Single marks first taste of ‘I Love Boosters’ original motion picture soundtrack
Lakeshore Records will release “2-D,” a new single from Keke Palmer, digitally on April 17, marking the first taste of music from the Keke Palmer: I Love Boosters Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, a five-song EP slated for release in early May.
The announcement arrives weeks ahead of the NEON theatrical premiere of I Love Boosters, the widely anticipated feature film directed by Boots Riley, which opens in cinemas nationwide on May 22. Palmer, who headlines the project, serves as the principal recording artist on the soundtrack, delivering a body of work spanning the full spectrum of contemporary soul and R&B.
‘2-D’ invites listeners into something intimate
Of all the tracks Palmer committed to tape for the project, “2-D” stands as one of the most revealing. Produced by Riley, the song unfolds over an unhurried, atmospheric production, a cool, measured tempo that gives Palmer room to navigate emotional terrain with precision and depth. Rather than relying on bombast, the song leans into restraint, allowing the weight of its lyrical content to breathe and land with impact.
The track was written by Alina Kanin, Dominic Dalay, Joel Robinow, and Lauren Palmer, a collaborative effort that channels layered personal reflection into accessible, resonant songwriting. The result is a piece that feels simultaneously cinematic and confessional, suited both to the world of the film and to anyone who has wrestled with the complexities of self-exposure.
Five songs, one story
The five-song EP encapsulates Palmer’s evolution as a recording artist. Having launched her music career in the mid-2000s alongside her acting work, Palmer returns to recorded music here with renewed purpose and sharpened focus. The project spans a range of sonic moods and musical textures, from stripped-down, tender compositions to expansive, propulsive tracks designed to move both body and mind.
Riley, best known for directing Sorry to Bother You and for leading the Oakland-based collective and band The Coup, lends his distinctive ear to the production, crafting a soundtrack that extends the film’s thematic and aesthetic universe rather than a commercial afterthought. The collaboration reflects a mutual investment in storytelling, one that operates simultaneously on screen and through speakers.
Palmer and Riley: A creative convergence
Palmer’s involvement in I Love Boosters extends far beyond a starring role. Her contribution to the film’s music represents a full artistic partnership with Riley, whose directorial vision has earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences ahead of its wide release. Early screenings of the film have generated exceptional responses across the entertainment press, with particular attention paid to Palmer’s performance as the driving force at the center of the story.
The actress and recording artist has long balanced dual careers with apparent ease, amassing a television, film, and music catalog spanning more than two decades. Her work on I Love Boosters reflects a maturation of that duality, with a performer fully in command of her voice, presence, and perspective.
Lakeshore Records and the road to May
Lakeshore Records, the Los Angeles-based label with a long history of releasing critically regarded film and television soundtracks, will distribute both the single and the full EP. The label’s catalog includes music from projects across genres and generations, and the I Love Boosters soundtrack continues that tradition of pairing strong cinematic vision with compelling recorded music.
“2-D” will be available across all major digital streaming platforms beginning April 17. The complete five-song EP arrives in early May, positioning the project as essential listening before I Love Boosters opens in theaters on May 22 via NEON.