Imogen Heap: New Album, New Baby, and Boundless Creativity

Imogen Heap has spent the last three years working on her new "Sparks" album, with the release date (August 19th) fast approaching.  For those who don't know, Imogen (or "Immi" for short) is an independent electro-alternative artist.  She is most widely known for her Grammy-nominated "Hide and Seek".  Heap's music boasts unique vocals, airy filter sweeps, and a generous helping of ingenuity.

For the past few months, Immi has been keeping her beloved "Heapsters" up-to-date through her Sparks vBlogs.  These have offered fans a genuine glimpse into the creative process gearing up for the release of the album.  Heap talks about her exciting new gestural glove controllers, which will be a crucial part of future performances.  She even makes it personal, cleverly revealing her pregnancy!

Heap works hard to keep her fans invested and in-tune with her music.  From last year's release of "Telemiscommunications" featuring deadmau5 to heap's hosting of a tea party/listening for box-set purchasers, Immi keeps her fans satisfied and in the know.  In as many ways as one can imagine, Imogen Heap is on a role.  Look to Roman's Rap-Up for future updates and tour dates.

Nicki Minaj in the Studio with Pharrell

Credit: Instagram

Nicki Minaj posted this photo of herself with Pharrell in the studio late this week.

Sounds like there is new music from Nicki in store! Based off of the popularity of other Pharrell produced songs, ("Blurred Lines" ring any bells?) whatever they are making is going to be a hit.

Perhaps Pharrell is helping Nicki with her upcoming album, "Pink Friday: The Pink Print"? Guess we will have to wait to find out!

The Rap-Up: Recap Edition

After a surprise, unannounced vacation, we’re back! Here is a recap of what you may have missed. Ariana Grande’s “Yours Truly” Album Up for Preorder

The “Baby I” singer took to her Twitter and Facebook accounts last week to announce that her debut album, “Yours Truly” is available for preorder on iTunes! To top it all off, Grande released another track from the album, “Right There” featuring Detroit rapper Big Sean. Listen below!

Preorder “Yours Truly” right here. Available September 3rd.

“Get Like Me” Visuals Released

Rapper Nelly released the music video for his song “Get Like Me” featuring Pharrell and Nicki Minaj. Check it out below. WARNING: This song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

New Music From Katy Perry

Last week Vevo posted a 30 second sneak-peak for a new song called “Roar”. The track was supposed to be released across United States radio stations Monday morning, but was leaked early this past weekend. So, Katy Perry gave in and officially released the song early. 

It was also announced that Katy Perry will perform the new single for the first time at the 2013 MTV VMAs on August 25th.

“Hold On, We’re Going Home”

Thats the title of a new song from YMCMB rapper Drake. It features Majid Jordan, and shows off Drizzy’s vocals more than ever before.  What do you like better: rapper or singer Drake?

Drake’s new album “Nothing Was The Same” is slated for a September 17th release.

Lady Gaga Gives Up and Releases New Single Early

For the past few days, Lady Gaga has been posting pictures on her Twitter and Facebook accounts, counting down the time until her first single from “Artpop”, “Applause” was supposed to be released. But, this past weekend, “music pirates” took matters into their own hands, getting ahold of low quality snippets of the track “Applause”.  So, Lady Gaga decided to release the song early.

Yesterday morning, Gaga had this message for her fans:

“A POP MUSIC EMERGENCY IS UNDERWAY 911 - 911 SUMMON THE MONSTER TROUPES

DUE TO HACKERS AN ABUNDANCE OF LOW/HIGH QUALITY LEAKS...WE ISSUE THIS POP MUSIC EMERGENCY...MONSTERS SPREAD THE WORD

MY NEW SINGLE 'APPLAUSE' IS OUT TODAY AND CAN BE HEARD ON UNITED STATES RADIO IN 5 MINUTES. INTERNATIONAL RADIO TO FOLLOW.

POP MUSIC EMERGENCY #‎0DAYSTillAPPLAUSE MY NEW SINGLE COMES OUT TODAY. 911 SPREAD THIS MESSAGE”

Along with the new single, Lady Gaga’s album “Artpop” is available for preorder on iTunes and is scheduled to be released on November 11th (11/11).

Credit: Facebook

Gaga is set to perform her new song at the 2013 MTV VMAS on August 25th. This will be her first public performance since her hip surgery back in February.

The Rap-Up: Week of July 14th

Here’s a Rap-Up of whats new and popular this week.

Myx Fusions Moscato Drink From Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj has partnered with Myx Fusions Moscato to release her own alcoholic drink. This is just one more thing for Nicki to add to her list. Now the Young Money rapper has her own fragrance, a clothing line (coming this fall at K-Mart), and now a fruity drink (Not to mention all of her platinum selling records).

"Minaj is between meetings in New York City, talking about a new venture that puts her in a head-to-head competition with hip-hop’s biggest stars, Jay-Z and Diddy among them. She’s entered the wine business with Myx Fusions Moscato and a line of sweet and fruity Moscato wine in single-serving blue bottles.

“If I’m sippin’ in the club, Myx Moscato,” she raps on Ciara’s “I’m Out,” and her “High School” video with mentor Lil Wayne and her “Up in Flames” video feature bottles of Myx.

Spokesperson? Not quite. She’s a co-owner. Aiming to tap into the rapidly expanding Moscato market, estimated to be growing at 25% annually, Minaj partnered with Mona Scott-Young, Myx Fusions Moscato CMO, and Peter Reaske, Myx Fusions Moscato CEO."

Read the full story on Forbes.

Justin Timberlake Releases New Single and Details About New Album

Last Friday, Justin Timberlake debuted a brand new single "Take Back the Night", straight off volume 2 of his album, "The 20/20 Experience: Part 2 of 2". From the second we heard the single, we could instantly tell it was good ole' JT. But, no complaining there. I'm just happy that he came back to music.

You can preorder Timberlake's new album on iTunes, and get the new single instantly. "The 20/20 Experience: Part 2 of 2" will be available on September 30th. Details here.

Lady Gaga is Back

Finally the return of Lady Gaga! Mother Monster has been mostly quiet for the past few months after cancelling the rest of her US Born this Way Ball Tour after needing hip surgery. She took to her social network accounts to announce the release dates for her new single and album, "Artpop". More info on that can be found here.

Carly Rae Jepsen: The Pro Baseball Player

Not. The "Call Me Maybe" singer threw the first pitch at the Rays/Astros game in Tampa on Sunday, and things went, well, quickly downhill. It just when horribly. But even greater is the look on Jepsen's face after. Take a look for yourself below.

Perhaps it's a good thing Jepsen plans on sticking to singing and isn't looking to change to become the next MLB All-Star.

Selena Gomez Stars Dance Album Preorder

It's about time Disney star Selena Gomez decided to grow up a bit, and we at Roman's Rap-Up could not be happier with her new sound. Right now, you can stream the entire album for free on iTunes, along with preordering it. Stay tuned for a full review on Selena's latest endeavor soon.

Preorder and streaming details can be found at this link.

Ciara's Body Party

Ci has a song on her new album called "Body Party", and we REALLY like it. Peep the music video below:

Ciara

Are you a Ciara fan? Well if the answer is yes, you are in luck! Her new self-titled album, "Ciara", drops on July 9th, but you can check out a full stream of the album either on iTunes, or in the Youtube video below. Just from a quick listen, I can already say my favorite song is "I'm Out" with Nicki Minaj. What is yours? Let us know in the comments.

Enjoy!