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Jay-Z, Eminem To Be All Up In DJ Hero's Business

Music from two of rap's biggest will appear in the game, plus details on a Limited Edition.

Hov!
USA Today has some new information on Activision's upcoming DJ Hero. I have to say, now that more information on the artists involved in DJ Hero has been released, my interest in the game has gone from zero to lots in the last 24 hours.

Jay-Z and Eminem will have music in the game, according to the report. Quotes from both artists make it sound like they'll have an ongoing involvement with the product, as well. Here's a quote from Jay:
"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."
And one from Eminem:
"DJ Hero will include my music, and I'll be providing additional material as downloadable content by the end of the year."
The concept of getting music in the game as a collaborative effort, rather than a simple licensing deal sounds pretty intriguing. Makes me wonder if new tracks in the game will be able to interface with the existing music to create new mash-up style tracks or something of that nature.

The article also talks a bit about a Limited Edition version of DJ Hero with some interesting-sounding perks:
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.
An "advanced version" of the DJ Hero setup sounds kind of interesting, too. Since hearing about the way the unit snaps together to allow for left-handed play, I've started thinking that you might be able to get a second turntable and snap it onto the other end of the mixer unit for true ones-and-twos gameplay. Again, just speculating here. But why stop at one turntable, right?

For more information, check out USA Today's piece.

[UPDATE] GT has posted the first trailer for DJ Hero:

  

Jeff Gerstmann on Google+
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Posted by Jeff
Hov!
USA Today has some new information on Activision's upcoming DJ Hero. I have to say, now that more information on the artists involved in DJ Hero has been released, my interest in the game has gone from zero to lots in the last 24 hours.

Jay-Z and Eminem will have music in the game, according to the report. Quotes from both artists make it sound like they'll have an ongoing involvement with the product, as well. Here's a quote from Jay:
"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."
And one from Eminem:
"DJ Hero will include my music, and I'll be providing additional material as downloadable content by the end of the year."
The concept of getting music in the game as a collaborative effort, rather than a simple licensing deal sounds pretty intriguing. Makes me wonder if new tracks in the game will be able to interface with the existing music to create new mash-up style tracks or something of that nature.

The article also talks a bit about a Limited Edition version of DJ Hero with some interesting-sounding perks:
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.
An "advanced version" of the DJ Hero setup sounds kind of interesting, too. Since hearing about the way the unit snaps together to allow for left-handed play, I've started thinking that you might be able to get a second turntable and snap it onto the other end of the mixer unit for true ones-and-twos gameplay. Again, just speculating here. But why stop at one turntable, right?

For more information, check out USA Today's piece.

[UPDATE] GT has posted the first trailer for DJ Hero:

  

Staff
Posted by F1

Eminem, yes! Old stuff though.

Posted by luce

haha Jay just can't stop being a business man

Posted by Fr0Br0

DJ Hero better have an uncensored song version or else Em just won't sound right...

Posted by McQuinn

Umm, those those guys are not DJ's.

Posted by F1
@Fr0Br0: Yes I agree.
Posted by Not_Rage

Hopefully the Eminem song they put into the game is "Drips".

Posted by Not_Rage
Fr0Br0 said:
DJ Hero better have an uncensored song version or else Em just won't sound right...
Yea but i'll probably be censored for a T rating. Hopefully it includes alot of his older stuff.
Posted by DavidSnakes

Where's DJ Tiesto?

Posted by Seijur0
DavidSnakes said:
Where's DJ Tiesto?
insert Jeff fart noises.
Posted by EndrzGame

For people that like this kind of music it's great. Personally I don't care for it. I hope it's a good game then maybe eventually I'll have my dream mash-up of TROMBONE HERO!!!

Posted by Ineedaname
@EndrzGame: I'd buy that. Wanna go into business?
Edited by ez123

Eminem and Jay-Z are in so Renegade has to be in the track list.

Posted by End_Boss

Sigh... Alright, fuck it. I'm interested.

Posted by Bwast
DavidSnakes said:
Where's DJ Tiesto?
Probably writhing on the ground somewhere... with glow sticks all over his body.
Posted by Seijur0

Everybody weigh in on your favorite Jay-Z song... mine's gotta be Dead Presidents II, D'evils, Feelin' It, or Never Change.

Posted by Fr0Br0
Seijur0 said:
Everybody weigh in on your favorite Jay-Z song... mine's gotta be Dead Presidents II, D'evils, Feelin' It, or Never Change. [more]
Dead Presidents. I got it as my ringtone.
Posted by vgmkyle

No Dre; no buy.

Posted by Brendan

This sounds cool...but where are the DJ's? Paul Oakenfold? Tiesto? John Digweed? DJ Sasha? Pual Vandyke?? Ahhh I guess it makes sense...they can't sell many of these games in NA using house and electro...but rap sells here. (Not to knock the hip-hop guys creativity at all)

Posted by RetroIce4

Tuba Hero here I come! Man they milked this series.

Posted by TheHBK

Oh shit yes.  Eminem?  Fuck yeah.  Jay Z?  Meh, he is too much of a business man who doesnt really love music, just money.

Edited by deaux
@End_Boss:
Posted by End_Boss
@deaux: Are you sure you've heard this?

  

Posted by mudkip9000

not going to lie,  I just became super interested in this game. Before, I couldn't have cared less, but now it sounds cool.  It takes me back to the day of Rock Band when I at first thought it was a Guitar Hero rip off, but then slowly figured out it was much more.

Posted by Juvarial

Intrest just went from a 1 on a scale of 1-10 to a 0

Posted by Reverseface

JAY ZED ZED ZED ZED NOT ZEE ZEE ZEE IT'S ZED.MAUahahah

Posted by TooWalrus

Yeah... I'll still pass.

Posted by Milkman
TheHBK said:
Oh shit yes.  Eminem?  Fuck yeah.  Jay Z?  Meh, he is too much of a business man who doesnt really ... [more]
You have it completely backwards.
Posted by SamuSlave

I love the idea that Eminem actually sat down and wrote those words for the press release.

Posted by Linkyshinks

Sounds cool, especially if unreleased exclusive material is included. 

 It would seem like a nonsensical DJ game if  two decks are not needed. It's essential in my eyes.

Edited by mudkip9000
SamuSlave said:
I love the idea that Eminem actually sat down and wrote those words for the press release.
I'm sure he did it in the most uninterested and gangsta way possible.
Posted by Kraznor

I don't get why DJ Shadow's involvement was more or less overlooked by everyone. That is far more exciting to me than the inclusion of these jokers.

Edited by MrKlorox

Oh god! Eminem? I hoped I'd never hear that name in pop culture again. I understand the producers want to get hip hop that they think their demographic will like, but could you insult my intelligence just a tad bit less please, Activision? Seriously, there are other white rappers that aren't pompous douchebag gangsta wannabes and actually sound good.

I would much rather see El-P collaborate on one of these DJ games... especially seeing as how he's a reputable hip-hop DJ more than he is a reputable rapper.

Posted by JDUB_XL

As a longtime Eminem fan, I really hope whatever he contributes is based on his non-Relapse works. Give me Something off Slim Shady LP or  Martial Mathers LP or even Eminem Show and we are in business

Edited by Blair

Jigga! Hova! Hov! Amazing!

Top 3 most desired songs (very unlikely, with the exception of #2):
1.  Brooklyn's Finest (Feat. B.I.G.)
2.  Big Pimpin'
3.  Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)

I do wish however, these songs were not a part of the 'Hero' franchise.

Edited by Linkyshinks
Kraznor said:
I don't get why DJ Shadow's involvement was more or less overlooked by everyone. That is far more exciting to ... [more]

Never knew he was included, but know that I know I think it's a awesome addition.


I wanna see the controller!.

Posted by JJOR64

M&M's > Eminem

The game sounds kinda fun.  It depends on the music for me.

Posted by ZeroCast

Pathetic.

Posted by bshirk

DJ Screw is king RIP...

Posted by Kohe321

So you're saying I can be a DJ AND a hero? YES!?!?

Posted by Duckbutter

if it ain't 100% hip hop/techno based, like being able to mix in "Ring of Fire" then DJ Hero has won my balls. i just hope their DJ unit ain't big and dorky. i have a rep to keep up.

Posted by Cook66

Eminem? I might actually have to look into this then. :o

Posted by mahi

The game is called DJ Hero and they play Hollaback Girl?  wtf?

Edited by raidingkvatch

Balls, I did not want to be interested in this game. I was happy not being interested in this game. I do not have the fucking money to be interested in this game!

Posted by Nasar7
Reverseface said:
JAY ZED ZED ZED ZED NOT ZEE ZEE ZEE IT'S ZED.MAUahahah
lol.
raidingkvatch said:
Balls, I did not want to be interested in this game. I was happy not being interested in this game. ... [more]
I know, damn they're good.
Edited by theMcNasty

Em n' him will make a great game.  OH!  C WUT I DID THUR?

Posted by BaconGames

Jay-Z has ALWAYS left a bad taste in my mouth and I wince every time I see his name.  I'm neutral on Eminem.  Personally if they can get a wide selection of good music, I don't care what token mainstream artists they tack on for the sake of marketing.

How cool would it be to play stuff from Stones Throw?  Hell it would be a fantastic way for smaller artists to get their names out there, Damu the Fudgemunk anyone?

Posted by addictedtopinescent

I guess this makes it a bit more interesting 


mahi said:
The game is called DJ Hero and they play Hollaback Girl?  wtf?
This is a big problem though. 
Edited by graf1k

Awesome. DJ Hero starring a bunch of rappers. Seriously, I know DJs aren't as well known as rappers but shouldn't they at least be headlining DJ Hero? I don't really care that Jay and Em's music are in the game, but it just seems like rappers overshadowing DJs once again and some people not realizing that DJs are more than people who just remix a rapper's track.

Edited by chronicsmoke

Im a HUGE hiphop fan so this game is really starting to appeal to me,em on the song list HELL YEAH! I just hope its alot of his older stuff

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