Bob the Drag Queen Reimagines Harriet Tubman as Modern Hip-Hop Icon in Acclaimed Novel
March 26, 2025
He aims for the book to balance humor with a deep respect for Tubman's legacy, hoping readers appreciate the multifaceted nature of her story.
In this narrative, Tubman is portrayed as a figure deeply intertwined with African American culture, highlighting the importance of music and hip-hop in her life and legacy.
Bob shared that the writing process was both challenging and cathartic, taking four years to complete, despite his extensive background in comedy.
Bob will host a book discussion and signing event on March 28 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta, further engaging with his audience.
Bob's admiration for Tubman stems from his Georgia upbringing, where he developed a deep appreciation for Black history and the often-overlooked achievements of figures like Tubman.
He describes the writing process as distinct from comedy, highlighting the vulnerability involved in publishing a book without immediate audience feedback.
The character Darnell, a Grammy-winning hip-hop writer, serves as a reflection of Bob himself, embodying themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the complexities of being a queer, Black individual.
The book has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative premise, showcasing Bob's talent in merging historical and contemporary themes.
The novel seeks to educate readers about ongoing struggles for freedom and the historical realities of slavery, prompting reflection on the meaning of true freedom today.
Bob the Drag Queen's new novel, 'Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert,' imagines the iconic abolitionist Harriet Tubman returning to modern America to create a hip-hop album as a form of continued activism.
In interviews, Bob emphasizes the need for diverse representation in entertainment and the impact of systemic racism on societal structures.
Bob argues that Tubman's use of music in the modern era is plausible, drawing parallels to how enslaved people historically utilized songs for coded messages.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources

Newsweek • Mar 26, 2025
Harriet Tubman Continues Her Quest for Freedom in Bob the Drag Queen's New Book
The Hollywood Reporter • Mar 25, 2025
Bob the Drag Queen on Writing His First Novel and Avoiding Karla Sofía Gascón at Madonna’s Oscar Party
Us Weekly • Mar 24, 2025
Bob the Drag Queen Would Fight to Buy His New Novel: 'I Would Win'
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution • Mar 25, 2025
Past meets present in fanciful historical mashup ‘Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert’