Activision have announced that they have partnered with Jay-Z and Eminem, to bring "some of their popular songs" to DJ Hero. Along with this, a "special branded edition" of DJ Hero will be released, complete with an "advanced" version of the game's controller, a metal travel case, (that transforms into a "performance ready DJ stand"), and two "exclusive CD compilations" that feature the "greatest hits" and new mixes from each artist.

Both Jay-Z and Eminem will contribute to the game post-launch, with both planning to provide downloadable content for the game after the game is released.

Dan Rosensweig, President and CEO of all things Guitar Hero (and by extension, Activision's broader base of music games), had the following to say about the inclusion of Jay-Z and Eminem as part of the game:

Jay-Z and Eminem are innovators and they share a vision for expanding their genre by letting fans embrace technology and music in new and exciting ways to get the most out of the experience. Jay-Z and Eminem embody an entire generation and will continue to influence popular culture. Now their fans can experience what it’s like to play the music, mix the music and compete with themselves and others in a game that expands with the user.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z himself added:

A DJ has the ability to use music to control people's emotions and is responsible for the entire vibe of a room, a club or a party. DJ Hero is the first video game that allows everyone to enjoy the unique experience of creating that environment.

Finally, Eminem concluded the round up of statements regarding the game:

I came up doing freestyle battles on local stages with other MCs and DJs. DJ’ing is an essential part of hip-hop and DJ Hero will give people all over the chance to experience the music from the other side of the turntables.

The game will feature multiplayer, allowing two DJs to battle it out against one another, or join a second player with a USB microphone to emcee. Those who prefer the instrumental side of things will be able to rock out with the Guitar Hero guitars for a number of "exclusive" DJ-guitar mixes.

DJ Hero is set for release later this year, and will turn the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii into a DJ decks, where gamers can replicate scratches, blends, cross fades, and sampling just like real-world DJs in the comfort of their own homes, safe from the threat of having rotten vegetables and fruit (and potentially glass bottles) hurled at them from an unappreciative audience.