Virginia is well known for the superstar athletes and musicians that grew up there. From sports icons like Allen Iverson, Bruce Smith, and Michael Vick to hip-hop luminaries like Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliot, Chris Brown and Pusha T— the celebrities that come from the Commonwealth state always manage to give back to the community.
Terrence Thornton, also known Pusha T is the latest hometown hero to give back to the “757”.
“Hey you can support the guy who grew up across the street from you, he’s actually really good and it’s ok to support him,” the Sunshine MC told News 3’s Erin Miller in a recent interview.
Feed Your City Challenge
Along with Suave House Records founder Tony Draper and former NBA player Ricky Davis, helped Pusha T with the Feed Your City Challenge in Norfolk, VA.
Through the Feed Your City Challenge King Push helped feed over 3000 people with fresh groceries as well as pass out PPE gear along side volunteers.
The Virginia rapper said it was a monumental moment in the state’s history that he hopes sparks a movement going forward, “we hope that this a continuous cycle, we hope that, you know, people see everything that we’re doing and take a little bit from it.”
Heir Wave Music Group
His next move is to launch his record label, Heir Wave Music Group. Pusha T and company have been Grindin‘ for almost two years, and wants much of the talent to come from Hampton Roads and across the state of Virginia.
“It just lets people know on a daily basis that this really close to home and you can make it right from here. You can be great right here and it starts right here,” he said.
Heir Wave Music Group is making waves on YouTube.
“We may hear about ‘artist X’ and he may have a following and just put out a record. We may put that on the YouTube page just so that again it’s just teaching people to be able to recognize the artists,” the 40 Acres MC said.
The goal is to establish Virginia as the place to be for artists and not just for those in music.
Heir Wave Mission Statement
In addition, Pusha T has stated in the past that artist would have to travel to New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in order in to gain recognition. However, he wants to the infrastructure set up, such as distribution and radio, for local artists.
“Music is an art form that brings in so many other art forms. I’m talking about graphic design, videography, digital media, etc.” he said. “Everybody hears music and they think ‘oh artists.’ Like no we’re finding new engineers for the area who actually engineer the session, we’re finding kids who have an ear for music so there’s an A&R aspect.”
To go along with establishing a place for Virginia artist to make it, the 43-year-old is also planning other ground roots efforts to give back once the group can established the community’s biggest need.
Peace to Pusha T for always Coming Home and putting on for Virginia!
Randell M Thomas Jr| Twitter: SavageRandy18| Instagram: SavageRandy18
Related Stories| JAY-Z and Will Smith Set to Produce ‘Women of the Movement’ Ministries