McDonald's Flavor Battle Unveils Finalists in Nation's Premier DJ Competition

OAK BROOK, Ill., Dec. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's Flavor Battle, a national disc jockey (DJ) competition featuring some of America's hottest up-and-coming mix-masters and beatsmiths, revealed today 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 7, 2013, 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.

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The epic battle of eats and beats began online at FlavorBattle.com in early November with 24 DJs each representing a U.S. region and a McDonald's iconic burger — the Angus Third Pounder (East Coast), Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (Central region) and Big Mac (West Coast). 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.

"McDonald's Flavor Battle gives some of the most creative, emerging DJs a national platform to showcase their skillful talent and connect with audiences through a universal vehicle — music," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "Music is an integral part of culture and communities, and as a brand, we're proud to continue supporting a program that shines a spotlight on the unparalleled art form of deejaying."

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.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States offering a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.

About Complex Media
Complex Media is the leading provider of style, entertainment, lifestyle and product content dedicated to young male tastemakers. The company launched in 2002 with Complex magazine, a men's style guide and lifestyle publication with a current circulation of 345,000. Complex Media expanded to include flagship web site Complex.com, which attracts more than 2.2 million unique monthly visitors; as well as the Complex Media Network, a network of 70+, 100% exclusive Web sites targeting men 18-34 which generates more than 420 million page views and attracts 37 million unique visitors per month.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: 365Black, Angus Third Pounder, Big Mac, Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Flavor Battle and McDonald's.            

© 2012 McDonald's

SOURCE McDonald's USA, LLC