MTV UK + Ireland announce K Koke and Rascals as first two nominees for MTV Brand New For 2013
 - presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds

They will support DJ Fresh at The Forum in London on Wednesday 28th November

Where all final nominees will be announced

 ***TICKETS ON SALE VIA http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F00495F924F306F***

MTV UK + Ireland today announce the first two shortlisted artists in their annual search for the very best in new music - MTV BRAND NEW FOR 2013 presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds. K Koke and Rascals will join DJ Fresh to perform at the exclusive launch show at The Forum in London on Wednesday 28th November where the rest of the final nominees will be announced. Tickets are on sale now via http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F00495F924F306F.

Hailing from Bow in East London, Rascals - made up of members Shizz, Tempz, Merkz and Kay Willz - have created a huge buzz this year with their tracks ‘Ape Shit’ and ‘What’s Going Down’ winning strong tastemaker support from the likes of Mistajam (1Xtra), Huw Stephens, Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton (Radio 1) plus fellow artists Wiley, Professor Green and Tinchy Stryder. With their ‘The Launch Vol 2’ mixtape currently causing a big stir online and their selection for the MTV Brand New for 2013 shortlist, these mischievous rascals are set for a massive 2013.

''Wow. First off, we really appreciate the fact MTV have noticed our hard graft by including us in their Brand New for 2013...  Massive respect to MTV for showing us love! 2013 is going to be an exciting year”, said Rascals. 

The first British rapper ever to be personally signed by the legendary Jay Z to Roc Nation, K Koke represents UK hip hop’s coming of age and it’s brightest hope. Growing up on the infamous Stonebridge Estate in Brent, North London, Koke achieved huge underground success releasing mixtapes and posting homemade videos on YouTube, attracting over 10 million views and widespread major label interest. Recently signing to Sony and collaborating with the likes of RIta Ora, Emeli Sandé and Maverick Sabre on his upcoming debut album, K Koke is a bonefide star in the making.  

'”It's a great honour to be going forward with MTV in 2013. UK hip hop on the rise”, said K Koke.

Rascals and K Koke will support superstar DJ and producer DJ Fresh at what will be one of the hottest tickets in the capital this side of Christmas. Throughout the evening, the 10 nominated artists who have made it onto the final BRAND NEW FOR 2013 shortlist will be revealed, including the winner of MTV’s Unsigned Competition who will take their place alongside the nine artists identified by MTV’s Talent and Music team as most likely to break big in 2013. 

In the last 4 years MTV Brand New has identified international stars such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber & Ke$ha before their debut releases whilst also picking up top British music talent Tinie Tempah, Adele, Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Friendly Fires, White Lies, Wretch 32 & Labrinth at the very start of their recording careers. 

In January 2013, MTV Live will host two further gigs showcasing ‘Brand New’ nominees and returning headliners that will be featured across MTV’s channels in the New Year. 

PRESS CONTACT: Rowan Wilkinson 0207 484 6262 or email rowan.wilkinson@dawbell.comClaire Walley 0207 484 6269 or email claire.walley@dawbell.com 

Stuart Bell 0207 484 5291 or stuart.bell@dawbell.com

Links:

www.mtv.co.uk/brandnewwww.facebook.com/mtvbrandnewuk #MTVBrandNew