Konami and Atlantic Records are launching a search for Britain's best upcoming rapper.

Def Jam Rapstar, which we previewed last month, gives budding emcees the chance to prove their skills and now they can take it one step further. Starting January 1st 2011 Atlantic Records, whose artists include Flo-Rida, Jay-Z, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B, Missy Elliott, Plan B, will be launching a search for the best rapper in Britain.

The initial round will require players to upload videos from the game to www.defjamrapstar.com, however as this feature is not available on the Wii version anyone wanting to participate will have to use the 360 or PS3 version. The successful rappers will be invited to regional qualifiers in HMV stores across the country during February to battle it out free-style mode and be judged by the audience.

The 10 finalists will head to London to be judged by a panel of Hip Hop / Music aficionados and the winner will be signed by Atlantic Records. Anyone looking to perfect their skills can visit HMV stores in January where special Def Jam Rapstar booths will be set up to practice before submitting their entry.

"Fresh after our initiative with the National Literacy Trust to find UK secondary schools best ‘Rhyme Master’, this is the natural extension to take the search for talent to the next level. We always believed that Rapstar would push the relationship between video games and music like never before, providing a platform that allows undiscovered talent a real opportunity to share their skills and become the next superstar. With Def Jam Rapstar, the world is literally your stage, and we are pleased to be working with Atlantic Records and HMV who share our passion for music and originality."

- Nick Perrett, CEO of 4mm Games