VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The 757 is well-known for the big name stars that grew up here -- from athletes like Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith to musicians like Pharrell, Missy Elliot and Pusha T.
What's even more incredible than their success is their willingness to give back.
The latest homegrown celebrity to make positive change is Pusha T. However, long before Pusha T became known as "King Push" he was Terrance Thornton growing up in Virginia Beach.
"Hey you can support the guy who grew up across the street from you, he's actually really good and it's okay to support him," the Grammy nominated artist told News 3's Erin Miller in a one-on-one interview.
Even as his fame topped the charts, his roots stayed planted in the 757.
Along with former NBA star Ricky Davis, The Ricky Davis Legacy Foundation (TRDLF) and music industry veteran Tony Draper, Pusha T hosted the Feed Your City Challenge in Norfolk.
News 3 cameras were there as volunteers fed over 3,000 people with fresh groceries and handed out PPE.
Pusha T said it was a monumental moment in Virginia's history that he hope sparks a forward movement, "we hope that this is a continuous cycle, we hope that, you know, people see everything that we're doing and take a little bit from it."
His next big plan is to fully launch his record label, Heir Wave Music Group. As a project they have been working on for just about two years, Pusha T wants much of the talent to come from Hampton Roads and across Virginia.
He recently just erected a new billboard in Norfolk on Colonial Ave and 26th St. that he's hoping will help spread the word.
"It just lets people know on a daily basis that this is really close to home and you can make it from right here. You can be great right here and it starts right here," he said.
Heir Wave Music Group is also making a splash 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 the people to be able to recognize their artists," he said.
The goal is to establish Virginia as the "place to be" for artists and not just those in the musical arena.
Pusha T said in the past, to gain recognition, artists would need to travel to LA, New York or Atlanta. He wants to have the infrastructure set up, such as radio and distribution, 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 just think 'oh artists.' Like no we’re finding new engineers for the area who actually engineer the session, were finding kids who have an ear for music so there's an A&R aspect."
Aside from giving resources to those trying to make it big, Pusha T is also planning other boots-on-the ground efforts to give back once his group can pinpoint the biggest need.
"It shows the community that this is the way and it's all right here," he said.
