Long gone are the days when one would arrive at Blockbuster only to find every title in the New Release section checked out for the weekend. Lacking fresh titles to choose from, many customers would end up going home empty-handed and disappointed. Fortunately, with today’s glut of digital movie rental services, streaming platforms, and recommendation engines, those days are history. Here’s a look at three of the newest:

Zediva: Though one of Netflix’s main draws is its continuously multiplying selection of films, it’s still beholden to the release “windows” enforced by film studios when it comes to new DVD releases. Now, with new startup Zediva, hounds of the Hollywood machine can stream studio pictures online as soon as they are released on DVD. Registered patrons select titles from an online library—current selections include The Fighter, Love and Other Drugs, and 127 Hours. A $1.99 fee allows them to rent the DVD and a DVD player remotely, the latter of which streams the movie to a TV, computer or even a smartphone. Registration is currently full, but there is a waitlist for those who want to join.

As gender roles have become increasingly fuzzy, particularly in the realm of popular music, a new wave of self-proclaimed “homo hop” performers who aren’t afraid to spit their game has emerged. Winning over fans of varying sexual preferences, these artists are ruling the dance floor with their out-and-proud rhymes.

Big Freedia: Kudos to the undisputed Queen Diva, officially known as Big Freedia, for bringing Sissy Bounce out of the projects of New Orleans and onto the stages of parties near us. The former local scene leader is achieving national stardom with her call-and-response jams, and she’s gained widespread respect as both a mentor to a number of other NOLA Bounce artists and as a voice for transsexuals everywhere. Recently, she developed an autobiographical musical, Catch That Beat, is working on her third record, The Diva Returns, and often performs live for up to six days a week. We dare you to keep your tail feather still when Big Freedia’s on stage.