McDonald's Flavor Battle Unveils Three Finalists in National DJ Competition

DJs from Los Angeles, Chicago and Newport News, Va., battle for $10,000 and bragging rights at exclusive finale event taping in NYC

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McDonald's USA

Dec 30, 2013, 03:03 ET

OAK BROOK, Ill., Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's Flavor Battle, a national disc jockey (DJ) competition featuring some of America's hottest up-and-coming mix-masters, revealed today DJ R-Tistic of Los Angeles; Niena Drake of Chicago; and DJ Erika B of Newport News, Va.; beat nine other DJs from across the nation and advanced to the final round of the 13-week battle. The top three will scratch, mix and battle on the 1s and 2s at a taped finale event in New York City on January, 15, 2014, before a panel of celebrity judges. What's at stake: a $10,000 grand prize and bragging rights as the 2014 Flavor Battle Champion.

Television/radio show host Sway (center), along with Flavor Battle judges DeeJay Element (far left) and DJ Clue (far right) helped kick-off of the fifth annual McDonald's Flavor Battle, a national online DJ competition that showcases some of America's hottest up-and-coming mix-masters and beatsmiths. The competition began with 12 DJs and is now down to three finalists, DJ R-Tistic, Niena Drake and DJ Erika B, who will battle it out at a live event taping in NYC before a panel of celebrity judges and crowd of music lovers for a cash grand prize and bragging rights. Photo Credit: Soul Brother. (PRNewsFoto/McDonald's USA) (PRNewsFoto/MCDONALD'S USA)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131230/CG38953-a)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131230/CG38953LOGO-b)

The epic battle of eats and beats began online at FlavorBattle.com in November with 12 DJs each representing a U.S. region and a McDonald's iconic burger — the Bacon and Cheese Quarter Pounder (East Coast), Deluxe Quarter Pounder (Central) and Bacon Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder (West Coast). A surprise, dual performance in Times Square by McDonald's Flavor Battle judges, celebrity mix-master/producer DJ Clue and rising star/2013 Flavor Battle winner DeeJay Element, helped kick-off the fifth annual battle. McDonald's Flavor Battle social media correspondent and television /radio personality Sway also participated in the launch event.

"I know how difficult it can be to break into this industry, so it's encouraging to see McDonald's provide a national platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills," said DJ Clue. "Although there can only be three finalists, there was a great mix of talent in this year's competition and everyone deserves recognition for what they bring to the tables. I know the final battle is going to be hot."

DJ R-Tistic, Niena Drake and DJ Erika B garnered the most votes in their respective regions in the intense online competition, in which thousands of music and burger lovers listened to a custom mix from each DJ on FlavorBattle.com and voted daily for their favorite flavor master. The remaining nine DJs who did not advance to the finale received a second shot at recognition via the Sprite® Spin-Off round. DJ Clean of Washington, D.C., climbed his way to the top of the Sprite Spin-Off and will receive $1,000 cash prize and spin during the finale taping, representing Big Mac.

"Music is an essential component of culture and communities," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "As a brand, McDonald's is proud to continue supporting a program that brings together some of the most creative, emerging DJs across the country to showcase their sharp talent and connect with audiences through this unmatched art form."

Music and burger lovers everywhere can watch the 2014 McDonald's Flavor Battle broadcast on FlavorBattle.com on Thursday, February 13 to find out who will be crowned this year's winner.

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 www.mcdonalds.com, 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 (www.complex.com), which attracts more than 2.2 million unique monthly visitors; as well as the Complex Media Network (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.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: 365Black, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder and McDonald's.

SOURCE McDonald's USA