The upcoming “DJ Hero” video game landed heavy hitters, Jay-Z and Eminem, as MCs. If you were lucky enough to attend its launch party last night, then you were granted the chance to see the two in a rare joint appearance.
Monday night at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, each icon treated the celebrity-studded audience to a set of greatest hits and new releases. For Jay-Z, a medley of “99 Problems,” “Jigga What,” a rock remix of “Encore,” and his “A Billi” freestyle, was backed by a live band, the Roc Boys. However, it was his final request to perform a song that wowed the crowd. The “Renegade” beat dropped and out walked Eminem, fresh off the release of his #1 comeback album Relapse. The two shared the mic, trading verses on the track, which Em produced for Jay’s Blueprint album back in 2001 (see the video below). Afterwards, Slim Shady performed his latest single, “3 A.M.” along with his newest songs, “We Made You” and “Crack a Bottle.” The set closed with Em’s classic “Lose Yourself.”
Both men will serve as consultants to Activision (creator of the successful $2 billion Guitar Hero franchise) and the game’s developer, FreeStyleGames. Played with a turntable-shaped controller, the game is due out this fall. A special edition comes with the rappers’ new greatest-hits CDs, possibly including previously unreleased tracks, plus an advanced version of the controller, a DJ stand and metal traveling case. Features include a rotating record platter, sampling buttons, an effects dial and a cross fader. In addition to single-DJ action, two players can compete or play cooperatively.
Watch the video here:
