Def Jam and Atlantic Records Search for Next Rap Star

Def Jam Rapstar has announced that it is working with Atlantic Records in the United Kingdom to launch a search across the British Isles for the next big rap artist, who will use the Rapstar video game to show off his skills and will then be getting an initial record deal from Atlantic, a company which has already launched such stats as Jay-Z, T.I., Flo-Rida, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B, Missy Elliott and Plan B.

The collaboration will start on January 1 next year, with all aspiring stars invited to upload their best performances to the official site of Def Jam Rapstar, using the tools included in the game.

A panel of experts will then sift through the uploaded material and will invite a number of them to regional qualifiers, which are set to take place at HMV stores all over the country during the month of February.

The top ten performers will be invited to London and will perform live in front of a specialized jury made up of industry people, with the winner signed by Atlantic and getting to commercially release a single.

Kevin Liles, who is both president and chief executive officer at Def Jam Interactive, has stated when the announcement was made that, “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."
 
The executive has singled out the categories that will benefit most from the search, saying "Artists, producers, promoters etc... All can join in on the fun. Atlantic UK and HMV are the perfect partners to venture into this project and together we will find the next Rapstar.”

Max Lousada, the chairman of Atlantic Records United Kingdom, added, “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.”