Jay-Z and Eminem Join Forces in Video Game Business
USA Today has the exclusive:
The upcoming DJ Hero video game just landed two heavy hitters as MCs: Jay-Z and Eminem.
Both rappers are bringing their music to the newest offshoot of Activision’s successful $2 billion Guitar Hero franchise. The game, played with a turntable-shaped controller, is due out this fall for PlayStation 3, PS2, Xbox 360 and Wii (no price or rating yet).
A limited edition comes with the rappers’ exclusive new greatest-hits CDs, possibly including previously unreleased tracks, plus an advanced version of the controller, a DJ stand and metal traveling case. Jay-Z and Eminem will serve as consultants to Activision and the game’s developer, FreeStyleGames.
The complete list of tracks the rappers are providing is still being worked out. Jay-Z plans on including Izzo (H.O.V.A.) and Dirt Off Your Shoulder for sure. Also possible: tracks from his in-the-works Blueprint 3 album. “I have a ton of content, I just need the pipeline,” he says. “I love the freedom of (DJ Hero). I could wake up tomorrow morning with the idea for a song and call the guys at Activision and start working on getting it out.”
Eminem is more cryptic about his contributions. “I don’t want to give away any surprises yet,” he says in an e-mail interview. “DJ Hero will include my music, and I’ll be providing additional material as downloadable content by the end of the year.”
“You are going to get over 100 songs from 80 artists and 80 brand-new mixes that have never been heard before, including one with Eminem and Jay-Z (together),” says Guitar Hero president and CEO Dan Rosensweig.
I think I’ll be able to get a freebie. I mean, you would think.
Sidebar: Fuck it. “Renegade” seems appropriate.
not mad @ this ish at all
I’m sooo excited for this, it’s not even funny. Oh, I love how Jigga straight up says like what songs he’s putting on there, and Em is like soooo mysterious (AS PER USUAL) and he’s like naw, not telling u shit till the thing comes out, bitches.
shit gon’ be fire
been hearin about this game for a minute now, gameinformer finally had the feature in the last issue. supremely disappointed in the setlist they got their hands on, a few gems but not anywhere near the level of what guitar hero did for the rock heads on the hip-hop side. but i guess i can’t be mad, dj’s dont just play hip-hop. this is def good news tho. now i need like a whole dj premier level, haha
Sidebar: Why didn’t Jay give Eminem the working mic? Em’s shit was turned down…