Gary Gerard Hamilton, Author at The Rapid City Post

Michael Iskander poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

‘House of David’ star Michael Iskander says season two resonates beyond the religious

October 3, 2025

“House of David” premieres its second season on Sunday, and star Michael Iskander, who plays the titular role, is hoping it has the same success as its debut. The series sling-shot its way to No. 1 on Prime after debuting in February, with Amazon reporting more than 44 million viewers watched worldwide. The series is part of a growing number of Hollywood faith-based projects reaching beyond niche religious audiences, thanks to stunning cinematography, high-impact action sequences and suspenseful plots. While “House of David” originally premiered on Prime Video, season two will debut exclusively on the new Wonder Project subscription service that will cost an additional $8.99.

Zara Larsson hopes ‘Midnight Sun’ helps complete her pop superstar puzzle

September 26, 2025

Pop star Zara Larsson plans to continue to make the world dance with her new album, “Midnight Sun.” Out Friday, it serves as a love letter to her native Sweden where summer sunlight can extend until midnight. The “Lush Life” singer recently opened on Tate McRae’s tour and will headline her own dates starting next month in Europe before launching the North American leg in February. Larsson has never been shy about her desires to become the world’s biggest pop star, wrote on every song and introduced introspective tracks like “Ambition,” which highlights her professional insecurities and “Saturn’s Return,” which details her personal evolution.

Chaka Khan rehearses for the annual Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston on July 3, 2022, from left, Gladys Knight performs at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 25, 2025, Patti LaBelle performs at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 4, 2025, and Stephanie Mills performs at the Black Girls Rock! Awards at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Aug. 26, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo)

All hail the ‘Queens’: Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills restart their tour

September 18, 2025

Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills have launched the second leg of their tour, “The Queens: 4 Legends. 1 Stage.” The tour resumes Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina. The first leg ran from May through June, featuring hits like Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” and Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia.” With 20 Grammy wins between them and Khan and Knight both members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, they are celebrated for their lasting impact on soul music and their connection with audiences across generations. LaBelle, at 81, expresses gratitude for her enduring career and ability to perform. The tour wraps Oct. 5 in Cleveland.

Mariah the Scientist poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Mariah the Scientist’s ‘Hearts Sold Separately’ mixes love potions and pensive emotions

August 22, 2025

Mariah the Scientist has emerged from her lab with a new album, “Hearts Sold Separately.” Fueled by “Burning Blue,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s rhythmic airplay chart and No. 25 on the Billboard 200, “Hearts Sold Separately” pensively explores love and relationships, themes synonymous with the former St. John’s University biology student. The 10-track project, with Kali Uchis as the sole feature, is the fourth album from the R&B singer-songwriter who’s crafted huge records like “From a Woman” and “Spread Thin.” Mariah is also the girlfriend of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, who pleaded guilty in October 2024 to gang, drug and gun charges in Georgia. He was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.

Ciara poses for a portrait on Monday, Aug 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Ciara reinforces her passion for music with ‘CiCi.’ The album is her first since 2019

August 21, 2025

Ciara will release her first album since 2019, expanding her 2023 EP “CiCi.” The project arrives Friday and marks her first as an independent artist. Ciara says she worked on the album for nearly five years, even giving birth to two children during the process. The 14-track album “CiCi” includes songs from the EP such as “How We Roll,” her 2023 Chris Brown collaboration which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B digital song sales charts, and “Forever” with Lil Baby. It also features collaborations with Tyga, Latto and Busta Rhymes. Known for hits like “Goodies” and “Body Party,” Ciara addresses concerns about her slower music release pace, emphasizing her focus on family.

Giveon poses for a portrait on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Giveon’s ‘Beloved’ highlights the universal commonality of love and romance struggles

July 11, 2025

R&B star Giveon is releasing his anticipated sophomore album, “Beloved,” on Friday. Following the “Heartbreak Anniversary” crooner’s 2020 studio debut, “Give or Take,” this 13-track featureless album was crafted during a three-year period, with musicians playing all of the instrumentation live. Ahead of the new album, Giveon released the singles “Twenties,” peaking at No. 6 on Billboard’s hot R&B songs, and “Rather Be.” He also revealed a common desire with pop-soul star Teddy Swims to create a joint EP. Earlier this year, they joined forces on “Are You Even Real” which reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including adult R&B airplay.

Burna Boy poses for a portrait on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Burna Boy’s ‘No Sign of Weakness’ fulfills his rock star dreams

July 9, 2025

Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy is releasing his new album, “No Sign of Weakness,” on Friday. The Grammy-winning artist is bringing his own rock star dreams to life with features from Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, country hitmaker Shaboozey and hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott on the 16-track album. Fresh off becoming the first African artist to sell out Paris’ iconic Stade de France in April and recognized as one of the standard-bearers of the genre, the “Last Last” artist launched his world tour this week with North American dates beginning in November. It will feature a unique circular stage, providing a chance for fans to equally enjoy the musical experience.

Keke Palmer’s ‘Just Keke’ album channels public relationship drama into reclamation

June 20, 2025

Keke Palmer is giving her take on her 2023 public breakup with her ex Darius Jackson on her new album, ‘Just Keke.’ The 18-track visual project, out now, follows Palmer musically navigates celebrity, motherhood and self-reflection. But her vulnerability about her well-publicized relationship drama is the album’s main throughline. The Emmy winner says she realizes the project could bring more attention and scrutiny into her personal life, but it’s “about transmutation, it’s about bringing closure.” The project also boasts creative video elements created and directed by Palmer and her team.

Jeezy poses for a portrait on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Jeezy reflects on the legacy of his commercial debut, the classic ‘Thug Motivation 101’

June 18, 2025

Jeezy is launching his orchestra-backed “TM:101 Live” tour on June 27. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of his commercial debut and classic “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.” Through vivid storytelling of street life, Jeezy displayed his gift of motivation inspiring a vast cross-section of fans.The critically acclaimed “TM:101” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with singles like “Soul Survivor” featuring Akon, and “Go Crazy” with Jay-Z. Jeezy had a contingency plan in case his musical aspirations failed but he tells The Associated Press that he had a feeling the album would be life-changing.

Old Dominion’s new album, ‘Barbara,’ won’t lean on band’s record-breaking laurels

June 2, 2025

Old Dominion will release their new album, “Barbara,” on Aug. 22. The 13-track project includes the previously released “Me Most Nights” and “Making Good Time,” along with the four-on-the-floor “Talk Country” and the R&B-infused “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory.” Lead singer Matthew Ramsey says the band has worked on the album for the last two years, calling it their most eclectic album to date. They won their eighth consecutive group of the year award at last month’s Academy of Country Music Awards, putting Old Dominion in the sole position of the record. The band is prepping for the “How Good Is That” world tour, which launches this month in South Carolina.

Leon Thomas III poses for a portrait on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton)

Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment’ with new album ‘MUTT Deluxe: HEEL’

May 29, 2025

Alternative R&B artist Leon Thomas will release his “MUTT Deluxe: HEEL” album on Friday. Thomas earned a Grammy for co-producing SZA’s gigantic “Snooze” record and is now experiencing his own solo success. His single “MUTT,” from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Once known for his role on the popular Nickelodeon series “Victorious” which included castmate Ariana Grande, the artist-producer recruited Chris Brown, Halle Bailey, Big Sean and Kehlani to appear on “HEEL.” Nine new songs have been added, both originals and remixes.

FILE - Dolly Parton performs during an event celebrating the expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, in Overland Park, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Dolly Parton leans on her faith after losing husband of nearly 60 years

May 28, 2025

Dolly Parton says her faith has carried her through her fluctuating grief following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The 10-time Grammy winner reflected on her marriage of nearly 60 years while promoting her new line of single-serve Southern-inspired frozen meals, following her popular Duncan Hines baking mixes with US-based Conagra Brands. Dean, who avoided the spotlight and inspired Parton’s timeless hit “Jolene,” as well as her 2023 “Rockstar” album, died in March at 82. Parton, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honoree, is also releasing a new book this fall called “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage.” Her play, “Dolly: An Original Musical,” will premiere on Broadway next year.

Gary Gerard Hamilton.