‘Call Me Mother': RuPaul Fiercely Reminds the Kids Who the True Queen Is
A new season of RuPaul's Drag Race is upon us this evening (kicking off with a Gaga-sized season premiere), and so too is an entire album's worth of brand new material from the Supermodel of the World.
As opposed to RuPaul's usual array of dance floor bangers dedicated to playfully poking fun at gender politics and celebrating fierceness, love and individuality, American is a reflective, post-2016 election call to arms. It's deflated in moments ("Broke Me Down") and downtrodden in others ("Getaway") but, in the spirit of all things RuPaul, ultimately remains hopeful — especially with its vibrant title track "American," which she describes as "a beck and call to reclaim what this country really stands for which is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Don't worry, there's still plenty of camp: cuts like "Kitty Girl" and "Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent," as with Born Naked's "Can I Get An Amen?", take some of Ru's most popular catchphrases and slap 'em against a sick beat. But of all the best moments on American, nothing comes harder or hotter than "Call Me Mother" with KUMMERSPECK, as RuPaul name-checks scores of her past songs and spits rapid-fire verses Azealia Banks style (a la "The Big Big Beat") above a shuffling, death drop-friendly pulse.
"I been that bitch, yes, I love that drama / Fishy, feminine up-and-comer / From the Clintons to the Obamas, I keeps it tight / Now they call...me...mutha."
Although RuPaul's music mostly overflows with love and light, "Call Me Mother" provides a lil' bit of grit for the ball scene: it's cocky as all hell — a reminder to the up-and-coming scene queens who the true holder of the crown is — as only the longstanding pop culture icon responsible for RuPaul's Drag Race could deliver. Remember kids: respect your mutha.
Inspiring Stars Who Have Come Out: