If you're happy that nu-metal is back, then you must get acquainted with Cinnamon Babe. The project helmed by model, actress and self-proclaimed hustler Stormi Maya has been making waves recently due to a compelling array of high-energy singles, including her most recent rap-metal knockout, "Bad Dog."
As we all know, nu-metal has long been slammed for being a boys' club, but Cinnamon Babe is very upfront about making her staunch feminist politics a big part of her music. Therefore, we asked her to select five nu-metal anthems that speak to her strong sense of female empowerment.
From heart-wrenchingly brave dives into personal trauma to swaggering "bad bitch" anthems, check out the five songs Cinnamon Babe selected below.
In This Moment - "Whore"
This song was such a medicine for me when I first heard it. As a woman that has been in sex work (stripping/Onlyfans/domme work) I have always felt the hypocrisy that society has towards sex workers. Everyone wants to consume us, but in most societies sex workers are treated as dirt and subhuman. I love how this song says, "You love me for everything you hate me for," because that's the exact hypocrisy I talk about in my song "Loose." This song heavily influenced that track.
Otep - "Jonestown Tea"
This is a song that, to me, is more of a piece of art than a song to listen to for entertainment. It's Otep's most vulnerable song to date in my opinion — it's about the abuse she endured as a child. Listening to the lyrics can be triggering, traumatizing and shocking. But to hear a woman describe her sexual assault so vividly and truthfully was so needed.
Movies romanticize sexual assault, and the world victim-shames. I love how she claims her power in this song and reveals all the emotions that come with being a victim of assault. I'm proud to share a song with Otep called "The Man," which addresses some of these issues, as well.
Straight Line Stitch - "Black Veil"
This band were one of my biggest inspirations for joining the genre. Seeing Alexis Brown, another black woman in the scene, was so needed for my confidence. Watching her break down and show such strong emotion and powerful lyrics made me want to be a rockstar more than anything. The lyrics, "Forgive you?/How can I?/I can't even forgive myself," made me cry because they reminded me of my own traumas and how I blamed myself for putting myself in those situations.
Nova Twins - "Antagonist"
I know they can get called more punk than nu-metal. but I believe they fuse many genres within rock. I love seeing two young black women in alt music taking over! This song is not only powerful, it's also fun and full of energy. "Antagonist" makes me feel badass and on top of the world. A true Bad Bitch song.
Wicked Wisdom - "Bleed All Over Me"
I hate all the ridicule and bashing Jada Pinkett Smith got for making metal. I see hundreds of mediocre men in this genre and they don't get the same backlash and disrespect she did. To be a woman in this space, especially a black woman, you have to fight through so much discrimination. She's a badass for going down a path with little POC woman representation.
This is one of her best songs. Her daughter Willow just did a cover of this song and it's amazing. I appreciate Jada for being a stepping stone for us women of color in this space.
