Nanci O Is Hip Hop

Roanoke, Virginia’s Poe Mack and Case Jones aka DJ VanGundy (collectively known as Mack Jones Media) have been presenting the Middle East Micfest Tours since 2004.

Roanoke, VA is not an area known for hip hop, so they started the tour with their own money and used it as a way to spread their music throughout the Southeast. Every Spring and Fall, the Middle East Micfest Tour would make stops at venues in GA, NC, and VA, with local artists from the respective city on the bill.

Last June when I interviewed 9th Wonder, he talked about building a new Middle East movement where artists, producers, video directors, etc who reside in NC, VA and MD link up to collaborate on projects, concerts and more. 9th Wonder mentioned the movement eventually growing to a point where conferences and larger events take place. One main idea is for those who reside in these repective states, build up a presence that would no longer be over looked by the industry. Well it looks like the Middle East movement is gaining momentum. Beginning next month, 9th Wonder’s IWWMG record label is linking up with Mack Jones Media for the 2011 Middle East Micfest Tour. The 2011 Middle East Micfest Tour will feature IWWMG artists Rapsody, Big Remo, Actual Proof, Halo, and more from JAMLA in addition to local artists from NC and VA. The tour begins in Virginia (Poe Mack’s home state) on June 3 and concludes in NC August 6.

Much respect to Mack Jones Media for investing, building and believing in their brand. Here are local artists, from an area not known for hip hop (Roanoke, VA) that consistently built up a movement to the point where an established brand (9th Wonder), is collaborating with them.

More information about the tour can be found at www.micfesttour.com.