Top 10 RuPaul Songs That Are Low-Key Great

#10: “A.S.M.R. Lover” (2022)

Nearly thirty years after her debut, RuPaul proved she still had her finger on the world’s musical pulse. 2022’s “A.S.M.R. Lover” encapsulates everything that makes her music so special. The trap-inspired beat and soft synths make it perfect for a night out or a solo dance party. The cheeky yet romantic lyrics not only reference the popular ASMR trend occurring at the time, they also relate the often euphoric sensory experience to being in love. Skeletal Ki takes the song up another notch with the rap verse, with the cherry on top being her soft vocals on the chorus. It’s proof of her evolution as an artist, and showed that even after over a dozen albums, she could still shake things up.

#9: “Blame It on the Edit” (2021)

This is Ru at her shadiest, and it’s glorious. It’s an open secret that those appearing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will be edited in certain ways to add to the drama and story of the season. Some queens and fans of the show have even pointed it out, and until 2021, the host kept her opinion to herself. That is, until “Blame It on the Edit” was released. The verses are sharp, pointing out that the final product being shown wouldn’t exist had the contestants not said what they said in the first place. With a tongue-in-cheek attitude, she defended her show and her production team with one diss track. Even with the playfully inflammatory message, the catchy instrumental keeps it light-hearted the entire time.

#8: “Jealous Of My Boogie” (2009)

We dare you to listen to this without dancing. With her perfectly auto tuned vocals and instrumental made for the club, “Jealous of My Boogie” is one of Ru’s most danceable songs to date. Even with how fun it is, it still has a hard hitting message at its core. It acknowledges that the listener may be different from anyone else, and that they should accept that with open, unapologetic arms. After all, who cares if people are watching as long as you’re having a good time? It’s a motivational pep talk in the form of a dance-pop track that encourages people to shake off their haters for good.

#7: “Snapshot” (1996)

After the success of her biggest single, it was unclear if Ru was going to break into the mainstream once more. As if sending a message that she wasn’t going anywhere, she released “Snapshot.” Fast-paced and teeming with confident energy, it was exactly what she needed to reintroduce herself. The message is seemingly simple, telling the listener that she knows she’s gorgeous and how they should best capture that. It keeps with her decades-long message about the importance of self-love, all while being a genuine bop. It’s the anthem that just keeps on giving. Not only did it resonate with the club scene, it also gave the host her second solo appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.

#6: “Glamazon” (2011)

Welcome to the jungle. One of the best aspects of RuPaul’s music is its ability to bring out the runway model in everyone. “Glamazon” does this effortlessly, with pounding production that’s perfect for strutting your stuff. The lyrics uplift the listener directly, complimenting not just their looks, but their fierce energy as well. It’s pure empowerment bottled into a three-and-a-half minute track, giving everyone from fellow drag queens to fictional cartoon characters a big boost of confidence. She even managed to weave in quotes from her own show without it coming across as forced or corny, proving her prowess as both a songwriter and musician.

#5: “Main Event” (2009)

If you’ve been on the search for the ultimate pump-up jam, then look no further. Though “Main Event” starts with nothing but a piano, it crescendos into a perfect disco instrumental. The song keeps building from there, leaving you at the edge of your seat until the explosive chorus finally kicks in. From there, it maintains its fast tempo, playing perfectly to the message of the piece. Diverting from her usual themes of self-love, this track is all about allowing music to wash away your troubles even if for just a few minutes. Whether you’re going through heartbreak or a rough patch emotionally, you can always find solace in the escapism an energetic song like this provides.

#4: “Cover Girl” (2009)

This is more than just a fun single released by RuPaul. At this point, it’s become intertwined with her brand as a whole. Each week, “Cover Girl” is what accompanies her as she stomps the runway in her newest look. Though this bop was primarily recorded in the producer’s closet, you’d never be able to tell by listening to it. It’s all about the queen’s fame and her lavish lifestyle following all the hard work she put into building her career. The unapologetically braggadocious message overlays a now instantly-recognizable beat, complete with a breakdown that will have anyone get up and prance. It may not have had the same chart presence as her earlier work, but it’s still become one of her best-known pieces.

#3: “Call Me Mother” (2017)

It doesn’t get much more iconic than this. RuPaul doesn’t often rap throughout an entire song, so when she does, you know you’re in for a treat. “Call Me Mother” is anything you could ask for in a house track. Besides boasting a beat that was made to vogue to, the lyrics are a perfect blend of cheeky vanity and hilarious onomatopoeia. The breakdown in the chorus is reminiscent of the fast-paced chants performed by commentators within the ball scene. The whole piece is a perfect homage to a subsection of the community that doesn’t get as much mainstream love. Whether it’s performed by the queen herself or Julie Andrews, it’s practically impossible to grow tired of it.

#2: “Sissy That Walk” (2014)

To say Ru is an inspirational figure is an understatement. It only makes sense that someone so powerful would have anthems to match. “Sissy That Walk” is the song for those who need to be reminded who they are. It tells you to know your worth, to disregard negative, unasked for opinions, and to keep trying to succeed even if there’s a big chance of failure. The beat during the breakdown and chorus is perfect for living out your fantasies of strutting down the runway as an international supermodel. After being released, it gained traction both within the community and the mainstream, and before long was considered by many to be a modern-day gay anthem.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“I Bring The Beat” (2013)

Ru Came from Planet 808 to Deliver Us This Synth-Pop Masterpiece

“U Wear It Well” (2016)

The Perfect Track to Strut to & a Staple of the “Drag Race” Franchise

“A Little Bit of Love” (1997)

Ru’s Inspirational 1997 Single That Earned Her a GLAAD Media Award Nomination

“The Realness” (2016)

A Slice of 90s House Perfection with a Melody That Will Have You Grooving in Place

“Modern Love” (2015)

An Underrated & Emotional Dance-Pop Deep Cut from RuPaul’s Discography

# 1: “Hey Sis, it’s Christmas” (2018)

Just kidding! The real #1 is…

#1: “Supermodel (You Better Work)” (1992)

This is where it all began. RuPaul got her start in the club circuit, but she always knew she was destined for more. These dreams laid the foundation for her seminal 1992 track, “Supermodel (You Better Work.)” It encouraged listeners to forgo the societal restrictions them back and express themselves unapologetically instead. The House-inspired production and sharp lyrics full of classic Ru-isms helped it break past the nightlife scene and dance charts and into the mainstream, with Kurt Cobain even saying it was one of his favorite pieces of that year. The catchy bop not only catapulted her to the forefront of the scene, it also began her legacy as a gay icon.

What’s your favorite RuPaul song? Let us know in the comments below!