Long before he became a reality TV star as host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, this singer was teaching neophytes how to work it. A spoken intro explains that the song is about a young black supermodel rising in the fashion industry. RuPaul goes on to coach the girl on proper modeling technique. For those who think modeling is a cakewalk, the emphasis here is on work; you have to “wet your lips and make love to the camera.” He also gives a shout-out to the supermodels of the era—Linda, Christy, Naomi—as inspiration. “Supermodel” became an anthem for gay audiences, but its momentum propelled it to mainstream success as well.
