When Home Run Derby X launches in London on July 9, it promises to deliver plenty of excitement, with big home runs, diving catches, and plenty of great tasting food. The event got a little more exciting as hip hop star AJ Tracey was recently announced as the headliner for the event held at Crystal Palace Park.

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“I’ve got a lot of American friends, and if you ask them: what is the most quintessentially American sport? They’ll immediately say, baseball," Tracey told Clash Music about headlining the event. “I’m a big American sports fan so I’m really excited to be performing at MLB Home Run Derby X. I’m looking forward to headlining the debut event in London and to be part of this new baseball format.”

Tracey's most recent album -- Flu Game -- reached No. 2 on the UK charts and is itself a reference to the time that Bulls guard Michael Jordan played through an illness during the NBA Finals. Sadly, no word from the rapper on if his next record will be about Jordan's short-lived time in the White Sox' Minor League system.

Tracey, who hails from West London, is proud to be playing this hometown show.

"London never sleeps, I love it. I’m from here, I grew up here, it’s like performing in my back garden," Tracey said. "It’s exciting, multi-cultural, has energy, it’s busy and never quiet. My sets always bring the noise and I’m gassed to bring baseball culture to a new crowd. It’ll be a clash of music, sports, big hits, mad catches. Big show this summer, Crystal Palace Park, it’s due to be lit. Home Run Derby X – we’re gonna turn up."

The action all goes down on July 9, so be sure to click here to get your tickets.