Seems like Iggy Azalea has gotten to be pretty good friends with T.I. in recent months. Not only did the two rappers party in Brazil recently, but they've also teamed up for a new single, "No Mediocre".
Press play below to hear the new joint, and be sure to cop it on iTunes now.
Rappers Drake and Lil Wayne announced earlier today that they are hitting the road this summer for the "Drake Vs. Lil Wayne" tour. The Young Money heavyweights will travel to 31 cities across the U.S, including stops in Boston, Los Angeles, New York and more. For full tour info, and to buy tickets (onsale June 20th), head over to Ticketmaster.
Credit: Tnah Louise
At the young age 19, Roméo Testa has already done what many in the music industry could only dream of. His debut EP "The End" was released last October and re-released on Columbia Records on May 5th, not to mention his song "Light It UP" was used by 7Up in their summer commercial campaign.
Get to know Roméo Testa in our exclusive Q&A with him below:
Q) Your debut EP "The End" just came out last month. What was your process for writing and recording the music off of it?
A) I had close to 3 years to write this EP. I went to London twice and probably did around 100 sessions. I'd go in with producers and writers every week just searching for the right songs. I was really involved in all aspects of writing and production, but what was most important to me was the story that the songs were telling. I got signed to Columbia with my song "The End" when I was 15, and I wanted the EP to reflect on the journey up until this year. I wrote about my relationships, my big brother I lost when I was 9, and about leaving home when I turned 18. So my process was just trying to tell the story of my life.
Q) Where/who do you draw inspiration from for your music?
A) Anything and everything. Love, death, home, everything.
Q) What's your favorite part of being in the entertainment industry? Is there anything you would change?
A) My favorite part of being in entertainment is probably the reach and ability to reach people from every corner of the earth via social media. This same great benefit is also its greatest downfall. Back in the day in the days of Zeppelin or even earlier in the days of Muddy Waters, there was an absence of this magnifying glass that is held over people in entertainment. There were unseen moments in artists' lives that they could still keep close to them. Now it’s all cards on the table, and if you're not the one to show them, then 100 other people will find away to.
Q) What's it like for you, as a newer artist, to already have one of your songs ("Light It Up") in a national broadcast campaign for 7Up?
A) It's incredible man, I have been doing this for a while now and have been very fortunate to receive several opportunities that a lot of newer artists don't often get - but this one takes the cake. I remember I had just gotten off my 9 to 5 when the label called with the news. It was unreal, and a tear or two might have been involved.
Q) For people who don't know who Roméo Testa is, what is one thing you would want them to know about you?
A) This is it. I'm a musician because it's the only thing I am good at and is the only thing I could think of that I'd be doing in my life. The reason I do it is to help people cope with day to day life, because even though I haven’t been alive too long, I know what it's like to work tirelessly to pay rent, to lose someone you love, and to have your heart broken, and I want to provide a remedy for it, happy or sad.
Q) What's next? Any plans for a tour?
A) I hope so! Just waiting for the right one to come along. Until then I'll be doing smaller shows with my band and trying to build up my hometown audience in LA.
For more on Roméo Testa, visit his official Tumblr: http://lightit7up.tumblr.com.
Looks like Nicki Minaj has traded in the candy-colored wigs and big outfits in the "Pills N Potions" music video. Nicki instead opts for the simpler, more natural look.
See Nicki Minaj (with The Game) in the official music video for "Pills N Potions" below:
J.Lo performing at Jam'n 94.5's Summer Jam on May 30th, 2014. Credit: Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up
We recently had the chance to ask Jennifer Lopez questions about her upcoming album, "A.K.A" (out June 17th) and more. Check out what she said below:
Q) In your opinion, how does A.K.A compare to your previous albums? What was your inspiration for songs on the album?
A) Most of my music has been about love and this album is no different. My definition of love has changed over the past few years and this album is a reflection of that. I’ve also always played around with different sounds– everything from pop to hip hop to ballads – and that’s what I also did on this album.
Q) What's your favorite track off of the album?
A) I can’t choose! I love each of them for specific reasons. “Emotions” is one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s a beautiful love [song] that has a lot of soul and R&B undertones.
J.Lo performing at Jam'n 94.5's Summer Jam on May 30th, 2014. Credit: Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up
Q)Talking about the First Love video out May 29th, what can fans expect? Have you filmed any other videos for the album?
A) We shot First Love in the desert in the middle of a sandstorm with the model David Gandy. I can honestly say it was one of the most difficult shoots I’ve ever done. It was crazy! But worth it because I think it turned out so great and very sexy. I hope people love it.
Q) What's next after the album? Can we expect an "AKA World Tour"?
A) I’m not sure yet. Right now I’m focused on releasing the album and doing a lot of live performances for my fans to promote the new music.
Fan question: Which was the easiest song to record off of AKA? Hardest?
A) First Love was probably the easiest, because Max Martin and Savan Kotecha came up with a great concept and when they presented it, I immediately wanted to record the song. They’re a great team to work with. I don’t know if I would call it “hard” but I think I went back and forth a lot with “Booty.” I didn’t know if I would want to record a song with that title, but Diplo made a great beat and my son (Max) loved it, so it got me excited and I knew I had to record it for this album.
