Happy New Years and welcome to The I-25 List of 2014! As we enjoy 2015, RTM annually celebrates and acknowledges some of the diligent working business owners, venues, labels, entertainers and promoters within and some outside of the Hampton Roads Area. The I-25 is a list of 25 individuals, companies, Brands, Entertainers, Athletes, Comedians, Host, DJs, and others that have a significant influence on the urban culture of Hampton Roads. We understand it is much more than 25 people and places making an impact on the area in 2014; however we feel it’s important to highlight some of innovators making the year unforgettable and celebrate as well as educate some that may not know of their accomplishments. The goal of the I-25 Most Influential List is to recognize positive influence on the urban market and create feedback to continue grow as well as improve our entertainment community.
#25 Brand Kings: VA Grinch & Team BaRRRz/Sho Flacco No Plan B
There are several brands making an impact in the Hampton Roads Market. We have clothing lines like PlayClothes, Brand Nu and ton of others being worn around the city. RTM felt it was important to highlight two artists that have ventured into branding similar to a Diddy or Jay-z and made it a part of their marketing plans. After a huge debate amongst the RTM Staff it was tie at #25 between Hampton’s Sho Flacco & Team Barrrz’s Va Grinch. Sho Flacco had an incredible year, still taking in strong sales of last year's No Plan B DVD/Cd package, Sold out crowd to the release of this year's No Plan B 2, starting a label No Plan B Enterprises and Starting NO Plan B the clothing line. The No Plan B Clothing line has been worn by kids, artists at their shows and several ladies showcasing the brand on Instragram. VA Grinch also created a brand around his Team Barrrz. VA Grinch released the critically acclaimed "Peace & Love" CD, Hit singles "There For You" & "Toya", Toured overseas(Sweden, Finland, Germany), recruited Twice Blessd/Moe Chetta for Team Barrrz both dropped mixtapes this year, formed a partnership with Googz’s “Stupid Dumb” energy drink and branded the "Barrrz" Brand on hats, T- Shirts along with Hoodies. Not only is the Barrrz Brand a hit in VA; But it is also selling well over seas. Not Many artists can say they are selling records and clothes overseas at the same time. Va Grinch just released his current video "Judgmental” off “Peace & Love” project shot overseas and Shoflacco' s Plan B 2 movie & ,mixtape "Balance" is available for Direct Sale through Plan B Enterpries.
@GotbaRRRz IG: GotbaRRRz @Shoflacco IG: Shoflacco1135
#24 Community Leaders: CMG & First Class Music Group
RTM is huge on recognizing hip hop labels/organizations that give back to the community. We don't know any Hip Hop Labels in Hampton Roads that give back to their city more than CMG(Cheeseown Money Gettaz) & First Class Music Group give back to the city of Chesapeake. First Class Music Put out two mixtapes from Flagship artists Brandeesh & J Holmes, are seen branding their logo on hats or shirts, & host artists showcases on a monthly basis; however there present is bigger in the community doing a back to school 3 on 3 Basketball tournament encouraging their hip hop peers to donate school supplies for Chesapeake neighborhoods. They also are annually always attached with a Food drive on Thanksgiving and a Toy Drive during Christmas. Speaking of Toy Drives the two labels teamed up this year at CMG's annual Toy Drive for Chesapeake. Even though CMG flagship artist Yung Juan released a mixtape, signed distribution deal with G-man Entertainment & Fan favorite Gramz has put out singles, their influence in Chesapeake is huge especially on their annual Chesapeake Day uniting neighborhoods. They also have their hands in a back 2 school event donating supplies as well as a food drive around Thanksgiving; Salute to both labels for doing what hip hop does best impacting lives in a positive way.
@Cheesetown757 @fromdapeake IG:Brandeesh757
#23 Women for Change: KIm Wimbish & Abys
Another duo we would like to recognize is Kim Wimbish & Abys. The two are not business partners but tied at #23 due to their consistent efforts in the community. Kim’s KMK Productions does so many community events including Heart felt Gala Fundraiser for AHAlu, Walk for Cure, Downtown Thanksgiving Dinner and a list of others. She also an event planner and helps fundraisers for nonprofit organizations. She also is known helping families in need. This year Kim & Abys teamed up on a fashion show event “Youth Rip the Runway” showcasing kids of all ages at Hampton Convention Center which was a huge success. Abys also supports Parents against bullying which host a Step show & “1000 Youth March” to raise awareness about bullying. VA’s First Lady also started a boys to men mentoring summer program. Both ladies are very instrumental in wanting to see change in the community.
@KimWimbish IG: KimWimbish @iamVAs1st IG: Abysva
#22 Production Credits: Lab Ratz
Lab Ratz had a huge year in 2014. First the trio of Shells, Rock & Dre executive produced the critically acclaimed Break the Mold mixtape with P Town's finest Prano Da Yungin. The project is scored by many to be the best mixtape of the year. To top it off, the minds behind SK's Top 7 2013 Hit "In My Car", LR joined the UBL and was crowned the champion this past year defeating Da Kidd Kidd Richie Rich! Lab Ratz doesn’t miss a single UBL event and just won his grudge match vs. Sound Solutions. Lab rats is also the host of his own Beat battle weekly event in Hampton for indie producers called "Battle Throne". Add working at "The Upper Room" studios along with engineer HighLife and you have one the hardest working producers on the rise from Hampton Roads.
@Labratz757 IG: Labratz757
#21 Artist/Promotion Kings: Shane Dollar & D Wild
When it comes to Showcases, artists have taken their destiny into their own hands. No longer waiting for promoters to book them, Artists have turned into the promoters. Two artists/promoters that were very influential this year was Shane Dollar & D Wild. Suffolk's Shane Dollar started the top of the year in RTM Cypher, released A DVD/CD package of his project "Work of Heart" and briefly teamed up with Coastal Media providing duplication needs for artists. That Partnership also created a string of showcases with artists Ras Kass, Keith Murry & string of others giving artists an opportunity to meet as well as open for these artists at Sidelines. Shane Dollar also did a couple shows at the Norva this past year again extending his hand to artists to rock the big stage. Presently he has open up his own Duplication Company and is working on another project. D Wild, of Local Love Entertainment, also an artist, is the promoter to know. D wild might have put together the most shows in the area. D wild put on several shows that served as Shaggfest auditions, an annual all day event “Music Fest”, had his mixtape release party at the Norva, & is currently giving away $500 at his latest showcase series Key To The City". D wild has a vision to put VA artists on the map and every year he gets closer to that goal. Hampton Roads maybe one of toughest Markets to make an impact in, Both D Wild and Shane have proven you can make a way out of no way when the odds are against you.
@ItsyaboyDwild IG:Dwild757 @Hiphopinva IG:Shanedollar757
#20 Management/Promotion Queens: Capri, Lady A, & Misty Lee
Women have also been Multitaskers and our #20 spot holders are no different. Capri, known for her theme based shows had at least one showcase each month. Suffolk's Ambassador had her famous Birthday Show, 8 City Tour with DJ Jack of Spade (Each city had a showcase), & her now unforgettable Bricks Vs. Barz. Let’s not forget Capri also manages fan favorite LaRon Bishop currently working on a project and along with Class Reunion Muizk Family pulled off the first Annual Food Drive Turkey Bowel to raise money as well as food for those less fortune. Lady A had a string of shows this year under Headliner Ready Brand down at Shakas and also likes to give away money to the best performer. She also for a time held management duties for Kwen Bawse as well hosted a show at the Norva. Misty Lee took the scene by surprise with hugest crowd ever seen at her VA Unity Mixer. Misty Lee formed a team and was one the first promoters to do artists showcase at Aqua Lounge. She also for a time held management duties for Hampton’s “Mrinmycar" SK. All three of these ladies showed that in male driven industry Business women can still make an Impact.
@Onlee1PriCRM IG:Onlee1PRI @Ladya757 IG:LadyA757 @TheMistyLee IG:TheMistyLee
#19 Battle Rap league: Young X & the 7 Cities Shark League
Battle Rap is slowly taking over the mainstream. The 7 Cities Shark League is working hard to make sure VA is not left out. The 7 Cities Shark League’s vision is to make VA Battle Rappers house hold names on a global level. This year that goal was accomplished as P Town's own YOUNG X, given his battle rap start on 7 Cities Shark league stage, signed to Smack/URL this year after an incredible performance at proving grounds. Not only is Young X traveling from state to state battling(Saint Mic(URL),Brizz Rawsteen (URL), Unos Lavos(URL), RIO(Atalnta) & SK(St Louis to nam e a few) he currently released his mixtape “Street Musik” Volume One(Working on Volume 2) & opened for The lox this past summer. The 7 Cities Sharks is known for bringing Battle raps' biggest names to Hampton Roads and even did a Richmond vs. Hampton Roads event this year. With Ave, Squaeko, Rolla & More being looked at by all the big names in Battle Rap, It pretty much a no brainier that The 7 Cities sharks had a successful year.
@Xthereal @7citiessharks
#18 Original TV Programing: Vadio TV & BME Presents
Original Programing took over Cox & Sky 4 this year. Programs from "Spit TV", SoundCheck", "Got Talent", "Precinct 757" "Va is for Loverz" "Rep Ya Set" to "Drinking on Sunday” all made significant amounts progress this year on the small screen. It was difficult to determine who made the most impact in 2014. Eventually Longevity took the crown; Tied at #18 is Vadio TV & BME Presents. Vadio Tv was a breath fresh air as it aired episodes on community issues, united artists in cyphers and gave your stomach cramps after endless laughter at Anguz Black’s “What part of the game is that” skits. Vadio Tv, The people's show, is currently in its second season interviewing everyone from No Malice, Activist Mr. Muhammad, and a list of others. Vadio TV also tackled the subjects "Is Hip Hop Dead or just killing us" and heartfelt show on depression and suicide. BME Presents is a Top 5 video countdown show with interviews and a behind scenes look at some of biggest events in Hampton roads. Everyone from LIL Mo, Tamar Braxton, Def Loaf, DJ Jack of Spade, Doug E Fresh, The Pain & Music Cast & More has been on the show. Wrapping up their fourth season BME Presents also plays the hottest videos on their Top 5 Countdown and the staff gave away 100 turkeys to the community this thanksgiving. Both shows bring a unique look at the urban culture and this year’s TV revolution creates even more anticipation for next year’s original programing accomplishments.
@TheVadioShow IG:TheVadio @BMEPresents IG:BMEPresents
#17 Multi Media Company (TV, Radio, Events, Photographer & Artist MGT): Drinking On Sunday
Drinking on Sunday is definitely a company that changed the game in 2014. Drinking on Sunday provides several services and are showcased on several media outlets. They have a radio show on two platforms Hiphophighlights.com in Virginia & Ridindurtyradio.com in Atlanta. They have hosted open mIcs this year at several venues including Va Live, Apple Bees & Vanity. They have Mugs, shirts, and posters with brand all over it. They manage the careers of Manor slim & DJ Total Reck. They have hosted several parties at Roger Browns in Portsmouth. They have a Talk Show on Sky 4 in its second season. They just inked a deal with Marketing, Booking and Touring firm Skool Boye Agency Inc. This new deal will able the brand to host out of town events, college tours and more. THe also offer photography services. This resume is hard to top and If you were not paying attention to DOS in 2014 you might to watch these winners.
@drinkingonsunday IG:Drinkingonsunday Drinkingonsunday.com
#16 Rising Enterprise: Black Light Studio, UBL (Ultimate Beat Battle League), Gman Entertainment, Management & Distribution, & T-Rifik.
G-man Entertainment is slowly building an enterprise. Their Black Light Studio is definitely on the rise recording the G-man Roster, Double XL, ATI, Peso Dollar and lists other HR Celebrities. The Gman Brand itself has three parts to it Management, Entertainment & Distribution. The Management signed No Malice’s DJ Havoc this year and still home to Battle rapper Superstar Sal. The entertainment side signed Ghetto Chris and still current home to Synse, Intalek, & Miscelaynus. The Distribution side just released Ghetto Chris ‘s single “Stuck in My Ways” on Itunes, Newcomer Profile’s New "IKnowPro" EP is coming and a very anticipated Yung Juan project through joint venture with CMG is in the works. Ghetto Chris has the biggest debut video on the brand with placements on Vimeo, Daily Motion and list of others rarely seen by indie artist(Google It for Proof). DoT R, T-Rifik and G-man also partnered up to create the first beat battle league! THE UBL is first time indie producers have been showcased on a consistent basis with focus on being the UBL Champion. Top Mics, Ciroc, & many more guest judges have been in the building witnessing history. UBL Champion Lab Ratz, Da Kidd Ricie Rich, Sound Solutions, and many more are becoming household names because of the brand. To Top it off Super Producer T-Rifik has produced records for Fred Da Godson, Arsonal, Napoleon, Sho Flacco, Peso Dollar, Supa P, The G-man Roster and many more. He was also hired on also GMan Entertainment's President of A&R Department. With the company many departments and brand, G-man is on his way to building a strong corporation.
@UBL757 IG:UBL767 @rifik87 IG:rifik87
#15 Host/R&B King: Romonta
How did we leave the ever so talented Romonta off last year's list. VA' s Independent R&B King has has the Apollo Theater, 106 & Park, London tour & Scotland tour all on his resume. This year Romonta & His Band performed at several venues and released singles "Turn Back" & "You Can Get It". Romonta also hosts several parties and charity events. On top of that Romonta made his television on two shows this year. Hampton's Soulful Singer Hosted "Got talent and starred in reality Show in search for love on "VA is for loverz". Romonta doesn't stop working and spent his New Year's at VA Live. his greatest accomplishment this year was performing at The Diva Concert Featuring LIL Mo. We salute Romonta in all his efforts to push the envelope in his career.
IG:Romonta
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#14 DJ DC/Illamtic Beats
Picking an influential DJ was very tough this year. You have DJ Erika B appeared on Sway in The morning and competed in McDonald Flava Battle finals go head to head with other Djs in front of legendary DJ Judges like Funkmaster Flex. You have DJ Babey Drew traveling the world proving he's more than just Chris Brown's DJ and creating irresistible blendz on Z104. You have party kings DJ Punisha, DJ Chino, Mista Nice and host of others rocking club scene. So at #14 is tie between DJ DC & Illmatic Beats. Illmatic Beats had tough year with the Hot 911 being down and still was able to tear down clubs, concerts & once Hot 911 returned sounded like he never lost a beat. Illmatic Beats,a member of the DJ Crew X factor and entertains five days a week on Hot 911 with unforgettable mixes. DJ DC had huge year. For starters he went from Hot 911 to his own show on 103 Jamz. He launched his own app this year and keeps his present felt at clubs. Both DJs worked incredibly hard this year and hard to match on the wheels of steel.
@DJIllmaticbeats IG:DJIllmaticbeats @DJDC757 IG:DJDC757
#13 Media Print: Coastal Virginia Magazine
Since it debuted in November 2000 Coastal Virginia is the leading resource for arts & entertainment, fine dining, local issues and interests in the Hampton Roads area. In past years hip hop and its influence was a bit scarce; however this year with interviews with Pharrell's mother and William & Mary's Hip Hop Archive, we are starting to see signs of hope. As the area's premier lifestyle and city magazine, Coastal Virginia Magazine is the authority on living well in the Coastal Virginia region and one day maybe Coastal Virginia Magazine will do its own I 25 list of The Music culture in VA.
@Coastalvamag www.coastalvirginiamag.com
#12 Online Radio: DJ Havoc, King Blue, Satoria Nicole & The HipHopHighlights.com Online Radio Family.
HipHopHighlights.com just celebrated its 2nd year anniversary and had an unforgettable 2014. With hot 911 temporarily shut down most of the year, their was huge void to be filled. With impressive national and international listening numbers, HHH radio united the front runners in the Hampton Roads Independent entertainment market and created a platform for each movement to have a voice. Whether you thrive controversial on King Blue's show(Diligent videographer/artist) to female perspective on hip hip with Satoria Nicole(Event Host/Artist), couple therapy for cheap with Erica & Pattie's Cheap Therapy show, less talk more unforgettable mixes with DJ Havoc(No Malice's DJ), updates on the Battle world on The 7 Cities Sharks Show, Real talk with Mz Cutie pie, unforgettable interviews with Drinking on Sunday or the best of reggae with Harlem, & Miss Empress on Caribbean Nights, HHH Radio has something for everybody. RTM Radio also found its home on the format this year. with HHH Radio was home to some most unforgettable interviews, records, and played the most HR independent out any radio station this year. with independent artists finally having station to rely on to break records, run affordable promotional campaigns and receive interviews, HHH Radio's future can only become brighter.
www.hiphophighlights.com
#11 Young Money Yawn & Creative Nation
Young Money Yawn & Creative Nation seem to just being getting started. Yawn, fresh off a great year of his single "Gutta Gutta", released "Shout Out To Papi Ft Pusha T & "Waitress" featuring Juicy J to keep fans excited. YMY also saw his dream come true in the summer signing a deal to RCA by way of Grammy nominated songwriter/producer Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Entertainment imprint. Creative Nation planning on not slowing down threw Trey Songz a birthday bash hosted by Pusha T & brought Octoberfest one the biggest hip hop shows to The Scope. CN has also brought Wale, OT Gensis, Rich Homie Quan, YG, and many more to the city this year. Young Money Yawn is preparing to release hos mixtape Street Gospel II hosted by DJ Drama on January 19. This power house partnership shows no signs of letting loose their grip on Hampton Roads entertainment market.
@youngmoney_yawn IG:youngmoney_yawn @CreativeRejects IG:Creativenation757
#10 Battle Rap King: Bigg K
Battle Rap wise is safe to dub this "the Year of Bigg K'. The Norfolk native had some classic battles and victories this year on several battle league stages. K thrown vicious bars at Conceited, B Magic, Bigg Kannon, And Aye Verb...just to name a few. His skill nor longevity can longer be questioned. He also finally gave Va fans a hometown show at the scope against URL's Arsonal. After an incredible year like 2014, we only have one question for Smack & The good folks at URL, When is Bigg K going to get his Summer Madness Shot?
@BiggK757 IG: BiggK757
#9 Performance Venue: The Norva
Voted by rolling stones as the best Music venue in the world in 2013, The Norva was very influential on the independent music as well as the mainstream market by being the host of more local shows and tours than in years previous. The Norva was the home to The Jolley Brother's Glow Shows, Shane Dollar Showcases, D wild Showcases and recently Lady A has been hosting a series of shows at the venue. The Norva also served as the venue home to alot Creative Nation shows like Young Jeezy, and many more. The club with the hot tub, not to mention a sauna and game room on the premises, opened in 2000 after owner A. William Reid saw gold in Norfolk's rising downtown area. the Norva developed a reputation, drawing headliners from Prince to Dylan to Justin Timberlake. The NorVa is in the heart of Norfolk right across the street from MacArthur Mall. On October 1st, the Norva was purchased by La Based company AEG for 6.7 Million. Hopefully that doesn't change the vibe or the spirit of The Norva and 2015 will be just as huge year for the venue as 2014 was.
www.thenorva.com
#8 Sports Ambassador: Boo Williams
When it comes to youth sports conferences, nobody does it better than Boo Williams. His Sportsplex continues the tradition of hosting the biggest basketball tournaments for all ages year round. The Sportsplex host events for Cheer leading, Basketball, Track & Field, and Gymnastics. Boo's site is the first for Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) format for girls. The top 24 teams will qualify for the Nike Nationals at the end of the summer, in North Augusta, Ga. Like years prior Boo Williams opens up opportunity and creates useful activities for athletes of all ages. Williams' Hosted conferences also attach college scouts to recruit talent from the area.
www.boowilliamssportsplex.com
#7 Mainstream Pop Radio: Z104
For a moment z104 had the only live Local VA morning show, with 91.1 being down and The breakfast taking over 103. The Morning Zoo(Nick, Shaggy & Tricia) still does an amazing job with Dirty Work Wednesdays, Daily entertainment news, War of the roses and Scandal Thursdays. One highlight of the year was absolutely the community efforts of Shaggy & the crew with “the Stuff your bus” Toy Drive collecting toys for the less fortune.Collecting over a million Toys for Tots, Shaggy spends 110 straight hours on the bus traveling from city to city. They may not play many indie artists; however they provide an annual platform for them to showcase their music at the Shaggfest. From giving you exclusively like Timbaland first reaction to the Aaliyah(yes they beat everybody to it), to bringing Pharrell home for shaggfest during his biggest year in music to DJ Babey Drew's incredible mixes and blends , Z104 is still a very influential in the market.
@z104 IG:Z104fans www.z104.com
#6 Mainstream Hip Hop/R&B Radio:DJ Jack of Spade, Dominque Da Diva, DJ Bee & 103Jamz Family
With the addition of The Breakfast Club in the morning to the 103 Jamz lineup, its getting harder to touch the dial. Not to mention Dominiqe Da diva, becoming one the most notable female personalities on radio with her Topic of the day & daily news. The Va Hip Hop Scene still salutes DJ Jack Of Spade still turning clubs upside down, dropping irresistible mixes on Saturday and a hour of VA Based music on Sunday on "The Sunday Spotlight". Who can forget DJ Bee with the legal mixtape for all the hip hop heads. Then you add new comer DJ DC and is evident 103 Jamz still remains a force to be reckon with.
@103Jamz IG:103JamzRadio www.103jamz.com
#5 Rap King: Pusha T
The most influential Rapper from VA remains the same! Still Grinding hard, Many will ponder what has Pusha T done this year? Well…in the states you maybe able to argue not much with good reason, the Va Beach native has been on Tour since February with 2 Chainz overseas. That Tour run did not end until June and Playclothes, the rapper’s clothing line continues to grow and fly out of stores. Not to mention he made Virginia history by not only co signing new comer Norfolk native Young Money Yawn, but joining him on stage at Rich Homie Quan Concert Date at Willet Hall. He’s back and you know it! “Lunch Money” was leaked and now put out officially. Pusha T also wasted no time making fun of and proving his “Cash Money” Claim on his "Exodus" verses true with tweet to Lil Wayne amongst The new Orleans' rant on lack of an album release. King Push is still true to home and continues to support his hype man Va Beach’s own M Watts currently promoting new records along with his Turntable specialist DJ Rick Geez. King Push is currently working his sophomore solo album with the Neptunes, promoting his newly launched Push designed Adidas sneaker and KING Push EP. It doesn’t get more VA than Pusha T …sorry haters the crown remains on the head of GOOD Music’s most promising artist.
@PUSHA_T IG:Kingpush
#4 Comedian Icon: Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes, born in Portsmouth Virginia is the comedian to watch. The Comedian has deals with three television networks including CBS,Nickelodeon and Own. She was previously seen on several television shows over the past two years. Her comedy special "I'm Be Me" aired on HBO this past year. Skyes has inked a development deal to bring a new dating show to NIckMom coming soon. The dating show is geared at single moms and dads. This past January Oprah's Own channel picked two more editions of Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious. Sykes and Hurwitz also strike a new deal with NBC to resurrect Last Comic Standing. Sykes, A Gay Rights Activist, also appears in Amazon's Alpha House, has several movies due out next year, and is teaming up with Stand Up To Cancer/The Safeway Foundation lauching a new campaign to raise funds to raise awareness in the battle against breast cancer. With a resume that includes writing for HBO's The Chris Rock Show as well as starring in or doing voice overs for your favorite movies "Pootie Tang" Nutty Professor 2", Monster in law", "Over The Hedge" "Rio" and "Ice Age" just name a few; There shouldn't even be a question of Wanda Sykes impact and influence in the industry.
@Iamwondasykes www.wandasykes.com
#3 Sports Icon: Russell Wilson
The World was in shock last Super Bowel when Toughest defense in the NFL along with young Quarterback Russell Wilson of Seattle Seahawks lead his team to victory over the great Peyton Manny & The Denver Broncos. Wilson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio; however grew up in Richmond Virginia. Wilson was selected by the Seahawks as the 12th pick in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft and Wilson signed a four-year, $2.99 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks on May 7, 2012. Wilson has led his team to NFC Playoffs once again and their chances of making it to the big dance again are highly favored. Within Two years Wilson and The Seattle Seajhawks are prove that a little teamwork can take you far in life.
@DangeRussWilson IG:Dangerrusswilson
#2 R&B Kings: Chris Brown/Trey Songz
The Number 2 spot was very hard to narrow down so we call it a tie between R&B Kings Chris Brown & Trey Songz. Both artists are presently dominating the radio, artist guest appearances and blog gossip. Chris Brown, arguably the best male R&B performer of his generation sold 146,000 copies of his sixth album "X" released on September 16, 2014 through RCA Records. The Single “Not Loyal” Featuring Lil Wayne & “New Flame” FT Rick Ross & Usher have been dominating the charts and radio for most of 2014. Although Chris brown was faced with negative media due to his Trail, going to jail, rehab and his many relationship rumors ruling the blogs, His performances ruled the most popular music award shows this year. Currently The Tappahannock VA Native has released a joint mixtape called TRGA x BRZY with Trey Songz in Preparation for 2015 Joint Tour. The four-track offering features Brown and Songz’ remix to popular songs including “Studio” by SchoolBoy Q and “Tuesday” by ILOVEMAKONNEN.
Trey Songs ties with breezy at #2 spot having sold 105,000 copies of his sixth album “Trigga” in the first week. Trey Songz also featured on 50 Cent ‘s single “Smoke” off of the Animal Ambition Album. The Petersburg Naïve continues to dominate radio with the singles “Na Na”, “Touchin, Lovin” FT Nicki Minaj & “Foreign”. Ladies all around the world are in great anticipation for the Between The Sheets Tour & what would VA or 2014 be without Trigga or Breezy.
@chrisbrown @TreySongz IG:chrisbrownofficial IG:treysongz
#1 Music Icon: Pharrell
For the second year in a roll the number spot as most influential person is given to the irreplaceable Pharrell Williams! The Success of 2013’s single “Happy” exploded this year winning several awards and dominating radio. The super producer signed with Colombia Records and released his second studio album “GIRL” on March 3, 2014. Pharrell toured Europe in support of album, created an art show named after the album, "G I R L," at the Galerie Perrotin in Paris, France and released an unisex fragrance named after the album. Pharrell also found success with his guest appearance on Future’s “Move That Dope” Ft Pusha T, Featured on Major Lazer’s 5 song EP Apocalypse Soon, & executive produced Atlanta rapper T.I.'s ninth studio album, Paperwork. 2013’s GQ Man of The Year, starred in a short film For Chanel’s Pre-Fall show & Replaced Cee Lo on The Voice This season. As if an Oprah interview wasn’t enough, The Va Beach Native was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many question his number status last year and his success this year just proves the super producer from Virginia Beach is going to be hard to remove from the throne.
@Pharrell IG:Pharrell
We hope you enjoyed 2014 as much as we have. Congratulations to all the individuals and bussinesses above on an impressive year. Happy New Year and see you next year!
See Last year's list I-25 list of 2013
I25 list 2013
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