LL COOL J explores hip-hop's roots in new docuseries
Grammy winner LL Cool J hosts and produces the new series,"Hip Hop Was Born Here," that spotlights the genre's authentic New York origins
LL Cool J
LL COOL J on new docuseries
Grammy winner LL COOL J joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his new docuseries, "Hip Hop Was Born Here," featuring interviews with legends like Big Daddy Kane, Rev Run and Roxanne Shanté.
The return of LL COOL J, the rapper
He became one of the first major hip-hop stars, with hits like "Going Back to Cali." He turned to acting, starring for 14 seasons on "NCIS: Los Angeles." Now 56, he's returned to the thing he loves most, with his first album in more than a decade, "The FORCE."
The return of LL COOL J, the rapper
As a teenager LL COOL J was the first artist signed to the Def Jam label, becoming one of the first major hip-hop stars, with hits like "Going Back to Cali" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." He turned to acting, starring for 14 seasons on "NCIS: Los Angeles." Now 56, he's returned to the thing he loves most – rapping – with his first album in more than a decade, "The FORCE." He talks with "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh about the origins of his career, and the magic of making a hip-hop record.
Highlights from 2024 MTV VMAs
Taylor Swift won seven awards at the MTV Video Music Awards, Chappell Roan won best new artist and Beyoncé did not win any of her three nominations. Variety executive music editor Jem Aswad joins CBS News to break down the show.
LL Cool J on "Rock The Bells Festival"
Two-time Grammy award winning artist LL Cool J is hosting a hip-hop festival with legendary performers called the "Rock the Bells Festival." LL Cool J joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the festival and his new upcoming album.
Who's performing at tonight's Times Square ball drop to ring in 2024?
Before tonight's ball drop in New York's Times Square rings in 2024 on the East Coast, revelers can spend the waning hours of New Year's Eve watching performers celebrate the beginning of a new year with music and dance.
Rock the Bells celebrates 50 years of hip-hop
LL COOL J and other hip-hop icons will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop on Aug. 5 as the Rock the Bells Festival comes to New York City. Hip-hop historian Kevin Powell joins CBS News to discuss the event.
LL COOL J on preparing to embark on his first arena tour in 30 years
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
LL COOL J talks upcoming arena tour, festival
Two-time Grammy award-winning artist LL COOL J is bringing his "Rock the Bells Festival" back to his hometown of Queens, N.Y. LL COOL J joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the festival, his upcoming arena tour and hip-hop's 50th anniversary.
Launching LL Cool J’s career
Music producer Rick Rubin told 60 Minutes “Ad-Rock” Horovitz of The Beastie Boys found the demo tape LL Cool J sent to Def Jam Recordings, then based at New York University’s Weinstein Hall.
Ludacris surprised by daughter at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Ludacris' daughter, Karma Bridges, made a surprise appearance and described him as "my rock, my hero" and "the perfect example of a father."
The very confident LL Cool J
The rapper, actor and Grammy host has made the most of his talent and drive, despite what was said to him back in the day.
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Seized ship taken toward Iran as Trump and Xi agree on Strait of Hormuz
A ship was taken by unknown parties toward Iranian waters after an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
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Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
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CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
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Bipartisan U.S.-Mexico congressional caucus launches amid diplomatic strain
The launch is being backed by the American Mexican Leadership Council, a new national organization also debuting Thursday to elevate Mexican American leadership and advance U.S.-Mexico collaboration.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
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Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
U.S. Border Patrol chief resigns in latest immigration shakeup
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, who was appointed to the role last year, told staff on Thursday that he is stepping down.
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Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record price at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" diamond was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Politics
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Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Exclusive
Bipartisan U.S.-Mexico congressional caucus launches amid diplomatic strain
The launch is being backed by the American Mexican Leadership Council, a new national organization also debuting Thursday to elevate Mexican American leadership and advance U.S.-Mexico collaboration.
U.S. Border Patrol chief resigns in latest immigration shakeup
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, who was appointed to the role last year, told staff on Thursday that he is stepping down.
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
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Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
World
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CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
U.K. health secretary resigns in scathing letter, setting up leadership fight
Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Cabinet in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
Sailors from doomed 1845 polar expedition identified through DNA
The identification of the remains also resolved a decades-long debate about the worst disaster in the history of British polar exploration.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
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Entertainment
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Technology
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Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
Science
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
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Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Space
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
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Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Christopher Nolan | Sunday on 60 Minutes
Christopher Nolan, the filmmaker behind "Oppenheimer," "Interstellar," "The Dark Knight" and "The Odyssey," sits down with Scott Pelley. Sunday on 60 Minutes.
Breaking down the U.S. "learning recession"
A new report from the national Education Scorecard warns the U.S. is experiencing a "learning recession." Thomas Kane, professor at Harvard's Center for Education Policy Research, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crowdstrike exec on Chinese, North Korean threats
Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations for Crowdstrike, joins CBS News to discuss how Americans should view potential cyber threats from China and North Korea.
Closing arguments underway in OpenAI trial
Closing arguments have begun in Elon Musk's $150 billion civil lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.