2 Chainz was arrested at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport early Tuesday (May 22) after officials found what they thought was a pair of “brass knuckles” in his carry-on luggage.

The Atlanta rapper (real name: Tauheed Epps), who also goes by the name “Tity Boi,” was taken into custody for misdemeanor possession of a weapon in the 4th degree, and spent at least 8 hours behind bars at the Queens County Central booking where he was formally charged.

Chainz, however, says that airport security was mistaken, and what they thought was a pair of brass knuckles was actually a harmless four-finger ring.

The ring says “DOPE” in big letters — and sources tell TMZ, 2 Chainz rocked it no problem at an Atlanta club called the Velvet Room on Sunday.

According to sources close to the rapper, Chainz then flew to NYC without incident — with the ring in his luggage — but when he tried to leave the city today, TSA at LaGuardia Airport mistook the jewelry for a dangerous weapon.

In a phone interview with MTV News, the “Riot” rapper called the arrest incident an assassination of his “character” and his “swag.”

“They tried to assassinate my character, they tried to assassinate my swag … It was just a negative dilemma earlier where someone misconstrued a piece of jewelry for a weapon and stuff.”

He then went on to explain the significance of his confiscated piece of jewelry:

“I do exclusive pieces. My pieces are actual conversation pieces, like literally. When you see my gold, it’s something to conversate about … People weren’t doing four-finger rings and all that. I like to set myself apart … I definitely wasn’t trying to beat nobody up on the plane or nothing.”

2 Chainz says he was on his way to perform at a concert in North Carolina, and he eventually pleaded to a lesser, unspecified charge, but never got his jewelry back.

“Yeah, they took it from me, they took the Louis [Vuitton] case that I actually keep the jewelry in, they took that. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “Me just trying to explain it was getting too frustrating, me just trying to explain my occupation and then when they finally got to the jail and everybody knew who I was, then they started calling their kids and putting me on the phone with their kids. It was like a weird experience.”

Despite the obviously frustrating situation, 2 Chainz chooses to remain positive, as he is set to release his solo debut “Based on a T.R.U. Story” on August 14th, he’s on tour with Drake, and he’s currently involved with “Respect My Vote,” an initiative that encourages young people to get involved in the voting process.

Of his arrest, 2 Chainz said, “I don’t find that intriguing. You’re supposed to make your mistakes during adolescence and use these times right here to kinda fix some of the things you did in the past, so with me I’m doing Respect My Vote, I’m doing all kind of things to try to have some positive news.”

After years and years of construction, One World Trade Center officially surpassed the 1,250-foot Empire State Building Monday (Apr 30) as the tallest structure in New York City.

The $3.9 billion construction project began six years ago, and it stands on the site of the original World Trade Centers — aka the “Twin Towers” — that were the tallest buildings in the city (and among the tallest worldwide) before they were destroyed in the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks.

When construction on OWTC is complete, the final height of the building will be 1,368 feet, with the antenna spire pushing the structure to a towering height of 1,776 feet, making it over 400 feet taller than the twin towers it has replaced.

According to the New York Daily News, once completed, the Ground Zero skyscraper — nicknamed the “Freedom Tower” — will also boast 104 floors, including 71 floors with 3 million square feet of office space.

This is what the completed One World Trade Center will look like in 2013/2014.

The 1,776 foot height will also make the tower the third-tallest building in the world, and the largest building in the United States, surpassing Chicago’s 1,451-foot Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).

The Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, which stands at a height of nearly 3,000 feet, is currently the world’s tallest building.

Even though construction will not be complete on One World Trade Center until late 2013 or early 2014, the Port Authority says over half of the office space has been filled.

“It’s wonderful,” Mayor Bloomberg said Sunday. “It’s taken a long time. This is probably the most complex construction site in any place ever. I think what we’ve shown is that democracy works.”

Even though only four more floors are left to be built, Mayor Bloomberg says the finishing touches will take years, due to workers making sure the building is being safely constructed.

“Incidentally, once this building tops out, there’s still a lot of work before people can move in, a couple of years,” Bloomberg said. “The most important thing is that they get the building up safely. We don’t need any more lives lost. So far, their safety record has been exemplary.”

Rita Ora was sizzling hot as she modeled various sexy one-piece swimsuits earlier this month during a photoshoot in Brooklyn, New York.

The 21-year-old blonde bombshell, who originally hails from the UK, appeared to be channeling her Roc Nation labelmate Rihanna as she rocked three different swimsuits.

Ora is being groomed as the next big thing by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and over the past two years, she has been busy recording her first studio album with big names like Will.i.am, Drake, The-Dream, Kanye West, Ester Dean and others.

She has already released two music video from the project, one for the U.K. (“R.I.P.” feat. British rapper Tinie Tempah), and the other for the U.S. (“How We Do (Party)”)

The rising Pop star said of her debut album, “It definitely has pop in it, but you can hear influences of jazz in there, you can hear influences of Monica and Aaliyah, and then you can hear Gwen Stefani.”

More pics of Rita Ora on location for a photoshoot in Brooklyn are below:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West stepped out together in New York City on Saturday afternoon (Apr 21) for the first time as an “official” couple.

Kim and Kanye were spotted sharing laughs, while Kim was eating an ice cream cone as the pair took a stroll through the Soho area of New York City.

Even though they have yet to verbally declare their status as a couple, their actions are speaking way louder than their words are.

The night before, Kim met Kanye for a late night dinner.

A source told Hollywoodlife.com, “Around 1:40 a.m., they headed out for a romantic date at Mercer Kitchen. They stayed until around 3 a.m.”

The insider added that Kim stayed at Kanye’s place after their dinner date. “They looked very happy to see each other and in love. They both headed back to Kanye’s apartment for the night.”

More pics of Kim and Kanye out and about in NYC are below:

Do you think Kim and Kanye are really “in love” … or is this all just a big publicity stunt?

Beyonce and Baby Blue Ivy were spotted outside of Solange‘s apartment in Brooklyn, New York City Tuesday afternoon (Apr 17).

Little three-month-old Blue was strapped to her mother’s chest in a baby carrier, and her head and face were covered up with a tribal print scarf while her tiny little legs dangled beneath her.

Solange was also spotted outside her apartment, looking relaxed and laid back, wearing gray shorts, a loose fitting sweatshirt and a pair of Adidas winged high-top sneakers.

Beyonce apparently left Baby Blue with Auntie Solange for the day, because later that very same night, Solange’s son Julez was spotted sitting courtside with Aunt Beyonce and Uncle Jay-Z at the Nets vs. Heat basketball game; and Beyonce and Blue Ivy were spotted leaving Solange’s place later in the evening.

PHOTOS: Beyonce and Jay-Z Take Nephew Julez to New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat Basketball Game

Check out the pics below:

Beyonce was all smiles Monday afternoon (Apr 16) when she was spotted taking her three-month-old daughter Blue Ivy out for a quick stroll through New York City’s Central Park.

The singer smiled and waved at onlookers as she and her covered newborn, strapped to her chest in a baby harness (something we’re very used ot seeing now), wandered around the park.

Check out one more shot of the mommy-daughter duo below:

Beyonce and Jay-Z left Baby Blue Ivy at home with a sitter so that they could enjoy some quality time together Sunday afternoon (Apr 15) at the New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat game at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The superstar couple — who just celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on April 4th — looked as in love as ever, and even color coordinated their outfits, with Beyonce’s Christian Louboutin heels matching Jay-Z’s mango Nike LeBron 9s, and Jay-Z’s animal print ring (pictured below) matching Beyonce’s pants.

In some of the photos, Beyonce can be seen playfully tickling her hubby’s chin and gently caressing his face. And one particular photo shows the pair throwing back a beer as they watched the Heat defeat the home team, 93 to 85.

More photos of the happy couple at the Knicks vs. Heat game are below!

Nicki Minaj shut down New York City’s Times Square Friday night (Apr 6) when she hit the stage and performed in front of 30,000+ screaming fans to celebrate the launch of the all-new Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone.

Nicki — who just released her sophomore album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” — rocked the illuminated Rubik’s Cube inspired stage while dressed up in a blonde wig, black lace bodysuit and tiger-striped leggings as she performed a short, 15-minute set that included just three songs: “Super Bass,” “Right By My Side” and her latest single “Starships.”

Footage from this “secret” concert hosted by Nokia wil be used in an exclusive remix to Nicki Minaj’s “Starships” music video.

Check out some pictures and the “Starships” remix video below:

Beyonce went out furniture shopping in New York City, and brought her newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter and mom Tina Knowles along for the trip.

The 30-year-old mom was dressed down in all-black and a pair of cartoon pants as she held a heavily bundled Baby Blue close to her chest (as usual) while the pair made their way into and out of the DDC furniture store in Manhattan.

More pics of Beyonce and Baby Blue Ivy shopping for furniture are below:

Beyonce brightened up the streets of the Big Apple as she spotted wearing a colorful outfit while out and about in New York City Thursday (Mar 29) afternoon.

Accompanied by her mom Tina Knowles, the singer reportedly purchased a brand new white, vintage-style iron bassinet for Blue Ivy Carter, her 12-week old daughter with her husband Jay-Z.

Decked out in a pink neon shirt and a multi-colored patterned skirt, Beyonce had workers bring the old-fashioned crib into the superstar’s Manhattan offices.

PHOTOS: Beyonce Steps Out in NYC with Blue Ivy in Furry Baby Sling

Baby Blue wasn’t with her mother and grandmother on this outing, but the trio have been spotted out in New York City several times over the past week, including Wednesday night (Mar 28) when Beyonce was seen cradling the newborn in her arms while they all were exiting an NYC doctor’s office.

Check out the pics below:

Beyonce was spotted on her way to an office building in Midtown, New York City Tuesday (Mar 25) with her two-month old daughter Blue Ivy bundled up in a fur baby sling, which matched Beyonce’s gray skinny jeans and sweater.

With mama/grandma Tina Knowles not too far behind, Beyonce, who accented her outfit with a pair of bright yellow pumps, was all smiles as she kept her and Jay-Z‘s newborn daughter away from the view of the cameras.

Check out the pics below:

Ciara was spotted hanging out with a friend at the New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors basketball game Tuesday night (Mar 20) at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The R&B/Pop singer, showing off her new blonde highlights and wearing a pair of Giuseppe Hidden Wedge Sneakers (according to Necole Bitchie), was all smiles and looked to be enjoying herself as she and her friend, who was wearing a pair of red-bottom Christian Louboutin platform heels, watched the Knicks defeat the Raptors 106 to 87.

Check out more pics below:

Beyonce just gave birth to her first child a little over two months ago, but you wouldn’t know it just by looking at her.

The singer showed off her flawless post-baby figure in a body-hugging blue dress designed by Victoria Beckham Monday night (Mar 19) as she and her husband Jay-Z, along with her mother Tina Knowles, attended a fundraiser event in New York City hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The mom looked absolutely elegant, wearing head-to-toe blue with bright blue nail polish and blue heels, in an obvious nod to her newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

Beyonce just announced this week that she is set to return to the stage for a special three-night engagement at Atlantic City’s all-new $2.6 billion Revel Resort.

She’ll perform three shows Memorial Day weekend on May 25th, 26th and 27th. Tickets go on sale on April 6th at 10 a.m. and we suspect they will sell out within hours (or maybe even sooner).

In related news, it’s being reported that Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z recently approached Live Nation with a deal worth $150 million for Beyonce to go on a world tour later this year.

“Just weeks after the birth of Blue Ivy, Jay met with Live Nation to discuss a tour for Beyonce,”" a source told the New York Post. “He wanted a deal worth about $150 million, but they countered with a lower offer.”

Sounds (and looks) like Beyonce is officially back!

Your thoughts?

Willow Smith and her green hair were spotted out and about in New York City last Thursday (Mar 15).

Rocking a black jacket, black t-shirt, skinny jeans and a pair of $700 Adidas Y-3 Oriah ankle boots, the 11-year-old singer was all smiles as she went shopping in the SoHo area of the city, spending all of that money she’s made off her singles “Whip My Hair,” “21st Century Girl” and “Fireball” (feat. Nicki Minaj).

Willow’s debut album “Knees and Elbows” is set for an April 3rd 2012 release.

Check out more photos of Willow Smith out and about in NYC below:

Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter were spotted out and about in New York City Tuesday (Mar 13) looking like a cute mommy-daughter duo in matching outfits.

Taking their second “mommy and me” stroll together in the city, Beyonce, wearing a pair of Charlotte Olympia ‘Cat-Face’ leopard flats, held two-month-old B.I.C. close to her chest in a Bjorn baby carrier, as baby Blue showed off her tiny gold Marc Jacobs slippers. (Aww!)

PHOTOS: Beyonce, Baby Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles Take a Stroll in New York City

Earlier this week, Beyonce and Blue Ivy were spotted taking a walk with grandma Tina Knowles (Beyonce’s mother), while dad Jay-Z was down in Austin, TX performing at the 2012 SXSW festival, where he performed a number of songs, including “Glory,” which was written in honor of his newborn daughter.

WATCH: Jay-Z Kicks Off 2012 SXSW Festival with AMEX “Sync Show”

Check out more photos of Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter out and about in New York City below:

Fresh off a recent performance in New Orleans, Rihanna was all smiles as she arrived in New York City via LaGuardia Airport Sunday morning (Mar 11).

Wearing a new blonde hairstyle with dark shades, and dressed down in a simple all black outfit, the 24-year-old Pop star kept a huge grin on her face as she walked through the airport terminals, signing autographs for fans along the way.

Rihanna performed in New Orleans, Louisiana last night at Brad Pitt’s “A Night to Make It Right” benefit concert. She’s been tweeting all day about how NYC is her favorite city.

“On my way to my fav city!” she tweeted this morning. She followed up a little later, tweeting, “Concrete, cabs, fly bitches, Caribbean food” … “Soooo damn pretty here today! #LilMissSunshine”

More photos of Rihanna arriving in NYC below:

Actor/singer (and sometimes rapper) Tyrese celebrated his 30th birthday was a private party in Los Angeles’ Boulevard 3 last week. Folks like Akon, New York, Tank, Heavy D and more all showed up to party. Continue reading for more flicks!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

We here at Gossip On This already know who’s not on former “American Idol” hopeful Jennifer Hudson’s and former “I Love New York” contestant David “Punk” Otunga’s invite list for their wedding. New York herself has taken it upon herself to publicly downplay Jennifer & Punk’s engagement and overall relationship, making references to Al & Star and Steadman & Oprah:

“He’s really loving being Mr. Jennifer Hudson. I think he’s loving the lavish things she brings to his life, he’s seeing the world due to Jennifer’s success,” Tiffany retorted earlier this week. “[But] can you love this person if they lose all of this tomorrow? She needs to find out. I just hope people are marrying each other for the right reasons.”

“It’s a mixed match, it won’t work,” she says. “He’ll be in her shadow like Al Reynolds was to Star Jones, like Stedman Graham is to Oprah.”

I’m not sure but I sense a little bitterness in there. Not a lot, but just a pinch though lol. What about you?

Vivica A. Fox is not letting it go down like that! The actress talked to PEOPLE Saturday night at the BET Honors and said: “Vivica [1] does not have a sex tape. If I did, I would be making my own money off of it.” Reports of the alleged tape, which shows a woman who resembles Fox, made its rounds across the internet over the past month, but Fox says, “As a 43-year-old woman, I would never allow a man to put me in that position. If you see me having a love scene, it’s going to be choreographed in a movie, and be fabulous.”

[1] I’m mad she referred to herself in the third person!

A rep for New York also spoke with PEOPLE recently about her alleged sex tape as well. The reality tv star’s rep said in a statement: “Tiffany Pollard 100% did not participate in any sex tape of any kind.” Tiffany is apparently upset that the grainy tape is making its rounds across the internet, says a source close to the “I Love New York” front-woman. “If she had a sex tape, she would admit to it,” says the source. “That’s her personality. She has nothing to hide. For someone to make a sex tape and say it’s her — when it’s not — is just not right.”

THIS WEEK’S TOPICS » Tiffany “New York” Pollard caught in a sex tape scandal! – Vivica A. Fox denies her Sex Tape – Kim Kardashian’s ass is major & more!

The gap between celebrity and porn star is slowly merging. Word on the sidewalk is that New York aka Tiffany Pollard aka Tiffany Patterson aka Kenya Simmons (the stripper) now has a sextape. Peep the video I received in my inbox this morning above. I think it’s her. I tried to look at the left titty to see if I saw a tattoo of “Princess,” but like all of the other celebrity sex tapes (minus the Ray J/Kim Kardashian one), it’s blurry as hell asnd hard to see. But never-the-less, the weave and big hooh-hahs make it look like New York even more. Click here to download the NSFW video and draw your own conlcusions.

Regardless, I’m tired of hearing about this broad. Did anybody catch her whack ass in First Sunday?

REGGIE BUSH AND KIM KARDASHIAN CELEBRATE AT MANSION

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush threw a party at the Mansion in Miami. Word on the sidewalk is that they’re engaged to be married, or something like that. But, of course … she’s denying it. Just like she denied that they were dating in the first place. And we all know how that turned out. Reggie Bush is one lucky SOB!

Soon-to-be married couple New York and Tailor Made partied it up with Reggi and Kim too. Is it just me, or does she look like Shay (Buckey) from FOL 2/Charm School in this pic?

NICK CANNON HOSTS A PARTY AT THE PRIVE

Nick Cannon hosted his own party at the Prive in Miami. With that haircut, doesn’t he remind you of his character in “Love Don’t Cost A Thing?” Lol.

MARIAH CAREY HOSTS A PARTY AT TAO IN VEGAS

Mariah Carey brought in the new year with Da Brat, Mario, Vanessa Simmons, Kelis, and Nas at Tao Nightclub in Las Vegas. I wonder how many people it took to shove Mariah in that tight ass dress. I ain’t hatin’ though, the body is bangin!

THE DELANO HOSTS A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION IN MIAMI

Cee-Lo Green, Christina Milian, Dre (of Cool & Dre), and Jazze Pha partied it up New Years Eve at the Florida Room at the Delano in Miami.

Jay-Z performed live in concert at The Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas Saturday night. Peep more events from over the weekend after the jump!

Essence Atkins, Kelly Lee, Gabrielle Union, and AJ Calloway all hit up The Florida Room in Miami for a Pre New Years Party.

New York, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Tailor Made partied it up at Social Miami Saturday night.

Tiffany Patterson, Pollard, whatever the hell she’s calling herself nowadays, is officially engaged to I Love New York 2 winner Tailor Made, PEOPLE reports. George Weisgerber, a 32-year-old retail planner from Queens, New York, proposed to New York on the show’s finale, but she politely turned him down, saying she wanted to wait 24 months before making any decisions about marriage. “I respected that,” Tailor Made told PEOPLE. “I cherish her. She’s what I need.”

On season 2’s reunion show that airs Jan. 6, he proposes to her again and, this time, “she says yes,” a source told PEOPLE exclusively. “They are madly in love. They are a great couple.” Weisgerber, who was separated while taping the show and is currently finalizing his divorce, admits he “always had a crush” on Pollard, and thought it fate when casting for season two began. “She needs a guy who will treat her right and respects her and values her for who she is, he told PEOPLE recently. “Our personalities complete each other. I cherish her and want to cater to her every need. But I’m not a doormat. We have a good balance.”

Well if this is all true, then maybe the loud-mouthed reality star really has found love. So I suppose they’ll be no more “I Love New Yorks” … but that doesn’t close the door for any more reality shows featuring the two!

Check out these flicks of all of the celebrities who attended the big “This Christmas” movie premiere in Hollywood a few days ago. Chris Brown, Sharon Leal, Lauren London, and more stars from the movie, including other celebrities, were in attendance. Make sure you hit up the movie theaters on next Wednesday, November 21st! Peep the rest of the flicks after the cut.

Here’s some more photos of the “over-the-weekend” festivities from this year’s VH1 Hip-Hop Honors. These are photos from the celebrity basketball tournament. I would love to see a video of this! Mathew Knowles? Playing bball? … Peep the rest after the cut.

I’m sorry but I just recently caught the I Love New York show, and to my surprise, Tango wins!? I thought she would have picked Chance since they clicked so well and I liked him better. With Tango, they had nothing in common, she made fun of his mother and all that shit– and he proposed to her, weren’t they in the house for like three weeks? That’s a pretty BIG step if you ask me… But anyway, I dont think she meant to say yes, she probably felt compelled to say it because the cameras were there. I am sure by the reunion she will be back single again, sorry but you know and I know, New York wasn’t all that excited about his proposal… Anyway, I wish both of them well… who knows! She may actually go through with this and it’ll be time for another Strange Love. But anyway if you missed it you can read up on the synopsis HERE

Surprisingly Tiffany aka New York looks pretty decent in these flicks! They were probably touched up a bit, but whatever. I’m still mad at her for getting that horrible boob job .. her tits were fine just the way they were, and now .. they’re just a bit too much! She should’ve used that money to fix her mama’s fucked up hairline! And is it just me, or does New York keep finding new ways to recharge her prepaid 15 minutes of fame card?? Check out the photos below…