DJing is often associated with hip-hop and dance music, but the D.C. based Fort Knox Five are a different kind of DJ group. They mix funk, reggae and of course some hip-hop elements to create a unique and captivating sound.

Fort Knox Five started in 2003 when, ironically only four people, Steve Raskin, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Sid Barcelona got together to play and even made their own record label, Fort Knox Recordings. As their career progressed, they began touring with acts such as Gwen Stefani and The Black Eyed Peas and were selected to remix some Bob Marley tracks as well. And all before recording their first album.

That album, “Radio Free D.C.”, came out in 2008. This was their attempt to pay tribute to the city they started in, our very own Washington D.C. It incorporates funk (“Funk For Peace”), soul, reggae (“The Wonder Strikes Again”) , hip-hop and punk elements, all of which D.C. is known for. The musicians featured on the album are all from D.C. as well.

Fort Knox Five provides epic dance tunes and are highly recommended as they jump around many different genres, you‰’re sure to find something you‰’re into. Although they have gained international fame, they stay loyal to D.C. as they are playing Tropicalia on November 3^rd and U Street Music Hall Nov. 21.

By Nick Looney