Virginia Icons Pharrell & Pusha-T Honored

• iHeartMedia Urban WOWI (103 Jamz) and Urban AC 92.1 The Beat (WHBT-HD2)/Norfolk announced that two local luminaries — Pharrell Williams and Pusha-T — will receive the first-ever “7Cities Icon Award” as part of the stations’ 4th Annual Best of the 7Cities contest.

Williams’ (left) accolades span music, fashion, TV, movies, philanthropy and more. Each year he also hosts the Something In The Water Festival, a three-day concert event in his hometown of Virginia Beach. Terrence “Pusha-T” Thornton (right) has been representing the Norfolk area as a high-caliber MC for more than two decades, first making a name for himself as part of Clipse with his brother Gene “No Malice” Thornton.

“These two have been in the public eye representing Virginia and the 757 for a long time,” said DJ Fountz, PD of 103 Jamz & 92.1 The Beat. “They know that the people here are proud of them, so as program director of the stations, I feel that it’s only right that we officially give them their flowers while I have the opportunity to do it.” Both Pharrell’s and Pusha T’s acceptance speech videos can be viewed online at 103jamz.com and thebeatva.com or on the stations’ social media platforms @103jamzradio and @thebeatva.

For the past four years, 103 Jamz & 92.1 The Beat have held the “Best of the 7Cities” contest to find the best local talent and businesses in the Norfolk area and honor them with a “Best of the 7Cities” award. Categories range from “Best Barbershop” and “Best Soul Food Spot” to “Best Local Athlete” and “Best Pastor.” Nominees are submitted by listeners and winners are also chosen by listeners based on the finalists in each category.