Def Jam Rapstar, the hotly-anticipated interactive Hip Hop video game, is proud to announce a groundbreaking association with Atlantic Records UK.
The label, which has released world-renowned music from stars such as Flo-Rida, Jay-Z, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B, Missy Elliott, Plan B and many more, will offer a record deal to the winner of Def Jam Rapstar’s nationwide search for Britain’s best new Rapper - The first time new music talent has ever been signed from a video game. Def Jam Rapstar is available now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii.
The search for a British Rapstar will launch January 1st 2011. Players will be invited to upload their performances to www.defjamrapstar.com using the games innovative freestyle mode, with this stage of the contest lasting one month (terms & conditions apply). The top UK rappers, as voted for by the community on www.defjamrapstar.com, will then be invited to battle it out live on Def Jam Rapstar’s freestyle mode at regional qualifiers, held at select HMV stores across the country during February 2011 and judged by the audience in attendance, ‘8 Mile style’.
The final ten hottest lyricists will then go bar for bar at a central London finale and judged by a panel of Hip Hop / Music aficionados (details to be announced). The winner will be crowned the Rapstar champ and signed by Atlantic Records who will then go on to release the Rapstar's first single commercially.
HMV gamerbases and stores nationwide will be setting up Def Jam Rapstar freestyle stations from January 1st 2011 where aspiring rappers can hone their skills before entering the competition.
The ultimate emcee experience, Def Jam Rapstar is the only music game that focuses exclusively on Hip Hop, you and your social networks. With more than 40 of the greatest Hip Hop songs available at release, including Flo Rida’s “Low”, Kanye West’s “Gold Digger”, “Pass Out” by Tinie Tempah, Run DMC’s classic “Run’s House” and Dizzee Rascal’s “Fix Up, Look Sharp”, Def Jam Rapstar allows YOU to be the star by rhyming, using your console camera, and uploading your video to the fully integrated Def Jam Rapstar community at www.defjamrapstar.com.
"We created Def Jam Rapstar with every intention of providing hip hop fans the ultimate gaming and social media experience. Rapstar's social community at www.defjamrapstar.com not only gives players the chance to perform their favourite hip hop songs and show off their emcee skills, but it also builds a platform for us to discover new talent. Artists, producers, promoters etc... All can join in on the fun." says Kevin Liles, President and CEO, Def Jam Interactive. "Atlantic UK and HMV are the perfect partners to venture into this project and together we will find the next Rapstar."
“Digital technology not only helps artists reach their audiences all over the world, it also provides us with new ways of discovering talent. Rapstar brings those two ideas together in an exciting, cutting edge music experience. Fans will get the chance to explore new music, emulate their heroes and even have a shot at stardom themselves.” said Max Lousada, Chairman, Atlantic Records UK.
"HMV is delighted to be supporting such a groundbreaking idea,that brings together music, games and visual content in a more engaging way than ever before. It also takes interactivity to a whole new and exciting level, whilst also reflecting our own moves as an entertainment brand towards gaming and technology." Simon Fox, HMV CEO.
"Fresh after our initiative with the National Literacy Trust to find UK secondary schools best ‘Rhyme Master’, this is the natural extension to take the search for talent to the next level. We always believed that Rapstar would push the relationship between video games and music like never before, providing a platform that allows undiscovered talent a real opportunity to share their skills and become the next superstar.” said Nick Perrett, CEO of 4mm Games. “With Def Jam Rapstar, the world is literally your stage, and we are pleased to be working with Atlantic Records and HMV who share our passion for music and originality."
Developed by 4mm Games, Terminal Reality and Def Jam Interactive, and co-published by Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. and Autumn Games, Def Jam Rapstar will offer a software only version of the game that will retail for £49.99 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and £39.99 on Wii, as well as a bundled version that will include software and one wired microphone for £54.99 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and for £49.99 on Wii.
