JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.AP Entertainment Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

This combination of photos shows Jennifer Hudson, left, Michelle Obama, center, and Issa Rae. (AP Photo)

Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns with star power and cultural legacy

July 30, 2025

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival is back for its 23rd year, celebrating Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers. This nine-day event, starting Friday, features appearances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mara Brock Akil, Michelle Obama and Dwyane Wade. The festival has become a cultural reunion, drawing influential voices like Colman Domingo, Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. Set in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, it offers a platform for Black creatives to connect and share their stories. This year’s theme focuses on joy, with panels, screenings and discussions on Black storytelling, fashion, and history. The festival continues to affirm the value of Black storytelling.

Retired NBA player and current coach Stacey Augmon speaks during a Q&A after previewing the "UNLV: Runnin' Rebels" documentary during the Summer League Film Festival, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas (AP Photo/Jonathan Landrum Jr.)

Hollywood meets NBA hardwood: A look inside the rise of the Summer League Film Festival

July 21, 2025

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has become more than just basketball. Alongside the games, the Summer League Film Festival showcased 34 film projects by current and former NBA stars. Hollywood insiders, including Kevin Garnett and Mark Wahlberg, attended the event, which aims to bridge sports and filmmaking. On Sunday, retired player Stacey Augmon previewed a documentary about the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, receiving a standing ovation. Organizers see the festival as a platform for athletes to share their stories and gain industry support. Sundance and other collaborators are exploring ways to elevate these projects to wider audiences.

FILE - Kevin Garnett speaks as he is enshrined in the 2020 class of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, file)

NBA stars to turn filmmakers at Summer League fest with Kevin Garnett, Mark Wahlberg and Deon Taylor

July 2, 2025

The NBA Summer League is giving athletes another shot that takes place behind the camera. With assists from Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett and Hollywood power players Mark Wahlberg and Deon Taylor, the Summer League Film Festival is coming back starting July 17 in Las Vegas. The three-day festival will bring big-screen storytelling through 34 original projects, spotlighting stories produced by NBA stars past and present including Nikola Jokic, Luguentz Dort, Tony Allen and Udonis Haslem. The second annual film festival will take place at the Strip View Pavilion inside the Thomas & Mack Center, the longtime home of NBA Summer League.

As Diddy awaits verdict, here’s where his business ventures stand

July 1, 2025

While Sean “Diddy” Combs awaits a jury’s verdict in his high-stakes federal sex trafficking trial, the once-celebrated music mogul has seen his business empire rapidly unravel. The 55-year-old Combs is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history and a three-time Grammy winner. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking involving two former partners and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The impact on his business ventures has been swift and severe, as in the collapse of Revolt TV and fashion brand Sean John, which has vanished from Macy’s shelves.

FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James appears during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

LeBron stars in Amazon ad, credits family for historic 23rd season return while nursing knee injury

June 16, 2025

LeBron James may be daydreaming about Prime Day deals in his new Amazon commercial, but there’s no fantasy when it comes to his real-life focus: getting his knee healthy in time for training camp. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar plans to return for his 23rd NBA season, which would make him the first player in league history to reach that milestone. For now, James is prioritizing rest and recovery after spraining a ligament in April, following the Lakers season-ending playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. James says his left knee is feeling “good” during an interview about starring in a new 60-second commercial called “What’s Next?”

Slick Rick returns after 26 years with ‘Victory’ album and proves hip-hop storytelling still reigns

June 13, 2025

Hip-hop legend Slick Rick is proving his creative spark is far from fading. The English-born rapper — known for his signature eye patch and masterful storytelling — returned to the booth for his first new project in nearly three decades. He’s reminding the world of his timeless rap prowess on his visual album, “Victory,” released Friday. It marks Slick Rick’s first album since 1999’s “The Art of Storytelling.” This new project is largely self-produced, with the rapper handling 95% of the production and sharing executive producer duties with Emmy-nominated actor and occasional rapper-DJ Idris Elba, who appears on the album alongside Nas, Giggs and Estelle.

This combination of photos shows Mariah Carey at the third annual Recording Academy Honors in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2024. left, Snoop Dogg at an appearance in Ventura, Calif on Oct. 2, 2020, center, .and Jamie Foxx at the Los Angeles premiere of "Number One on the Call Sheet," on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo)

BET Awards to celebrate 25th anniversary with major star power from Kendrick Lamar to Mariah Carey

June 8, 2025

The BET Awards is bringing major star power — including Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, and Jamie Foxx — to celebrate its 25th anniversary on Monday. Lamar leads the pack with 10 nominations, including album of the year for his critically acclaimed project “GNX.” His ubiquitous diss track “Not Like Us,” emanating from the Drake feud, received nominations for video of the year and viewer’s choice award. The awards will air live on June 9 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. EDT.

Renée Elise Goldsberry talks new album, whether ‘Hamilton’ return is an option and EGOT aspirations

June 6, 2025

Renée Elise Goldsberry is most inspired by artists bold enough to take a career leap, even when there’s no guarantee of a safe landing. Over the years, Goldsberry spent her celebrated career surrounded by fearless risk-takers. Now, the Tony and Grammy winner, best known for her breakout role in the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” is taking a bold move of her own. She’s stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist for her debut album, “Who I Really Am.” The album is a 13-track project filled with soul, funk, blues and gospel vibes featuring a reimagined version of her iconic “Hamilton” song “Satisfied,” which was originally penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Goldsberry portrayed Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton.”

BET Awards to honor Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin

May 28, 2025

The BET Awards will honor four legendary performers — Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin — with one of the show’s top honors, the Ultimate Icon Award. BET says the recipients were selected due to their impact on entertainment as well as their community impact and advocacy. Rap icon Lil Wayne, rapper GloRilla and singer Teyana Taylor will hit the BET Awards stage next month. Kendrick Lamar is the leading nominee with 10.The BET Awards will celebrate its 25th anniversary on June 9 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The show will air at 8 p.m. EDT.

JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.AP Entertainment Writer.