Gunplay Reports to Jail on Robbery Charge

Gunplay is living up to his criminal name, turning himself into Miami authorities today on a charge related to a previous armed robbery arrest.

 The Maybach Music Group rapper’s lawyer tells TMZ,  “Gunplay voluntarily surrendered today without incident. There’s been an open arrest warrant for armed robbery with a firearm.”

Gunplay was advised to turn himself in by his attorney following the recent brawl with 50 Cent at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards, which likely drew attention from police to the active robbery warrant.

Earlier this week, he played up his recent troubles on the song “Rap Sheet,” boasting, “Your rap sheet ain’t longer than your gun. Check mine!”

Nicki Minaj and Cassie Get Playful in New Video

“Barbz, would u like to see a still from ‘the boys’ video?” Nicki Minaj asked her fans before posting the photo in which her head appears to be nestled between Cassie’s legs.

The racy pic quickly amassed over 80,000 views, sending fans into an immediate tizzy. “OH MY GOD SCREAMING!!!!!!” tweeted one Barb, while another added, “NICKI. NICKI. WUT.”

Nicki released a behind-the-scenes video earlier this month. In the footage, the Young Money queen gets outfitted in bright, neon colors as she strolls through a fictional Barbie-inspired block.

“The Boys” is the first single from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up, due November 19. In addition to the upbeat number, expect 5-6 new tracks including a collaboration with Lil Wayne.

[vimeo  50714037]

Beyonce Officially Out of A Star is Born

Last month Clint Eastwood hinted that Beyonce was no longer attached to his remake of A Star is Born.  Well Bey confirms she’s out…

Beyonce tells E!News

“I was looking forward to the production of A Star Is Born and the opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood. For months we tried to coordinate our schedules to bring this remake to life but it was just not possible. Hopefully in the future we will get a chance to work together.”

Insiders say Eastwood is interested in jazz musician Esperanza Spaulding for the role.

Monica Not Pleased with Baby Father (Rocko) Joining Cast of Love and Hip Hop

Things in R&B singer Monica’s lovely public life was going well, until her ex-fiancee Rodney “Rocko” Hill decided to join the cast of “Love & Hip Hop.”

So the scoop is, she is very much against this whole thing, especially because they have children together.  Although VH1 hasn’t confirmed or denied the casting, it appears this is a go.  He’d be on the show for his contributions as an artist in the music industry.

Supposedly, Monica is attempting to stop the madness before it gets started. She even publicly shared some thoughts about some ‘trials’ shortly after the news hit.

“Be very careful not to mistake the devil’s gifts for blessings,” she tweeted. “The devil knows how to grant u with what u want!! God grants u with what u need!! The righteous walk isn’t always easy but the end result is everlasting life. Which do u choose?”

Rocko then posted his own subliminal tweet. “WHATS FOR ME IS FOR ME!!!!! YOU CANT STOP IT!!!!! I STAY PRAYED UP!!!!!”

Rocko and Monica split in 2009 after being engaged for nearly 10 years.

Confirmed: Aaliyah Album Still Pushes Forward Despite Controversy

Well it looks like the rumored Aaliyah CD is in the works. The family still has to approve the production of the film, but in the meantime, the controversial 16-track album is still a go.

“The Aaliyah Biopic is currently on hold until the Haughton family agrees to go forward with it. Before the controversy Warner (who would fund the movie) wanted Keshia Chante to play the lead role, and Aaliyah friends play themselves. We can’t go forward until Aaliyah’s family agrees to let us,” Blackground Records CEO Barry Hankerson shared with That Grape Juice Saturday. “We’ve always been sympathetic to Aaliyah’s mourning, and we’ll always love the graceful and angelic girl she was to the Haughton family. To us, she’ll always be ‘baby girl’.”

He also mentioned the backlash from the album was expected, but the project is necessary to introduce Aaliyah to a new generation.

“We never wanted the bad press that’s come with the album. The family might of made statements about us not supporting their daughter but the fan support and peaceful intent behind it is the reason we’ve decided to go forth with it.”

The album’s production is hope to artists who have worked with the singer before, including Damon Dash.

The King and Queen Leave Barclays in Style

Jay-Z continues to make major strides in the music arena, establishing himself as the ultimate business man.  He took over the newly built Barclays Center which now hosts the Brooklyn Nets.  He sold out 8 shows, and for the last and final show he brought out his wifey Beyonce and she shut down the stage. After they performed ‘Forever Young,” the couple exited stage left with nothing but swag! Check out a few pics:

Sessilee Lopez Channels Aaliyah for New Photoshoot

Domincan/Portugese-American model Sessilee Lopez is making folks do a double take as she channels the late superstar Aaliyah in her latest photo spread.

The-Dream Named Executive Vice President of A&R at Def Jam

The-Dream is heading from the studio to the boardroom. The singer-songwriter has been named Executive Vice President of A&R at Def Jam Records.

 In his new role, the 35-year-old hitmaker will oversee the label’s current roster and seek out, discover, and sign new talent, and will work as a producer for artists on Def Jam and its affiliated labels. In addition, resources will be devoted to The-Dream’s Radio Killa Records imprint, which recently signed R&B crooner August Alsina.

“I am committed as I have been previously to bringing the power of belief in the artist back to the forefront,” said The-Dream. “I share a unique view of an artist and as well as the business of music. I, with the help of many others, have ran a successful business for the last five years in the midst of the ‘Digital Change.’ My concentration and effort will be to the artist to succeed in their dreams and goals. I’ve been a part of watching and participating in the success of many great women and men including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion to name a few. Music means more than just a download, it’s life to the culture and also the people who listen. This is a new exciting yet critical time for music—’You Meet Change with Change!’”

Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, added, “The-Dream is a gifted songwriter and producer who writes from a unique cultural point of view. This rare ability sets him apart from all other writers and producers out there.”

The-Dream is currently working with Rihanna on her upcoming seventh album and is executive producing Pusha T’s solo debut for G.O.O.D. Music. He has also been in the studio putting the finishing touches on his fourth album Love IV MMXII.

Pharrell Hits the Studio with Jay-Z and Frank Ocean

Pharrell was recently in the studio with Jay-Z and Frank Ocean working on new music. While it’s unknown exactly what they were cooking up (New Jay-Z album? Watch the Throne 2?), Pharrell offered a teaser of their collaboration.

“Can’t wait for y’all to hear what I’m working on with big bro @S_C_ and lil bro @frank_ocean,” tweeted The Neptunes hitmaker.

Frank and Jay-Z previously collaborated on Watch the Throne and Pharrell produced “Sweet Life” for the Odd Future crooner’s critically-acclaimed debut channel ORANGE.

It’s A Family Affair! Diddy’s Sons Model for New Sean John Campaign

The Sean John Fall 2012 clothing campaign is underway and in the latest ads for the prep-style lookbook, Diddy’s sons, 20-year-old Quincy and 14-year-old Christian are joined by 14-year-old Jordan Beckford, who is Tyson Beckford’s son with stylist April Roomet.