Andy’s Picks
Andy Cerutti has been in the DC music scene for over 25 years with a passion for all genres. He began 2tuff in DC, bringing the first major Drum & Bass shows to the Baltimore area with DJ Slant. 2Tuff just celebrated TWENTY YEARS of serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia music scene. He is currently active in the DC scene with a variety of artists ranging from Reggae to D&B to Funk to World music. Andy felt a final Top 5 video countdown would be the best way for him to conclude his 2014 contributions to the site.
#1. Funky DC – Asheru & The Funk Ark
Washington, DC’s first ever Funk Parade was held in May of 2014 and this killer music video was shot there with both Asheru and The Funk Parade, as well as the Ballou Senior High School Marching band. This song and video represents DC to the fullest, from Asheru’s neighborhood shout-lyrics to Ben’s Chili Bowl and so much more.
#2. Queen of Sheba – See-I feat. Edy Blu
See-I released a new album in 2014, Knowledge Shine Bright, and Queen of Sheba is one of my favorite tracks from the new LP. Both the song and music video feature DC’s own Edy Blu, who sizzles in the most sultry way. See-I continues to tour across the USA and manages to hold down its Reggae Wednesdays residency at the Eighteenth Street Lounge in DC as well.
#3. I Believe – SOJA, Michael Franti & Nahko
Quickly becoming the biggest thing out of DC, SOJA have been touring the entire world this year in support of their new album “Amid the Noise and Haste.” The new album is full of gems and features quite a few big name collaborations, including Michael Franti and Nahko Bear on the uplifting track “I Believe.”
#4. Back to Basics – Dub FX & CAde feat. Talib Kweli
I have only included one non-DC artist on this list and for good reason, Dub FX has been maintaining a heavy touring schedule and continues to blow up on a global scale. The Australian native started as a street performer and is now playing the largest festivals and stages worldwide. He filmed this sick video with a cast of lyricists and musicians atop a bus driving around Austin during SXSW 2014, a must see video.
#5. No Matter Where You Go – Asheru feat. Wayna
Asheru has had an amazing year and you can expect to hear a lot more from him next year too. Touring and performing in South Africa and Costa Rica this year were highlights, only outdone by an extended trip to Bangladesh with the US Department of State as a US Hip-Hop Cultural Ambassador! While in Costa Rica Asheru filmed this music video in lush tropical locales from the capital of San Jose to Limon on the Caribbean coast. The video is full of amazing people, breakdancing, scenery and even a sloth!