26 years of Releasing Appalachian Hip Hop in West Virginia – 2026 Soundvizion Media WV Anthems

monstalung
May 19, 2026

I moved back to Morgantown, WV, in 1999 with the intention of making music with my younger brother, Lionel, also known as 6’6 240 or Jumbo Green. Our goal was to create music that the youth of West Virginia could take pride in—something they could truly call their own. We wanted to emphasize Appalachian life and state pride for West Virginia in our lyrics and songs.

We established the hip-hop label Soundvizion Recordingz with a clear mission: to distribute hip-hop music from a West Virginia perspective. Over the years, Soundvizion has successfully fulfilled this mission through our talented artists, including 304 Reconz, 6’6 240, Monstalung, Ace Beanz, Johnny Harmonic, A-Breezy, and many others. With our 26-year reunion show coming up next month on June 19 at 123 Pleasant St., we wanted to release a compilation that highlights our work over the years and demonstrates our commitment to West Virginia hip-hop.

This compilation album features 22 songs from these artists, showcasing their love and pride for West Virginia. The first song released on the label was “Knock Knock” by 304 Reconz in 1999. In this track, Monstalung samples the phone operator stating, “the number of your last incoming call was 304” at the beginning. Member 6’6 240 then raps, “I bet you won’t skip this state NO More,” marking the start of their movement. A few years later, Soundvizion garnered radio play on WVAQ, thanks to local DJ Sean Nice and Program Director Lacy Neff (R.I.P.), with the song “Welcome to West Virginia.” However, it was the 2008 song “Gold and Blue” by 6’6 240, dedicated to the West Virginia University football team, that became a state favorite, played on radio stations and at tailgates across West Virginia on game days.

“This album reflects our love for West Virginia and Appalachian pride,” says Monstalung. “It was important for us to represent our lifestyle and how we take care of each other in these hills.”

For information on the Soundvizion 26 Years Reunion Show https://www.facebook.com/events/872039652577081