The Sam Sanders Show Bob the Drag Queen: What is Freedom?
Aug 15, 2025
Join Bob the Drag Queen, a New York Times bestselling author and RuPaul's Drag Race winner, as he hilariously reimagines Harriet Tubman as a rap icon in his new book. He discusses Tubman's powerful legacy and what freedom means today. Prepare for amusing impressions and insightful commentary on protest music and cultural icons. Bob dives into complex themes of racial identity and privilege, blending humor with deep reflections on social justice. This engaging conversation is a must-listen!
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Origins Of The Book Idea
- Bob first pictured Harriet Tubman having an album while performing in theater and pursued the idea from there.
- That initial spark led him to write the novel and songs imagining Tubman as a contemporary rapper.
Music As Abolitionist Tool
- Bob links historical use of music in the Underground Railroad to contemporary hip-hop as a vehicle for message and reach.
- He chose rap for the novel because hip-hop now has global cultural power and personal resonance for him.
Harriet Tubman The Military Leader
- Bob highlights Harriet Tubman as a military veteran who directly led wartime missions to free enslaved people.
- He points to the Combahee River Raid as the major operation where she freed hundreds in one coordinated action.
