Simultaneously reviving the clubland economy and refueling America's obesity epidemic, fast food giant McDonald's is damn near ready to crown this year's "hottest DJ" at a hamburger party inside South Beach's Cameo Nightclub.
But first, three mix-masters will have to woo a panel of judges comprised of relatively washed-up "celebrities" like Spinderella and DJ Scribble before walking away with $10,000 and the 2012 Flavor Battle championship title.
Last year's Flavor Battle champ, DJ JayCeeOh, will help judge this year's competition alongside Scribble, Spinderella, and DJ Irie. They'll evaluate mixing skills, technique, performance, and crowd appeal.
Additionally, each DJ finalist will arbitrarily represent a Mickey D's Big Burger (the Angus Third Pounder, Double Quarter Pounder con Queso, and a Big Mac), almost certainly crushing their chances of booking the American Heart Association's holiday party.
Human beat-boxer and Scientologist Doug E. Fresh will emcee the event, while triple-threat rapper, actress, and singer Teyana Taylor will "take Flavor Battle global by hosting the Twitter conversations."
In 2009, McDonald's launched Flavor Battle as an extension of the company's Black365, a platform "created to celebrate pride, heritage, and achievements of African-Americans year round."
A corporate-wide initiative to help curb childhood obesity is unlikely to follow.
McDonald's 2012 Flavor Battle. Thursday, Feburay 9. Cameo Nightclub, 1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. The bangers and burgers begin at 9 p.m., but it's a private event. Flavor Battle live stream on flavorbattle.com. Call 305-532-2667 or visit cameomiami.com.
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