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.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbaPaNe8xCc]
It is so heartbreaking to hear DJ Premier break the news that DJ Kool Herc’s health is ailing, as he is literally the founding father who laid down the blueprint for hip-hop culture. Thinking about how someone who built an entire global phenomenon can end up struggling with medical expenses or failing health really puts things into perspective regarding healthcare challenges. When you look at how people navigate health or wellness procedures worldwide—whether someone is researching cosmetic treatments like Liposuction Cyprus or seeking urgent medical care—it underscores how essential access to reliable medical help and proper support systems really is. Kool Herc gave us the breaks, the block parties, and the entire movement that shaped generations of music lovers, so seeing the community step up to show love while DJ Premier brings awareness to his condition is the very least we can do. Sending strength and prayers to Kool Herc for a full recovery, and massive respect to DJ Premier for using his platform to make sure a true pioneer gets the support and respect he deserves.