LL COOL J, the Grammy award winning rapper, actor and author, will release his first new album in 11 years, “The FORCE” on Sept. 6 — 40 years into his hip-hop career.

This week’s 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 “Pinocchio” films begins with Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation.

Tony Gonsolin pitched seven strong innings for his 11th victory in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Doja Cat could make the BET Awards her world later this month.

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.

Bright pink and all-over metallics were the fashion stories of the Grammys red carpet.

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.

When faced with too many choices, what's a Grammy voter to do.

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The Los Angeles Clippers completed a four-game season sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 132-111 victory.

Olivia Rodrigo praised prior female songwriters and music artists for giving her strength while accepting Billboard’s 2022 Woman of the Year honor.

Olivia Rodrigo has been named Woman of the Year by Billboard, landing her in the same company as Taylor Swift, Cardi B and Billie Eilish.

Justin Bieber had a peachy 2021, and he leads the iHeartRadio Music Award field with nine nominations.

Anupam Tripathi said his grandfather sometimes read his palm and told him he’d be rich one day.

Bay Area-rapper Saweetie wants to win a Grammy for the West Coast.

If 2020 was a pandemic-induced pause, 2021 was when things started up again, albeit slowly and timidly.

Bryan Adams has tested positive for COVID upon arrival at Milan’s Malpensa Airport.

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.

The subset of humans out there who love both ranch and clogs will be pleased with this news food-meets-fashion collaboration -- Rapper Saweetie partnered with Crocs and Hidden Valley Ranch to create a creamy new clog.

Justin Bieber leads this year’s 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.

Saweetie is showcasing her unique taste buds with a new partnership with McDonald’s.

Cardi B’s “WAP” had new meaning at the BET Awards: winning and pregnant.

This week’s new entertainment releases includes Conan O’Brien closing out his TBS late-night show and the new soccer documentary “LFG,” a revealing look at the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s battle for equal pay.

Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby are the prom queen and king of the 2021 BET Awards.

Platinum-selling performers of part-Asian descent, including R&B singer Jhené 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.

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)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES— Two of cinema’s most famous giants are headed for an old-fashioned big budget clash in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” 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. Ad— Legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson gets overdue biopic attention in a Lifetime film debuting Saturday.

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. Ad“I didn’t 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.

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 – ABC News says that next month it will begin airing “Soul of a Nation,” 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.

FILE - In this May 14, 2019 file photo, Ryan Seacrest attends the Walt Disney Television 2019 upfront in New York. This week, he will return to New York's Times Square to host Dick Clark New Years Rockin Eve. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Ryan Seacrest will have a special pair of guests alongside the music stars at this year's New Year's Eve celebration on ABC — the president-elect and the future first lady. President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden are scheduled to give “their last interview of the year” in New York’s Times Square on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021.”The Bidens will "share an inspiring message as we come together to close out 2020 and look ahead with hope to 2021,” according to a statement by the producers. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021" will run until 2 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1.

And it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," 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 Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.

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 DaBaby’s international hit “Rock Star,” helping him become the show’s overall top nominee. ________FOLKS LOVE FOLKLORETaylor Swift’s last two albums, “Lover” and “reputation,” didn’t earn nominations for album of the year. The seven-member group’s hit “Dynamite” 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.

This combination photo shows, clockwise from left, music producer Dr. Luke, and performers, Lil Wayne, Juice WRLD, Doja Cat and Saweetie. He’s 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 didn’t 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.)