LL Cool J: He’s The Man, apparently.

Special fading hiphop stars edition…

—Eminem returns to the hiphop fray with a mixtape titled The Re-Up (due Dec. 5 on Em’s Shady imprint). The disc is intended to spotlight the label’s new artists, with most of the tracks produced by Marshall Mathers III.

—Beastie Boys get charitable with an Oct. 4 concert to benefit Gimme Shelter, an organization that strives to cease the euthanasia of healthy animals.

—LL Cool J is producing and starring in a TV police drama called The Man. If it keeps him away from the mic, I’m all for it.

—Lightning-tongued British MC Lady Sovereign covers the Sex Pistols’ “Pretty Vacant” on an upcoming episode of The O.C. Is nothing sacred? Thankfully, the answer is yes.

—Afghan Whigs reunite (if only briefly); Hannah Levin rejoices. The former Sub Pop rockers are cutting new songs for a compilation due next spring on Rhino Records, titled Unbreakable.

—Speaking of Rhino, the label is releasing Rockin’ Bones: ’50s Punk and Rockabilly, a boxed set that commemorates rockabilly’s mavericks. Artists featured include Hasil Adkins, Charlie Feathers, Ronnie Dawson, Wanda Jackson, and obscure figures such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly.

—Finally, Megan Seling suggests that you board Boat tonight and get nautical with Maritime.

Maritime, Speaker Speaker, Boat (MUSIC) You’ll go to this show because the very loveable Boat and Speaker Speaker are playing, and because Boat’s new record, Songs That You Might Not Like, is a wonderful symphony of quirky sounds and goofy lyrics that make you feel like you’re walking through clouds made of cotton candy. And once at the show, you’ll stay because Maritime’s lovely and poignant indie pop makes you want to dance and smile more than you’ll want to stare at your shoes with watery eyes. (The Paradox, 1401 NW Leary Way, www.theparadox.org. 7:30 pm, $8, all ages.) MEGAN SELING