McDonald's Challenges DJs Across The Country With Launch of 2013-2014 Flavor Battle Competition

Hip-hop and burgers join forces as McDonald's USA today announces the launch of its 2013-2014 Flavor Battle competition. The 13-week national DJ competition challenges some of America's hottest up-and-coming mix masters to show off and prove they are the best on the 1s and 2s. Twelve DJs, each representing a U.S. region and one of McDonald's new Quarter Pounder burgers the Bacon and Cheese Quarter Pounder* (East Coast), Deluxe Quarter Pounder (Central) and Bacon Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder (West Coast) will battle it out for DJ supremacy. Now in its fifth year, the competition has garnered recognition from hip-hop elites, such as DJ Funkmaster Flex, who will serve as this year's host.

"DJs are the key holders to what's hot and what's not in the music industry," Flex said. "Just like McDonald's is constantly innovating the game with new menu items, DJs are similar, as they are creating and introducing new beats to their fans all the time."

Music and burger lovers can listen to a custom music mix from each DJ on http://www.FlavorBattle.com and vote daily for their favorite flavor master in each region. The three DJs with the most votes, one from each region, will travel to the finale in New York City to compete in front of a panel of celebrity judges and crowd of audiophiles. Ultimately, one DJ will be crowned the Flavor Battle champion and take home a $10,000 cash prize and $1,000 in McDonald's Arch Cards.

"The mixes this year are epic," Flex said. "The fact that anyone can visit FlavorBattle.com to listen to these hot mixes and vote are key to spreading the word about this competition."

Music lovers are encouraged to vote often for their favorite mix-master. Each vote helps the DJ advance to the next round and also qualifies consumers for a chance to win a $2,000 cash grand prize and Flavor Battle DJ equipment. Voters can also share their top picks with friends and followers via Facebook and Twitter directly from http://www.FlavorBattle.com.

"McDonald's Flavor Battle brings relevant music and our great tasting burgers together through a fun and unexpected mash up," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "Just as music constantly evolves, McDonald's understands the importance of evolving our menu to accommodate the ever changing tastes of our customers."

In June 2013, McDonald's created three new flavors of the iconic Quarter Pounder Burger. Made with 100 percent beef, customers can choose from three Quarter Pounder Burger varieties, including the Bacon Habanero Ranch, Deluxe or Bacon & Cheese for a recommended price of $3.99 (price and participation may vary). The new burgers are topped with new thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, which will now be available on all existing menu items featuring bacon, and are the first permanent menu item to include habanero peppers. Varieties range from 540 to 610 calories.

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, http://www.365Black.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 (http://www.complex.com), which attracts more than 2.2 million unique monthly visitors; as well as the Complex Media Network (http://www.complexmedianetwork.com), 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.

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