McDonald's Is Searching For The Beat

OAK BROOK, IL (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Writers McDonald's Flavor Battle, a national disc jockey (DJ) competition featuring some of America's hottest up-and-coming mix-masters and beatsmiths, revealed DJ Arty J of St. Louis, Mo., DJ Element of Brooklyn, N.Y., and DJ Jena Red of Pasadena, Cali., beat 21 other DJs from across the nation and advanced to the final round of the competition. The finalists will now scratch, mix and battle live in Miami on February 7th, before a panel of celebrity judges and crowd of young, hip audiophiles for a $10,000 grand prize and bragging rights as the 2013 Flavor Battle champion.

The epic battle of eats and beats began online at FlavorBattle.com in early November with 24 DJs each representing a U.S. region. A star-studded party in Times Square that included several music and entertainment celebrities, including hip-hop artist/television host/actor Bow Wow, DJ/television correspondent Amanda Seales, hip-hop artist/reality TV star The Astronomical Kid, aka Astro, and renowned celebrity blogger Necole Bitchie, helped kick-off the national competition.

"It was great being a part of the Flavor Battle launch party," said Seales. "I'm so glad to see McDonald's supporting the artistry of deejaying and creating a space for quality DJs to broaden their exposure, and their wallets."
"It's been an honor to be a part of McDonald's Flavor Battle this year and although there could only be three finalists, all the DJs in the competition deserve recognition and respect for being part of the battle," said Astro.

DJ Arty J, DJ Element and DJ Jena Red garnered the most votes in the intense online competition in which thousands of music and burger lovers from across the nation listened to a custom music mix from each DJ on FlavorBattle.com and voted daily for their favorite flavor master in each region. Sprite® Spin-Off is a new addition to this year's competition. Fifteen DJs who garnered a high number of votes, but did not advance to the final round, received a second shot at winning a trip to Miami. DJ Kue of St. Louis, Mo., climbed his way to the top of the Sprite Spin-Off and will spin during the finale's exclusive pre-event party.

Conducted with men's style and lifestyle network Complex Media, Flavor Battle launched in 2009 as an extension of McDonald's 365Black initiative. McDonald's 365Black platform was created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. –by CelebrityAccess Staff