Motown slapped a cease and desist order...

Motown slapped a cease and desist order on radio stations in five cities after they played a “leaked” copy of R&B; heartthrob Johnny Gill’s new single, “The Floor.” The song is not due for official release until April 20. The single comes from Gill’s upcoming album, which features production by the teams of L.A. Reid & Babyface and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. . . .

Rick Rubin, fresh from his work on Mick Jagger’s “Wandering Spirit” album, will serve as executive producer for the debut from Deconstruction, the new band formed by ex-Jane’s Addiction guitarist David Navarro and bassist Eric Avery. The group, which also includes drummer Michael Murphy, has signed with Rubin’s Def American label. . . .

De La Soul, one of the groups at the forefront of the alternative rap movement, is recording an album, called “Balloon Mind State,” scheduled for late spring. The group had been laying low since the release of its 1991 album “De La Soul Is Dead.” . . . Another groundbreaking rap act that’s been quiet of late, Oakland’s Digital Underground, is also readying a new album, though no title or release date has been announced. . . .

Dr. Dre will begin his first-ever solo tour on March 25 to push his hit album “The Chronic.” Wreckx-n-Effect and Jade will also be on the tour. . . . Color Me Badd just went into the studio to work on the follow-up to its hit debut album. . . .

Dweezil Zappa has teamed with his brother Ahmet in a new band called simply Z. Their debut album will be released in April by dad Frank’s Barking Pumpkin company. . . .

David + David may be reuniting. Former partners David Ricketts and David Baerwald--who made only one album together, 1988’s “Boomtown”--are writing together again, with an eye on recording another album. . . . Lulu--that’s right, the “To Sir With Love” singer--is back. She has a dance-oriented album, “Independence,” due in May. . . . Scotti Brothers Records is releasing “Straight Outta Ireland,” a compilation of Irish rock bands. Among those included are the now-L.A.-based Young Dubliners, London-based Fatima Mansions and two U2 discoveries, the Golden Horde and the Spirit Merchants.