LL Cool J relearned 'how to rap' on his first album in 11 years, 'The FORCE.' Here's how
LL COOL J, the Grammy award winning rapper, actor and author, will release his first new album in 11 years, โThe FORCEโ on Sept. 6 โ 40 years into his hip-hop career.
New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'
This weekโs new entertainment releases include fresh music from John Legend and Kane Brown, Samantha Morton stars as the 16th-century queen Catherine de Medici in an edgy Starz series and a race between two upcoming โPinocchioโ films begins with Robert Zemeckisโ adaptation.
Powell returns, Clippers beat Suns for 3rd straight win
Norman Powell scored 24 points after being out two months, Paul George added 19 points in three quarters to go over 15,000 in his career, and the Los Angeles Clippers edged the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns 113-109.
John Legend honored at Grammys' Black Music Collective event
While John Legend was being honored for his musical achievements, the Grammy singer used the Recording Academy stage to pay homage to a Black music culture that shaped himself and the world.
MTV EMAs show in Hungary highlights support for LGBTQ people
The 2021 MTV European Music Awards show has been held in Hungary's capital of Budapest where some performers expressed their support and solidarity to the country's embattled LGBTQ community.
![Yes, Hidden Valley Ranch Crocs are real. Hereโs how to get your hands on some.](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/onqxh8HmR5yi0Ao3nEpNkbgBb2Y=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NMXVTB6MGFAL3MAWTM3VEQZ7PY.png)
Yes, Hidden Valley Ranch Crocs are real. Hereโs how to get your hands on some.
If youโve been itching to finally buy yourself a pair of Crocs, this may be all the convincing you need, especially if youโre a lover of ranch dressing.
![Justin Bieber leads nominees for 2021 MTV Video Music Awards](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/HNHywZKqkV-py897f97SBfnWQd8=/800x617/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CJ5XL4GSOVHGLMXR7HHGRBB27Y.jpg)
Justin Bieber leads nominees for 2021 MTV Video Music Awards
Justin Bieber leads this yearโs list of nominees at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, followed closely by Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and first-time nominee Olivia Rodrigo.
![New this week: Whales, 'LFG,' 'Mysterious Benedict Society'](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/zu4bMefAaOA0cXzQj2wavAH77RI=/800x396/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WZTPZBGUSZHB3FSD4MXUZU7UTU.jpg)
New this week: Whales, 'LFG,' 'Mysterious Benedict Society'
This weekโs new entertainment releases includes Conan OโBrien closing out his TBS late-night show and the new soccer documentary โLFG,โ a revealing look at the U.S. Womenโs National Soccer Teamโs battle for equal pay.
![Jhenรฉ Aiko, Saweetie to perform on AAPI advocacy TV special](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/q8p7Up6q28BkiiT1RH0g9x-l48E=/800x560/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RVGVSSPTVRBSHIUJFQ27FVFI7Y.jpg)
Jhenรฉ Aiko, Saweetie to perform on AAPI advocacy TV special
Platinum-selling performers of part-Asian descent, including R&B singer Jhenรฉ Aiko and rapper Saweetie, will perform on a TV special produced by The Asian American Foundation, the newly formed organization launched to improve AAPI advocacy.
![New this week: Godzilla vs Kong, 'Concrete Cowboy' & Mahalia](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/X6c5zdqLneZzM1woWIuN6c5aJaQ=/1600x793/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RZOC7BPO45D3ZOKVBJXCAJZUPY.jpg)
New this week: Godzilla vs Kong, 'Concrete Cowboy' & Mahalia
This combination photo shows poster art for the film "Godzilla vs Kong," premiering on HBO Max on March 31, left, "Concrete Cowboy," premiering April 2 on Netflix and "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia," premiering April 3 on Lifetime. (HBO Max/Netflix/Lifetime via AP)Hereโs a collection curated by The Associated Pressโ entertainment journalists of whatโs arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIESโ Two of cinemaโs most famous giants are headed for an old-fashioned big budget clash in โGodzilla vs. Kong,โ available on HBO Max for 31 days starting Friday. After a pandemic-induced blockbuster drought, Henry told the AP that the film will be a welcome change of pace. Adโ Legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson gets overdue biopic attention in a Lifetime film debuting Saturday.
![Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys โ as Tyson Trax](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/KAb4roZfuP4upPIJjLdvpFZ_ZhA=/1600x1162/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LRXRSIIHWZH57PYIG6RB3DNUYE.jpg)
Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys โ as Tyson Trax
Dr. Luke appeared as Tyson Trax on the Grammy ballot for Doja Cat's Say So," which he produced and co-wrote. But not all of the academy members may have been aware they were voting for Dr. Luke when they completed their ballots this year. AdโI didnโt know that Tyson Trax was Dr. Luke. AdTogether, Martin and Dr. Luke crafted hits for Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pink and Kesha, who he signed in 2005. Eventually Dr. Luke stepped into the forefront, helming successes for Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida, logging 17 No.
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ABC News to air newsmagazine on the Black experience
This combination photo shows, from left, Carmelo Anthony, Nick Cannon, David Alan Grier, John Ridley and Danny Glover who will be featured on "Soul of a Nation," an ABC newsmagazine focused on Black life in America. (AP Photo)NEW YORK โ ABC News says that next month it will begin airing โSoul of a Nation,โ which the network believes is the first prime-time broadcast newsmagazine focused on Black life in America. The network has committed to six episodes that will air on consecutive Tuesday nights. It illustrates the opportunity to both speak to a Black audience and educate others about what is going on in the community. ___This story has been corrected to show that the name of the series creator is Marie Nelson, not Marie Roberts.
![Joe and Jill Biden to appear on โNew Yearโs Rockinโ Eveโ](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/1rb7tKR1rZLS43SsGXLZtwXb2pY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZFUXRSIV2VFNNGLGVE5Q554N4A.jpg)
Joe and Jill Biden to appear on โNew Yearโs Rockinโ Eveโ
Jill Biden moves her husband, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, back from members of the media as he speaks outside his campaign plane in New Castle, Del., on Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)NEW YORK โ Ryan Seacrest will have a special pair of guests alongside the music stars at this yearโs New Yearโs Eve celebration on ABC โ the president-elect and the future first lady. President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden are scheduled to give โtheir last interview of the yearโ in New Yorkโs Time Square on โDick Clarkโs New Yearโs Rockinโ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021.โThe Bidens will "share an inspiring message as we come together to close out 2020 and look ahead with hope to 2021,โ according to a statement by the producers. โDick Clarkโs New Yearโs Rockinโ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021โณ will run until 2 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1. Seacrest is returning to host the event for a 16th year, and he will be joined by Porter and Lucy Hale in New York.
![12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/zRdA-CxQg7hAEsbuXtSG3etA-8Q=/1600x1325/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/X2O66E5HTNHKXIOVQUHEVJULUY.jpg)
12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out
And it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts โ is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's โLockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncรฉ and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year โ as an art director.
![And the Grammy nomination goes to ... Megan? Harry? Weeknd?](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/tST2vFPoo5WjD01AAY4l1k5Z1p8=/1600x558/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TLONINJ7JNA7ZHUQVKV2XVBQTE.jpg)
And the Grammy nomination goes to ... Megan? Harry? Weeknd?
Others who may earn nominations include Lewis Capaldi, Summer Walker, Morgan Wallen, Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, Ingrid Andress, Snoh Aalegra, Skip Marley, Mickey Guyton and CNCO. Ricch should also earn nominations for his guest appearance on DaBabyโs international hit โRock Star,โ helping him become the showโs overall top nominee. ________FOLKS LOVE FOLKLORETaylor Swiftโs last two albums, โLoverโ and โreputation,โ didnโt earn nominations for album of the year. The seven-member groupโs hit โDynamiteโ could snag a nomination for best pop duo/group performance, and their latest album could compete for best global music album. 3 on pop charts, should earn a nomination for best country performance and best country song.
![Dr. Luke rebounds, thanks to Saweetie, Doja Cat, Juice WRLD](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/rP8E1tbC7BbROVdpPGsz71-U9fQ=/1600x1117/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WWFDLGIEN5AQHD2U6JBUU6OJMM.jpg)
Dr. Luke rebounds, thanks to Saweetie, Doja Cat, Juice WRLD
Hes returned to the charts in 2020, working on songs for rising and established rap stars, including Lil Wayne, Juice WRLD, Saweetie and Doja Cat. Dr. Luke marked a major comeback this year with the success of the Billboard Hot 100 No. Label representatives for Saweetie, Juice WRLD, Lil Wayne and Cat didnt immediately reply to emails seeking comment. Months later, Kesha accused him of sexual assault during their yearslong partnership (Dr. Luke has vigorously denied the allegations.) Outside of rap in 2020, Dr. Luke has produced music for pop singer Kim Petras, using the pseudonym MADE IN CHINA.