Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis Unveil Star-Studded Cast for “Warriors” Concept Album, Featuring Lauryn Hill
The highly anticipated concept album for Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis’ new musical Warriors is set for release on October 18 via Atlantic Records. Based on the cult classic 1979 film The Warriors, the album introduces an all-female cast in a fresh reimagining of the original gang story.
Leading the cast are Broadway talents Jasmine Cephas Jones as Swan, Julia K Harriman as Mercy, Gizel Jiménez as Rembrandt, Amber Gray as Ajax, Aneesa Folds as Cleon, Sasha Hutchings as Cowgirl, Kenita Miller as Cochise, and Phillipa Soo as Fox. In a major casting announcement, eight-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill joins the lineup as Cyrus, the formidable leader of The Gramercy Riffs.
The musical’s adaptation departs from the original film by showcasing a female-led group of Warriors. Alongside Hill, a host of other music and theater stars make appearances, including Busta Rhymes as The Voice of Brooklyn, Nas as Queens, and Colman Domingo as Masai of The Gramercy Riffs.
The project, executive produced by Nas and produced by Mike Elizondo, also features an array of rap icons and Broadway favorites. Performers such as Stephen Sanchez, Joshua Henry, Shenseea, Billy Porter, and Michaela Jaé add to the eclectic cast, embodying rival gangs and key figures in the narrative. Original Warriors film actors James Remar and David Patrick Kelly also return, reprising roles as The Cops.
Warriors is an adaptation of the 1979 film directed by Walter Hill, which follows a New York City street gang attempting to return home to Coney Island after being falsely accused of murder. Though the film sparked controversy upon its release, it has since gained cult status. Miranda and Davis’ adaptation breathes new life into the story, expanding its musical and cultural horizons.
While it is unclear if Warriors will eventually evolve into a fully staged musical, its release as a concept album follows in the footsteps of other musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, which began as albums before making their way to the stage. Miranda’s Hamilton was originally conceived as a mixtape album, so this format is familiar territory for the Tony Award-winning creator.
Fans can pre-order the album now at WarriorsAlbum.com, ahead of its October release.
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