'Def Jam Rapstar' launches talent hunt

Interactive hip-hop game Def Jam Rapstar has teamed up with Atlantic Records UK and HMV to search for a new British rapper.

For one month from the start of next year, players of the Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 title will be able to upload their performances to the game's website to be put up for the public vote.

The top rappers will be chosen for audience-judged live regional qualifiers at HMV stores during February, before the final ten are critiqued by a panel of stars and industry players at a Central London venue. The winner will be signed to Atlantic Records and have their single released commercially.

Chairman of Atlantic Records UK Max Lousada said: "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."

CEO of 4mm Games Nick Perrett added: "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."

> Def Jam: Rapstar to scout real talents