In what has to be a video game first, flexing your real world skills in a game could bag you an actual career if you're good enough to get noticed. Playing Def Jam Rapstar in the UK could make you the next big thing in British hip-hop music, as the game, in partnership with Atlantic Records and HMV are launching a nationwide search for a talented emcee.

The contest winner will actually be signed to Atlantic Records, who have worked with artists like Jay-Z, T.I., Flo-Rida and B.o.B as well as other hip-hop talents. It's surely any wannabe rap star's dream.

Open only to UK rappers, anyone can vote via their computer when the competition launches on January 1st, 2011, from which date players will be invited to upload their best performances on Def Jam Rapstar. The top rappers will then be selected to take part in a freestyle battle to spit the best lyrics at selected branches of HMV in the UK during February 2011.

The final ten lyricists will then go on to be judged by a panel of judges, with the ultimate winner being crowned the Def Jam Rapstar champion, before going on to sign for Atlantic Records and release their first single commercially. It really is the stuff of hip-hop dreams, so hone those rhyming skills now!