Another year has come and gone. 2009 will always be remembered as a historical year. It’s the year the United States inaugurated it’s first Black President. It’s the year that saw a surprising number of celebrity deaths including the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It was also the year that saw the nationwide release of the biggest DMV rap star to date, Wale, a rapper who stayed true to the area’s go-go roots.

With all that was going on elsewhere in the world, the go-go world may have laid the foundation in 2009 for a big 2010. 2009 was a huge year for go-go with nationwide exposure of the area’s sound through MTV awards show performances, BET special performances, and the nationwide release of a music video. It is only fitting that we recap this year with my annual awards for the go-go genre based on my observations, experiences, and opinions.

Band of the Year: UCB

Building on the success of Wale, UCB aka the Uncalled 4 Band bka Uncalled 4 Experience, catapulted themselves onto the national scene last year with the aforementioned performances. UCB went into 2009 with a national base due to the success of their previous hit “Sexy Lady” and previous performances across the nation. 2009 saw this band perform at the MTV VMA Awards, a BET special for Wale, and on numerous tour dates on Jay-Z’s recent tour. The past year also included the release of their music video for “Pat Your Weaves” featuring Wale. 2010 and beyond I expect HUGE things from this band!

Song of the Year: “Swagg Beat” by Reaction Band

“We swaggin but yall bouncin!” yelled by Reaction Bad lead mic, Rick Ross on this track basically sums up why I picked this song for song of the year. While the majority of bands today are still perfecting or building on their bounce beat and slow bounce, Reaction took the go-go genre a step into the future with the swagg beat. On the 09 Summer Grind CD, Reaction introduced the Swagg Beat to the world (or at least the DMV). I can’t remember the last time (if ever) I heard a flute/piccolo used in a go-go song. From what I’ve seen the bands that make it big seem to create something never heard before or improve on something that has. Reaction took that step in my opinion with the swagg beat. I’m still in the process of analyzing exactly what makes up the swagg beat but I am sure its something other bands are already imitating.

R&B Cover of the Year: “Point of It all“, “Alright“, “Golden Time of Day” by Backyard Band

This selection was simple but difficult at the same time. I knew the winner should be one of the covers from Backyard’s 10-10-09 CD. However, I couldn’t decide which one was number one. Because these are MY awards I’m going with all three. For more about those songs and the CD, read my review here.

Bounce Beat Song of the Year: “Rock and Roll Bounce Beat” by W.H.A.T.? Band

Similar to the Swagg Beat, W.H.A.T.?’s song brings something new to go-go. While i’m sure its been attempted before, I think this is the best attempt to infuse rock and roll and go-go. The guitar on this song would probably make Jimi Hendrix smile. I want to play this song for an avid rock and roll fan with no knowledge of go-go to see what they think of it. I also like the shots taken at some of the other bounce beat bands in the song. As long as it’s kept professional, I think competition between bands is always a win for the fans.

Up and Coming Band of the Year: TOB

TOB made big moves as a band in 2008 and it continued in the past year. Their sound seems to mature with every CD. It’s always been interesting to see a band grow up in front of your very ears and continue working to perfect their craft. In 2009, TOB added a female singer, increasing their versatility. Their pockets have also improved dramatically and seem to be progressing to the next level. Their remake of “Bum Joint” seems to define how far they’ve come as a band. Their versions of “Sexual Healing” and “Before I Let Go” show that the band infuses an old soul with the bounce beat popularity in go-go today. Barring any crazy unforeseen circumstances, I expect TOB to continue to improve and elevate their status in go-go.

CD of the Year: W.H.A.T.? Band 8/29/09

This CD seemed to be the definition of go-go music. From past to present this CD from W.H.A.T.? Band incorporated all of the aspects of go-go from covers, to pockets, to bounce beats, to the slow bounce. Not only does W.H.A.T.? do all of this, but they do it all well. I don’t think anybody can compare to Rockin Rob on the timbales. Honestly, had it not been for UCB’s massive push nationwide, W.H.A.T.? Band would have been band of the year off of this CD alone.

Who would you pick as you’re winners in these categories for 2009? What are your predictions for go-go in 2010?