Def Jam Vendetta Takes Over a City Near You

In Support of the Top Selling Video Game Def Jam Vendetta, Def Jam Records Launches the Def Jam Vendetta Tour & Vendetta Challenge

NEW YORK, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 10, 2003, Def Jam Records is launching the Def Jam Vendetta Tour. The tour & game challenge have been scheduled due to the high demand generated from the unprecedented sales of the Def Jam Vendetta video game. In it's first two weeks of sales; Def Jam Vendetta has become the fastest selling 1st edition non-franchised game in recent video gaming history.

Never before has a tour combined musical performances from the artists featured in their own game. The multi-faceted, one of a kind tour is comprised of the following:

DEF JAM VENDETTA RADIO: In each market, Vendetta artists, Keith Murray, CNN, Joe Budden and Murder Inc/Def Jam artist, Caddillac Tah will take over the top radio stations giving away front row tickets, VIP passes and a chance to participate in the Def Jam Vendetta Challenge.

DEF JAM VENDETTA CHALLENGE: In each market, players will go to the official Def Jam Vendetta Challenge retail host, Gamestop, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Contest winners will have the opportunity to compete in the 1st ever Def Jam Vendetta Challenge. Eight contestants, who will previously chosen via retail, on-line and radio and local video promotions, will face off in mini tournaments. All are competing for the chance to challenge Def Jam Vendetta's reigning champion, Method Man.

DEF JAM VENDETTA "THE SHOW": Fans will get up close and personal with Def Jam Vendetta artists as each artist performs his respective hits, which include; "Pump It Up," (Joe Budden) "Grimey" (NORE), "Blood Money" (CNN), "Yeah, Yeah, You Know It" (Keith Murray). The master of ceremonies, Method Man, will kick off each night.

Def Jam Vendetta features an original storyline that compliments gameplay action and more than 45 unique characters that will be supported with over 1,500 varying moves, including dozens of signature specials and taunts. Players will advance through the game's more than 10 highly-detailed, underground hip hop venues, each filled with animated crowds, hot beats and original music. The game is available for Playstation 2 and Nintendo GameCube

ARTISTS:

Method Man: The most successful solo member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man is gearing up for the release of his 3rd solo album Tical 0: The Prequel. In addition to recording, Meth has been actively pursuing his acting career. After last year's comedy hit, How High, Method Man has taken roles on the popular series "The Twilight Zone" and can soon be seen on "Boston Public" and the HBO series, "The Wire."

CNN: Capone is one half of the mutli-talented highly respected duo CNN with his partner NORE. Capone and Noreaga jumped on to the music scene in 1997 with their 1997 debut "The War Report" which sold nearly 500,000 copies. They later reunited to release "The Reunion." Now Capone is part of the Def Jam Family and will be releasing his debut solo release in 2003. The platinum selling, God's Favorite, was NORE's debut release on Def Jam Records.

Keith Murray: Keith 1st hit the hip hop scene with the chart topping, "Most Beautifullest Thing." Now on Def Jam, the first single from He's Keith Murray, "Yeah, Yeah, You Know It," is only a sampling of what is to come. The album includes production from Just Blaze, Clark Kent, Jazze Pha, Track Masters, Pete Rock, DJ Khalil and Eric Sermon. Guest artists include Busta Rhymes and Redman.

Joe Budden: Hot in the streets, Joe Budden is getting ready to release his debut album on Def Jam, Walk With Me. The first single, "Pump It Up" features production from Just Blaze. Joe has already been featured in Source, VIBE, XXL and will soon be seen in the New York Times.

Caddilac Tah: Coming from multi-platinum hit making crew, Murder Inc, Caddillac Tah will be releasing his debut solo album, Pov City Hustler, in June. He has been featured on the #1 J.Lo & Ja Rule single, "Ain't It Funny."

DEF JAM VENDETTA DATES AND VENUES:

• Saturday, May 10th - Milwaukee - Rave

• Sunday, May 11th - Chicago - House Of Blues

• Monday, May 12th - Pittsburgh - Laga

• Tuesday, May 13th - Columbus - Brick Yard

• Wednesday, May 14th - Cleveland - Peabody's

• Thursday, May 15th - Philadelphia - Chrome

• Friday, May 16th - Baltimore - Hammerjacks

• Sunday, May 18th - Washington DC - VIP

• Tuesday, May 20th - Atlanta - Vision

• Wednesday, May 21st - Orlando - Tabu

• Thursday, May 22nd - Tampa - XS

• Saturday, May 24th - Miami

• Tuesday, May 27th - Los Angeles - House Of Blues

• Wednesday, May 28th - Anaheim - House Of Blues

• Thursday, May 29th - San Francisco - Filmore

• Friday, May 30th - Portland - Roseland

• Sunday, June 1st - San Diego - 4th & B

• Monday, June 2nd - Phoenix - Cajun House

• Thursday, June 5th - Norfolk - Boathouse

• Friday, June 6th - Raleigh

• Saturday, June 7th - Columbia, SC