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

Janelle Monáe embraces HalloQueen role, creating an empire where art and freedom collide in October

October 29, 2025

Janelle Monáe has transformed Halloween into a creative empire with her HalloQueen events. The artist blends play, performance and purpose in a monthlong celebration. This week, the festivities include Vampire Beach at the Santa Monica Pier and the annual Wondaween party. Monáe’s love for Halloween began with dressing up and has grown into a movement of self-expression. The events, like the DJ set at Cinespia, capture the essence of Monáe’s artistic universe. Monáe hopes to expand HalloQueen to other cities, keeping the spirit alive year-round. Monáe’s creative foundation began with the Wondaland collective, co-founded with Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Chuck Lightning in Atlanta. That community of musicians, writers and filmmakers evolved into a multidisciplinary hub for world-building.

D’Angelo’s career-spanning playlist: Hits and hidden gems

October 14, 2025

D’Angelo has blurred the lines between sacred and sensual, defining modern R&B with his unique voice and musicianship. This playlist reflects his career, from the smooth grooves of “Brown Sugar” to the urgency of “Black Messiah.” It highlights both his celebrated hits and lesser-known gems, capturing his evolution as an artist. Songs like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” showcase his raw vocal power, while collaborations with artists like Lauryn Hill and Q-Tip reveal his versatility. D’Angelo’s music blends soul, hip-hop, and spirituality, making him a timeless figure in the music world.

‘Tron: Ares’ tops box office but falls short of expectations with $33.5 million debut

October 12, 2025

“Tron: Ares” has powered up the box office grid, taking the top spot this weekend. Despite some favorable reviews, Disney’s sci-fi film fell short of expectations, earning $33.5 million. This big-budget project, starring Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges, arrived 15 years after “Tron: Legacy.” The film follows a battle between two technology firms facing an artificial intelligence barrier. “Tron: Ares” was packed with action and nostalgia, but it wasn’t enough to draw big numbers across more than 4,000 theaters. Another new release such as “Roofman” struggled to connect with audiences.

Common’s journey from Bulls ball boy to NBA theme song composer

October 9, 2025

Common has teamed up with collaborators to compose “Victory,” the official theme for NBA on Prime. The streaming platform made the announcement Thursday. The song will be part of Amazon’s first exclusive NBA season. Common, along with Karriem Riggins and James Poyser, created three versions of the score, including orchestral, hip-hop, and rock. The theme will debut on October 24 during Prime Video’s opening-night doubleheader. Common, a former Chicago Bulls ball boy, sees this as a dream fulfilled. The collaborators hope “Victory” resonates for generations and inspires more artists of color in sports scoring.

Mary J. Blige is releasing film of her Madison Square Garden show in theaters

October 8, 2025

Mary J. Blige is bringing her iconic stage presence to the big screen with her first concert film, “Mary J. Blige: For My Fans, Live From Madison Square Garden.” The Grammy and Emmy-winning artist announced Wednesday that the film will be released exclusively in theaters on Nov. 5 and 8. It captures her sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden in April during her For My Fans tour. The film features performances from her three-decade career, including hits like “Be Without You” and “Family Affair.” It also includes behind-the-scenes footage and surprise guest appearances.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Show Girl’ debuts at No. 1 with $33 million

October 5, 2025

Taylor Swift’s new film, “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl,” has topped the weekend box office with $33 million in North America. The AMC Theatres release was announced just two weeks ago and features music videos and behind-the-scenes footage. This success follows her “Eras Tour” concert film, which opened to $96 million nearly two years ago. Meanwhile, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s drama “The Smashing Machine” debuted in third place with $6 million. Other notable releases include “One Battle After Another” at $11.1 million and “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” at $5.2 million.

Producer Carlos King poses for a portrait in Los Angeles Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Carlos King talks ownership, navigating racism and building Black reality TV empires

October 3, 2025

Carlos King is a major force in Black unscripted storytelling, known as the “King of Reality TV.” His shows like “Love & Marriage” and “Belle Collective” have turned cities like Huntsville, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, into must-see TV. Through his company, Kingdom Reign Entertainment, King says over 60% of OWN’s original programming is his work. He credits Oprah Winfrey and others for supporting his vision. King emphasizes ownership and has expanded his reach with a podcast and on-camera hosting. He also discusses overcoming challenges as an openly gay Black man in the industry.

Latin superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

September 29, 2025

Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show next year. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that the Grammy winner will perform at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8. This comes after his historic Puerto Rico residency this month, which drew over half a million fans. Bad Bunny is also leading all nominees at the Latin Grammys in November. With three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, he has become a global ambassador for Latin music. Last year, Kendrick Lamar set a record with 133.5 million viewers for his Super Bowl performance.

Laila Lockhart Kraner carries ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ positivity to DreamWorks’ live-action hybrid film

September 25, 2025

Laila Lockhart Kraner, known for her role in “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” has seen the show’s messages of positivity and resilience shape her life. Six years after first playing Gabby, these lessons have become core principles for her. The series is loved by kids worldwide and is expanding with “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” opening Friday. The film emphasizes creativity and problem-solving for all ages. It features Gloria Estefan and Kristen Wiig, and the story follows Gabby’s adventure to rescue her dollhouse. The franchise has grown into a global sensation, with toys, music and live events, highlighting the power of imagination.

Kimmel’s rise from radio to cultural icon hits roadblock with ABC’s suspension of late-night TV show

September 19, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel has become a cultural fixture over two decades in late-night television, blending humor with political satire. He rose from Las Vegas radio to hosting prestigious events like the Oscars. His show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been suspended indefinitely after comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC’s decision followed backlash from major affiliates. Kimmel’s career began in Las Vegas radio, and he rose to fame with Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money.” He became the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003. His future remains uncertain as his contract with ABC expires in 2026.

Cardi releases highly anticipated ‘Am I the Drama’ album

September 18, 2025

Cardi B has made a splashy return with her sophomore album, “Am I the Drama?” released on Friday. The album arrives as she announces her fourth pregnancy with NFL player Stefon Diggs and celebrates a recent courtroom victory. The 23-track project features collaborations with artists like Janet Jackson and Megan Thee Stallion. Cardi B includes past hits like “Up” and “WAP,” sparking some online criticism. She defended the choice, saying those songs deserve a home. Alongside her music, Cardi B’s personal life, including her relationship with Diggs, continues to capture public attention.

‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ opens to $70M, biggest anime debut in North America

September 14, 2025

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” carved out a place in box office history this weekend, slicing straight to No. 1 to outpace the horror sequel “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” The Sony-owned Crunchyroll release shattered expectations with a mighty $70 million debut in North America, according to Sunday estimates from Comscore. That haul marks the biggest domestic opening ever for an anime film, surpassing “Pokémon: The First Movie,” which opened with $31 million in 1999.

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.