening sequence hits like a punch to the gut. The wordplay on "shot" becomes a commentary on how society presents Black children with false choices from an early age. The image of a child with a Spider-Man lunchbox – innocent, hopeful, dreaming of being a hero – contrasts sharply with the limited options being offered by authority figures who should be expanding possibilities, not narrowing them. The reference to Harvard and Carnegie Mellon serves as direct commentary on educational gatekeeping. This contrast illuminates how privilege shapes expectations and opportunities from childhood.

"When even role models tell us we're born to be felons We're never gettin' into Harvard or Carnegie Mellon And we gon' end up either robbin' somebody or killin' It's not fair that's all they can tell us"

The systematic nature of these lowered expectations becomes the song's central theme. Black Thought isn't just complaining – he's documenting a deliberate process by which society narrows possibilities for certain communities while expanding them for others. Joell Ortiz's verse shifts the focus to individual agency within systemic constraints. His flow contains echoes of Eminem's "Lose Yourself," which served as inspiration for Hamilton's original "My Shot." The connection creates a chain of influence from Eminem to Hamilton to this remix, showing how hip-hop culture continuously builds on itself.

"When opportunity knock, you don't send anyone to get it Answer the door, welcome it, let it in, or regret it They said if you can't beat 'em, you join 'em I say, 'Forget it' 'Cause once you join 'em you're buildin' a ceilin' the way you're headed"

Ortiz rejects respectability politics and assimilation as paths to success. His argument – that joining existing power structures only perpetuates limitations – reflects contemporary debates about how marginalized communities should navigate systems that weren't designed for their advancement. The gasoline metaphor ("Don't settle for 87, go premium unleaded") works on multiple levels, suggesting both self-worth and the kind of excellence required to break through barriers. It's the kind of everyday comparison that makes complex ideas accessible while maintaining lyrical sophistication.

Verse Highlights

Black Thought's Opening

Black Thought's verse serves as the song's thesis statement, establishing how societal expectations limit possibilities from childhood. His Philadelphia background informs every line, bringing lived experience to abstract concepts about systemic inequality.

Busta Rhymes Bridge

The "Rise Up" bridge transforms Hamilton's revolutionary rhetoric into contemporary protest language. When Busta chants "Every city, every hood, we need to rise up," he's connecting Hamilton's 18th-century rebellion to modern movements for social justice.

Busta's Verse

Busta's final verse brings the song full circle, combining personal struggle with historical consciousness. His reference to Hamilton's Hercules Mulligan connects him directly to the musical's narrative while asserting his own place in hip-hop history.

"Throughout my travels and journeys through life I've been searchin' And been learnin' to be the type of person To display how determined I get when I'm certain Inside I feel that fire that's burnin'"

The internal rhymes and rapid-fire delivery that made Busta famous remain intact, but here they serve a larger purpose – demonstrating that technical skill and social consciousness aren't mutually exclusive. The song's structure mirrors its message about transformation. It takes Hamilton's familiar chorus and verse structure but fills them with entirely new content, proving that existing frameworks can be reimagined rather than abandoned. This approach reflects the broader theme about working within systems while fundamentally changing them.

Song Credits

• Featured: Nate Ruess, Joell Ortiz, Busta Rhymes
• Producer: Mike Elizondo
• Composer: Lin-Manuel Miranda (original), Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz (remix verses)
• Release Date: November 4, 2016
• Genre: Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, Conscious Rap
• Instruments: Drums, keyboards, guitar, synthesizer (all by Mike Elizondo)
• Label: Atlantic Records
• Mood: Defiant, urgent, inspirational
• Length: Approximately 4 minutes 45 seconds
• Track #: 2
• Language: English
• Album: The Hamilton Mixtape
• Music Style: Contemporary hip-hop with musical theater elements
• Poetic Meter: Complex internal rhyme schemes, multisyllabic patterns
• Vocals: Black Thought, ?uestlove
• Mixing Engineer: Adam Hawkins
• Mastering Engineer: Chris Gehringer
• Engineer: Jon Schacter, Rsonist, GeeFlow, Brent Arrowood, Andrew Sarlo
• Drum Programmer: Trevor Lawrence Jr., Mike Elizondo
• Assistant Engineer: Alonzo Lazaro
• Copyrights: © Atlantic Records & Hamilton Uptown Limited Liability Company

Songs Exploring Themes of Systemic Ambition and Breaking Barriers

The conversation "My Shot (Rise Up Remix)" started about ambition within systemic constraints echoes throughout hip-hop history, but few songs have managed to balance critique with inspiration as effectively as this Roots collaboration. The track exists in conversation with other songs that examine how individual drive intersects with structural limitations. Kendrick Lamar's "ADHD" shares similar DNA, exploring how young Black men navigate limited options in environments designed to constrain their possibilities. Both tracks use rapid-fire wordplay to mirror the mental agility required to survive and thrive despite systematic obstacles. While The Roots remix maintains Hamilton's optimistic energy, Kendrick's approach feels more claustrophobic, reflecting different moments in the ongoing struggle for recognition and opportunity. The musical approaches differ – live instrumentation versus heavy production – but both songs understand that consciousness and catchiness aren't opposing forces. Jay-Z's "The Story of O.J." offers another perspective on the same themes, though from someone who's already achieved success and can look back at the systems he navigated. Where The Roots remix focuses on the moment of striving, Jay reflects on what changes and what doesn't once you "make it." His sampling of Nina Simone connects to a longer tradition of Black artistic excellence, while The Roots connect to the American revolutionary tradition. Both approaches assert belonging in spaces historically denied to Black artists, but Jay's hindsight provides lessons that the hungry urgency of the remix can't access. Perhaps the most direct spiritual predecessor comes from Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," which similarly transformed popular musical forms to carry messages of resistance. Chuck D's approach was more confrontational than The Roots' collaborative spirit, but both songs demonstrate how hip-hop can engage with American mythology while critiquing American reality. Public Enemy's production felt like sonic warfare, while The Roots maintain enough melodic accessibility to reach theater audiences. The difference reflects changing times and different strategic approaches to creating change through music.

Questions and Answers

How does this remix differ from the original "My Shot" while maintaining its essence?

The remix preserves Hamilton's driving energy and central message about seizing opportunity, but recontextualizes it for contemporary Black American experience. While Hamilton's original focused on revolutionary optimism, The Roots version confronts modern systemic barriers. Black Thought, Joell Ortiz, and Busta Rhymes each bring personal perspectives on navigating limited options while refusing to accept those limitations as permanent. The familiar chorus provides continuity, but the new verses transform the song from historical anthem to contemporary call to action.

What role did The Roots' background as Hamilton's Tonight Show band play in this collaboration?

The Roots' unique position as both hip-hop legends and late-night television's house band gave them unparalleled insight into both worlds this remix needed to navigate. Their experience backing diverse artists on The Tonight Show taught them how to adapt their sound while maintaining their identity. Black Thought's relationship with Lin-Manuel Miranda through the show created the trust necessary for such a bold reimagining. The band's reputation for musical versatility made them the perfect choice to bridge Broadway and hip-hop authentically.

How do the guest features enhance the song's message?

Each featured artist brings a distinct perspective that strengthens the overall narrative. Joell Ortiz's verse focuses on individual agency and rejecting limiting expectations, while Busta Rhymes connects personal struggle to collective action through his "Rise Up" bridge. Nate Ruess provides vocal continuity with Hamilton's original sound while allowing the rap verses to maintain their edge. The combination creates a conversation between different approaches to overcoming obstacles, from personal determination to community organizing to artistic excellence.

What makes Black Thought's opening verse so effective?

Black Thought's verse works because it immediately establishes the song's thesis while showcasing technical excellence that demands respect. His wordplay on "shot" creates layers of meaning while maintaining perfect rhythm and flow. The imagery moves from childhood innocence (Spider-Man lunchbox) to systemic limitations (Harvard/Carnegie Mellon) to personal determination, creating a narrative arc within just sixteen bars. His delivery balances anger at injustice with determination to overcome it, setting the tone for everything that follows.

How has the song influenced other Hamilton covers and remixes?

The success of "My Shot (Rise Up Remix)" established a template for how contemporary artists could engage with Hamilton's material while maintaining their own artistic identity. It proved that Miranda's songs were sturdy enough to support radical reinterpretation while remaining recognizable. Subsequent Hamilton covers and adaptations have followed its example of honoring the source while adding new perspectives, particularly around issues of race and class that the musical's success illuminated. The remix demonstrated that engagement with Hamilton could be both celebratory and critical.

Awards and Chart Positions

The Hamilton Mixtape achieved remarkable commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in December 2016, making it the first compilation of Broadway covers to achieve this milestone. "My Shot (Rise Up Remix)" specifically peaked at number 16 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart, proving that theater-hip-hop fusion could find audiences in both genres. This chart performance was particularly significant as it marked one of the first times a Broadway-derived song achieved substantial success on hip-hop charts through pure artistic merit rather than novelty. The Hamilton Mixtape earned widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers specifically praising The Roots' contribution as the standout track. The project received Grammy consideration in multiple categories, though it was ultimately overshadowed by the original cast album's continued dominance. The success of this remix contributed to The Hamilton Mixtape becoming one of 2016's most important musical projects, introducing Hamilton's songs to hip-hop audiences while proving that Broadway material could be authentically translated into other genres without losing its essential character.

How to Sing?

Performing "My Shot (Rise Up Remix)" requires exceptional technical skill across multiple hip-hop styles. The song demands mastery of different flow patterns, from Black Thought's intricate internal rhymes to Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire delivery. Vocally, performers need the breath control for extended verses and the ability to switch between conversational and declamatory styles. The chorus sections require strong melodic instincts, as Nate Ruess's contributions maintain a connection to Hamilton's musical theater roots. Rappers attempting this song need to balance technical prowess with emotional authenticity – the lyrics demand genuine conviction, not just clever wordplay. Black Thought's opening verse requires particular attention to rhythm and internal rhyme schemes. His flow rides slightly behind the beat, creating tension that mirrors the song's thematic content about struggling against constraints. The "mugshot, gun shot, dope shot, jump shot" opening needs crisp enunciation to land the wordplay effectively. Breath control becomes crucial during the bridge sections, where Busta's "Rise Up" chant requires sustained energy without sacrificing clarity. The song's length and intensity demand stamina that many performers underestimate. Most importantly, successful performance requires understanding the song's social and political context. This isn't just a technical rap exercise – it's a commentary on systemic inequality and personal determination that demands authentic engagement with its themes.

Fan and Media Reactions

The track received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers highlighting how it successfully maintained Hamilton's energy while adding new dimensions of social commentary. Hip-hop critics particularly praised Black Thought's verse for its technical excellence and social consciousness. Theater critics noted how the remix demonstrated the versatility of Miranda's compositions, proving that Hamilton's songs could support radical reinterpretation while remaining recognizable. The collaboration earned praise for respecting both hip-hop and musical theater traditions.

"Black Thought transforms Hamilton's revolutionary optimism into contemporary urgency without losing any of the original's power." Rolling Stone Review, 2016

"This is how you honor source material while making it completely your own. The Roots prove that adaptation can be both faithful and revolutionary." NPR Music Review

"The remix succeeds because it understands that Hamilton was always about more than just the 18th century – it was about American dreams deferred and finally realized." The New York Times

Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many fans noting how the remix introduced them to Hamilton's music or to The Roots' catalog. Social media discussions frequently focused on the song's social commentary and its success in bridging different musical communities.

"I never thought I'd be bumping Broadway music in my car, but here we are. Black Thought made this essential listening." Hip-Hop Fan Forum

"This remix shows why The Roots are legends. They can take any material and make it authentically theirs while respecting what came before." Music Twitter User

The song's success led to increased interest in both The Roots' catalog and Hamilton itself, demonstrating the power of thoughtful cross-genre collaboration to expand audiences for both artists involved.