Music & Movies Monday: Righteous Rage, The Otherside of the Story!

For the last two months, I've been on a Cinema run. Similar to the way I typically attend concerts, ensuring I support films featuring stories not typically seen on the big screen. As always, my Bluetooth to my Bose headset stays tapped into the latest in music. May's cinema highlights are the films "Is God Is" and "I Love Boosters." Ironically, both films' underlying messages categorically match the theme of righteous rage.

"Is God Is" was an authentic story about women fighting back against abuse and taking vengeance into their own hands. While not common, I found it refreshing to see women seek revenge for the injustices they faced at the hands of pure wickedness. Many male critics and viewers did not take to the movie's imagery and messages. However, as those who countered the arguments have previously pointed out, the pushback was merely double-standard rhetoric and selective outrage. In April 2026, we collectively witnessed an alarming rate of Black Femicide, which had the same distractors to the film on mute. "Is God Is" depicts a reality that too often is ignored as if the existence of violence against women will magically disappear if ignored, while simultaneously placing the onus on the victims of the violence to remain silent and non-reactive. And I am here to state that realistically, it just doesn't always work that way. Sometimes a woman's rage is righteously executed.

"I Love Boosters." Is a colorful and clever depiction of workers and everyday constituents uniting and taking a global stance against the exploitation of big corporations. Quite honestly, a true reflection of what is needed in the current day. The film featured a clever storyline about the fashion industry and the injustices inflicted on workers for profit. A commonality across almost every industry participating in national and global capitalism. The ramifications have harsh effects on workers and consumers, who are typically used as pawns for corporate gain. The workers' rage was righteously repaid to teach a valuable lesson about corporate greed and apathy.

Movies:

• Is God Is

• I Love Boosters

There is always something new from music artists to refresh playlists and keep music lovers' interest piqued. This month's list includes new singles from The Dream, The Womack Sisters, Isaiah Falls, Mya, and 6LACK. Yung Miami released 'Spend Dat' and did a charitable deed to support the song's message. She was definitely leading by example, and the song is a catchy tune; some even refer to it as a money manifesting mantra. However you interpret it, please ensure they 'Spend Dat'! Lizzo announced that she is releasing her new album on June 5th and has begun warming listeners up with a few singles. One of my personal favorites is 'Bitch'. Now, I must warn, parental advisory is needed as this is for adult ears only. The song is a modern remake of Meredith Brooks' original, and I first heard it on the "Practical Magic" movie soundtrack. Lizzo's message in the song is similar to the original in calling out the projections placed on women and reclaiming power from the negative connotations attached to women, such as difficult, bitch, or a woman who refuses to conform to social norms and expectations.

New Music: 

• Lizzo-Bitch

• The Dream-Bring That Body

• Mya-Just a Little Bit ft Too Short

• Yung Miami- Spend Dat

• The Womack Sisters-Chauffeur

• Isaiah Falls-Back In My Arms

• The Dream-Bring That Body

• Tiffany-Treat Me Like A Princess

• 6LACK, Leon Thomas, & AZ Chike-All That Matters

Cuzzos released 'Family Business,' representing for the ladies on the Coast. The single gives women mobster vibes and sends the message that they're calling all the shots. RJMrLA released a new album featuring songs like 'Make Me Rich,' a single that sonically pays homage to the OG West Coast sound.

West Coast:

• Cuzzos-Family Business

• Blxst-Just Type

• Mozzy & WeezGotti- Pistol Play

• RJMrLA & Jay Worthy- Make Me Rich

• Big Sad 1900, 310babii, & Steelz-Passport Stamps

Check out new albums from Durand Brenarr, who recently announced he'll be on tour. Tank and the Bangas, and Drake, who recently dropped a trilogy of albums ranging across several genres.

Albums:

• Durand Bernarr-Bernarr

• Tank and Tha Bangas-The Last Balloon

• Giveon-Beloved: Act II

• Drake- ICEMAN, MAID OF HONOUR, HABIBITI

• RJMrLA- MR. LA II

Music Abroad:

• Wizkid-Baby Girl

This concludes the Music and Movies Highlights for May. As always, feel free to comment on some of your new music choices and be sure to Live, Laugh, and Listen 🎧👂.