Prince is releasing two new albums next month

Plus: LL Cool J teaches us a lesson about helping needy kids; Miley Cyrus aims to become a force for change; David Bowie transformed into comic-book hero; American footballer to publish his memoirs; and Producer praises Vikram's commitment to film.

Prince performs at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP Photo

Prince will release a new album next month. Described as a mix "of soul, R&B and funk", Art Official Age will be his first album since 2010's 20Ten. It is due to be released on September 30 on Warner Brothers Records – the label he was signed to from 1978 until the mid-1990s – with which he had been locked in a legal battle to win back the rights to his music until a deal was finally reached in April. The singer will also release the album PlectrumElectrum with his all-female band 3RDEYEGIRL on the same day. The agreement with the label comes years after their relationship turned sour. Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol and wrote the word "slave" on his cheek when he failed to gain the rights to his music. – AP

Miley aims to become a force for change

With great power comes great responsibility. Fresh off of her memorable appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, when as a social statement she sent a homeless man up to collect her award for video of the year, Miley Cyrus says she now wants to use her powers for good. The 21-year-old singer, who is assisting the Hollywood homeless centre My Friend's Place by launching a charity raffle, says that she didn't realise her impact and influence, but now is urging her fans to donate to help homeless youth. "After my last performance at the VMAs, I didn't realise my platform, I didn't realise my power and I didn't realise my voice and how loud it is," Cyrus said. "And I thought ... instead of using it as a negative, how can I use it as a positive? If I'm going to be speaking this loud, what am I trying to scream at the world? I feel incredible today. I feel like I have a jet strapped to me and I am ready to take off from this. It just gives me more of a purpose." Cyrus is asking fans to donate US$5 (Dh18), which will enter them in a raffle and the winners will meet her at her concert in Rio de Janeiro on September 28. – AP

LL Cool J teaches us a lesson about helping needy kids

The hip-hop-star-turned actor LL Cool J handed out backpacks filled with supplies for the new school year to children in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, New York, on Sunday. The NCIS actor said it was important to help out kids in need and that a relatively small contribution could have a big effect on the struggling families. About 2,000 children attended the event, organised by the Worldstar Foundation. – AP

David Bowie transformed into comic-book hero

He's played an alien and a vampire, and now David Bowie is set to star as a superhero. Well, sort of. A comic book biography of the British music icon is being released by Bluewater Productions. Fame: David will be released this week in print and digital editions. It is the latest in a series of biographical comic books from the publisher featuring pop and rock stars, including Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Freddie Mercury. One of the music industry's most influential artists, Bowie was renowned in his prime for constantly reinventing his persona, changing his sound and starting fashion trends. He also made the transition to film, starring in movies such as The Man Who Fell to Earth and The Hunger. A five-page preview of the comic is available at www.bluewaterprod.com. – The National staff

US football hero to publish his memoirs

The football hero Tim Howard has signed a book deal. The American sportsman, who plays in goal for the United States national team and English Premier League side Everton, has written a memoir that will be published on December 9 by HarperCollins. The publisher said The Keeper would be available in adult and young-adult editions. The 35-year-old footballer says he wanted to share the highs and lows of his life and career, including his battles with Tourette's syndrome, and hopes to inspire others. World Cup fans were dazzled this summer by Howard's 15 saves during the Americans' 2-1 loss in extra time to Belgium in the second round, after he helped the side qualify from the initial group stages. He recently agreed to a multiyear deal to work as a TV commentator for NBC Sports Group. – AP

Producer praises Vikram’s commitment to film

The producer Aascar Ravichandran says he is in awe of the actor Vikram's commitment in the forthcoming Tamil action-thriller Ai, which the star has spent more than two years shooting. "Vikram is the embodiment of commitment," Ravichandran said. "I haven't seen an actor who has spent more than two years on a project. Vikram is an exception when it comes to his dedication towards a film. Never did he complain about the time invested in the project. For one particular look in the film, Vikram was required to spend 12 hours in the make-up room for many days. He sports three different looks in the film." One of those looks is that of a werewolf. The New Zealand special-effects company Weta Workshop, which worked on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, worked on the effects in Ai. "Make-up and special effects will be the biggest highlights of the film. Audiences will be amazed," said Ravichandran. The film is due for release next month. – IANS