Def Jam Rapstar

Search launched for UK's best lyricist.

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Nov. 23, 2010

London, England– November 23rd, 2010 – Chipmunk, in association with Def Jam Rapstar is on the hunt for the UK’s best lyricist having been named as a judge for a nationwide competition looking to test the language skills of school children across the UK.

The competition is open to young people aged between 12-17 years old and entrants can get involved by uploading their lyrics, audio or video files to the competition’s website - http://www.defjamrapstarschools.com. There will be downloadable backing tracks from top hip-hop producers including Jay-Z’s producer Just Blaze and DJ Premier who has worked with a range of artists including Christina Aguilera, Nas and Notorious B.I.G.

“It’s important for rappers to understand language” commented Chipmunk. “If you look predominantly at hip-hop superstars like Eminem, Jay-Z and new guys like Drake what they can do with words set them apart and their wider vocabulary help them go further - literacy rules.”

Chipmunk’s Rhyme-writing Tips:

Practice at different tempos - try slower tracks, faster tracks, different vocal tones. Pay attention to your similes and metaphors - try and write a rhyme where people say, “Hey, that meant three different things.” Be yourself and talk about what’s true to your life -small or large, someone will relate to you. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

Many schools are already onboard and some young people could find the competition being used as part of their lessons. Students are asked to write or rap about something that is important to them or on subjects covered in class.

The competition closes on 6th December.

For more information of Def Jam Rapstar please go to www.defjamrapstar.com.

To follow Def Jam Rapstar on Twitter please visit www.twitter.com/defjamrapstaruk

About Def Jam Rapstar

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, from “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg’s classic “Gin and Juice”, Tinie Tempah’s “Pass Out”, Chipmunk’s “Chip Diddy Chip” and more, 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.

About Konami

Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular films Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at konami-europe.com.

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About Def Jam Interactive

Def Jam Interactive, a division of Def Jam Enterprises, is a leading producer and marketer of interactive software games and a preeminent force in the digital industry. It is committed to delivering high-quality; cutting-edge video game titles to consumers by providing an authentic hip hop experience through gameplay, cultural nuances, strategic partnerships, music, talent, and executive direction. Def Jam Interactive was the first hip-hop brand to successfully partner in the gaming space and to date has produced multiple platinum-selling console titles, including Def Jam Vendetta, Def Jam Fight for NY, and Def Jam Icon. It is the only viable hip hop brand that has trusted consumer loyalty in the gaming space. For more than 20 years, the executive team has successfully extended the Def Jam brand in comedy, poetry, television, apparel, mobile, to name a few. For more information, please visit www.defjaminteractive.com.

About 4mm Games

Headquartered in New York City, 4mm Games is an independent global interactive entertainment company that is forging a new approach to content creation: Constantly Connected Gaming ^TM. The company is concentrated on incubating, producing, developing, and releasing a diverse portfolio of culturally relevant entertainment properties that join together multiple platforms including video game consoles, personal computers, mobile devices, and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.4mmgames.com

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About Autumn Games

Autumn Games is a premier publisher of interactive entertainment focused on partnering with leading creative talent to deliver blockbuster video games and related media. Through long-term partnerships with a number of the most respected game studios in the industry, Autumn’s mission is to support these creative teams in their efforts to make cutting-edge, culturally impactful entertainment. Autumn Games was founded as a joint venture between Communications Equity Associates (“CEA”) and Autumn Entertainment Partners (“AEP”), combining CEA’s 37 year track record in global media and entertainment private equity and merchant banking with AEP’s unparalleled expertise in content finance. For more information, please visit www.autumngames.com.

About Terminal Reality

Terminal Reality, Inc. (TRI) founded by lead programmer/CEO Mark Randel in 1994, is an independent industry veteran. With a focus on quality, technology and tools, TRI has shipped more than 30 titles, with more than 80 SKUs. Using the technology behind the highly acclaimed Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Terminal Reality spawns the next wave in game development: The Infernal Engine.

About The National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.

To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support

National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.

About Reading for Life

Reading for Life is a targeted social marketing campaign delivered by the National Literacy Trust. The campaign encourages those that are least likely to read through fun and innovative channels, from celebrities recommending ‘good reads’ to games based on rap and hip hop lyrics. Reading for Life aims to promote the benefits of reading and the enjoyment and pleasure that reading can bring to everyone’s lives.

Visit the Reading for Life website for reading tips, advice and great competitions at www.readingforlife.org.uk

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UK press contacts:

Kat Osman, Saj Ismael, Stu Taylor or Lucy Starvis at Lunch PR

T 020 7860 0790

E rapstar@lunchpr.com