Developed with creative input from music legend Quincy Jones III, CEO and chief creative officer of QD3 Entertainment and music producer for top artists Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J and Ice Cube, among others, Scratch combines free-form DJ tricks with great rhythm game-play. Scratch is set in distinctive urban environments and features songs from the biggest names in Hip Hop.

Featuring game-play similar to top-selling rhythm games, Scratch players use a realistic turn-table controller, the Scratch Deck, created by Numark, the world's largest manufacturer of DJ equipment, to manipulate music tracks in real-time. Players can choose from a diverse array of DJ personalities to make their way from garage DJ to scratch-master of the hottest nightclubs.

Scratch Deck combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience - a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, Scratch Deck also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that Scratch Deck is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features 60 original and licensed tracks from the most popular hip-hop and R&B artists.

New licensed tracks include:

• Gifted – N.A.S.A. Feat Kanye West, Santo Gold, Lykke Li
• Looking Fly – Murs
• Skanky Panky – Kid Koala
• Iced Lightning – RJD2
• They Reminisce Over You – Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
• Friends – Whodini
• Push It – Salt n Pepa
• Life in a Cage – The Knux

Previously announced artists and licensed tracks:

• Peter Piper – Run DMC
• Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
• Hot in Herre – Nelly
• Mastermind – Deltron 3030

“In the development of Scratch, we have remained committed to creating a setlist that will inspire and impress dedicated fans of hip-hop,” said Quincy Jones III, CEO and chief creative officer of QD3 Entertainment. “As a long time fan and participant of hip-hop culture, I am very excited about the range of artists and various time periods represented in the game from old school hip-hop to today’s hottest new talent. It's been great having so much freedom in picking music that is true to the genre.”

Additional music from artists:

• Run DMC
• The Gorillaz
• Nelly
• Deltron 3030

The Scratch development team has collaborated with Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys, who is providing creative and technical input for the game. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will also feature music from Mix Master Mike’s upcoming album, set to launch later this year.

In addition to a heavy-hitting setlist, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features distinctive urban environments, an array of customizable DJ personalities and a turntable style controller created by Numark, one of the leading manufacturers of DJ equipment.