Acclaimed Music Producers, Award-Winning DJs to Judge McDonald's Flavor Battle Finale

McDonald's USA today announced renowned spin veterans/beatsmiths DJ Clue, Just Blaze and GRAMMY Award winner Spinderella will judge three of the nation's hottest, emerging mix-masters as they battle live for $10,000 and the 2013 McDonald's Flavor Battle championship title. DJ/digital guru Funkmaster Flex will emcee the exclusive Finale event Thursday, February 7, at Cameo nightclub in Miami Beach.

"Flavor Battle is an important program for up-and-coming DJs and I'm thrilled to be part of the finale," said Funkmaster Flex. "As a DJ, I love to scratch and mix music, and I know how meaningful it is to the three finalists to show off their skills before some of the most notable names in the industry."

McDonald's Flavor Battle is a national DJ competition featuring some of America's hottest, emerging mix-masters. The competition began online last November with 24 DJs representing three McDonald's iconic burgers and U.S. regions Big Mac (West), Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (Central) and Angus Third Pounder (East). The top three DJs have advanced to the final round of the competition.

The Flavor Battle Finale is a private event, but anyone can experience the best-in-booth battle via live webcast at FlavorBattle.com, February 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Celebrity blogger and official Flavor Battle Social media correspondent Necole Bitchie will also bring the action alive on Twitter with live updates from the event. Audiophiles everywhere are encouraged to join the conversation at #FlavorBattle.

"After years of working with some of the hottest music artists, I know it takes time to get to a national level of stardom," said Just Blaze. "I look forward to helping select the next Flavor Battle champion. I can't wait to hear the DJs live and see where this competition takes them."

"There are some skilled DJs in this year's final competition," said DJ Clue. "The finalists must have talent to make it this far, but the ultimate champion will have to do more than just mix, they'll have to rock the crowd, and the judges, to take home the title."

More than 400,000 fans voted online and now three finalists DJ Jena Red of Pasadena, Cali., representing the Big Mac and West region; DJ Arty J of St. Louis, Mo., representing the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Central region; and DJ Element of Brooklyn, N.Y., representing the Angus Third Pounder and East region will compete before a panel of industry legends, who will rate them on mixing skills, technique, performance flow and crowd appeal. Ultimately, only one will be crowned the 2013 Flavor Battle champion.

"We are pleased to have such an incredible mix of musical talent join us for the McDonald's Flavor Battle finale," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "McDonald's is committed to supporting programs that are meaningful to the communities we serve. We're happy to offer Flavor Battle to promising DJs, as it offers these unique artists a national platform to connect with communities everywhere through good music and our tasty big burgers."

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.

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.

2013 McDonald's

SOURCE McDonald's USA, LLC