Hankerson – president of the late R&B singer’s label, Blackground Records – adds that the family found out about the biopic the same way as everybody else - through the press. And they disapprove of Aaliyah’s music being re-recorded for the movie. Apparently, Zendaya's vocals will be used instead.
If he could have picked anyone to play his beloved cousin, it would have been Zoe Saldana. More interestingly is his claim that Aaliyah was snubbed by the music industry when the alleged marriage hit headlines. He says she became "villainized" resulting in the tougher transition to the second album. She was blackballed so heavily it was hard for them to get producers. That is how much R. Kelly was respected. This part actually has me fascinated (the aftermath, and how it affected her). It's definitely something I would like to see explored in the film in further detail.
[Listen to the full interview]