 
Each issue we chart the globe in search of the next hot spots
for talent. Since we are in so many diferent markets we get
the unique opportunity to view most of these movements on
the grass roots level. Our Marketwatch section strives to shed
ligth on producers, clubs, artists, and designers that are making
moves to become a household name. Remember where you
heard their names first.
What do Missy, Timbaland, Pharrell, Fam-Lay, Clipse, Wu Syndicate, Nicole Wray, Quan, Hannon, and Nottz all have in common? They all call the region of Southeast Virginia known as the 7 Cities their home. Some of them you may know better than others, and each has made their way into the game through different avenues. Each one is a powerhouse in their own right and it shows how much of a musical influence this region of VA has on the entire music industry. From producers to artists, the 7 Cities has been a chart topper for little over a decade.
The 7 cities are home to 1.4 million people spread between Norfolk, Newport News aka BadNewz, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Va Beach, and Portsmouth. For every Missy and Timbaland there are countless other emcees, producers, dancers, singers and more artists that never get the light of day. Though the region has much musical influence, very little of that every reaches back to find the next big VA artist. Often those who make it from the 7 Cities move on to find talent elsewhere. If they did stop to look though, they would find enough talent to fill any major label roster. Independent Labels such as Major Movement, Hood Platinum, G Man, C.U.N.A. Minute, RMG and Nex N Line are dropping nothing but fire on the market place. Their rosters are full of acts like Supa Star Sal, Los C, Double XL, Biggz, Bishop, and Grandson, who all drop tracks worthy of national radio play.
To give them a boost locally artists are turning to the DJ to get a buzz going. One DJ in particular is 103 Jamz DJ Jack of Spades. He helps local VA acts with his radio program called the Sunday Spotlight. This show gives VA artists a chance to get some exposure over the airwaves. Local artists also seek out the support of other DJs such as DJ Karee, DJ Bee and M$. Blendz.
The 7 Cities has potential to burst onto the major music scene but it has its share of issues. The lack of a cohesive movement is the big picture as each city struggles to find its own identity. To combat this artists and labels are collaborating much more as hey see the benefit of strength in numbers. Another problem is that there are many artists and labels without a clear direction for their music, no professional management and a no solid budget to cover the basics of marketing.& promotion.
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