I first met Kon, one half of world renowned DJ duo Kon and Amir, when he played at my monthly "FUTURECLASSIC" at the infamous Poleng Lounge in SF back in 2009. As a DJ, Kon epitomized the party, which bridged the gap between the past, present, and future of the funk.  I've been a fan of Kon and Amir since the Uncle Junior's Friday Fish Fry "The Cleaning" days, a mix that literally opened my ears to soulful disco and funk perfection.

While many cats know Kon for his rare musical selections and unearthing forgotten gems, he's not called one of "The Kings of Diggin'" for nothing. From hip-hop, house, disco, to yacht rock even, Kon has many styles, not to mention some of the most sought after re-edits in the game…just ask Gilles Peterson. The last time Kon rocked with us at SFNY, he blew our minds with his set and got the dance floor burning with many of his own unreleased productions...as well as some heavy re-imaginations of iconic soul tracks. We're lucky enough to bring him back to play SFNY Social Club in Manhattan this fall, and we can't wait to hear what's in his bag this time around! - Marky, SFNY Connect. Interview by Patrick King Most Diaz.

You're a proud representative of Boston. Musically, how does being from Boston relate to New York City? San Francisco? 

Growing up, people have often times assumed I was from NYC. I have family in Queens and have been coming to NYC since I was about five.

I would ride the trains in NYC when they still were covered in graffiti. I started writing in 1983, and when I would come back to Boston, style-wise, I was ahead of the curve. That applies to rap music as well. I would tape Red Alert and Marley Marl/Mr.Magic shows. I was blessed to have caught all the "World Premiere" broadcasts of Kool G. Rap's "It's a Demo," UltraMagnetic MC's "Ego Trippin'," and "Funky."

 

Nobody had those jams yet in Boston…you'd have to wait months 'til it hit up here. As for San Francisco, I can't really say much except it's said that SF is Boston's sister city. I love SF - amazing homes, people, food, music...the only thing I don't like is looking at palm trees in the cold. 

How do you think other big cities like New York or Philadelphia have influenced Boston's music scene? Is there a sense of being pro-Boston or anti-NYC/Philly/etc?

Bostonians have a sense of pride like no other, and that's aside from our die hard sports fans (craziest in the world) and the fact that this is a title town. Actually, I wish NYC and Philly had more of an influence on Boston; the cities are so close. We've always had an amazing live band scene, which at the moment is nuts.

Within the context of hip hop, one has to look hard to find Boston's innovators, trend setters, and style pioneers. There's not many, but a few very important people have come from Boston...New Edition, The Cars, Aerosmith, and one of my favorite MC's ever, Guru (RIP), as well as T.D.S. Mob, and Edo G.

And on the b-boy tip you have one of the most internationally respected and recognized crews in the world... "The Floor Lords" (shouts to Leanski, Lean Rock, and the Legendary Float). Float was in the movie Krush Groove and was also down with the o.g. NYC breakers. As far as music outside the realm of hip hop...historically, Boston's jazz scene is no joke. Anybody who was somebody has rocked here and we also have the Berklee College of Music. Also note that James Brown saved Boston from going up in flames...talk about power!

Give us a your honest take on Boston's nightlife. Do you face any particular challenges with being known for spinning disco and rare groove?

Not really much to talk about. Too many clones, everything here is late...lots of followers and cookie cutting..people too busy trying to fit in and not stand out...It's a transient city; the biggest college town in the USA where "Becky and Brad" run shit.

I'm known for playing disco/dance music here only to the folks that understand it, which is a very small group of people. As a DJ, I rock all styles of music and have been holding down a Saturday night party for 6 years....at which you may hear anything from Billy Joel to Mobb Deep to Moodymann. 

What is Boston's best kept musical secret?

I'm still trying to figure that out.

Classics w/ DJ Kon happens every 1st and 3rd Saturday in Boston.

SFNY Connect presents SFNY Social Club

Music by KM/FM • Shred One • Kon • Waajeed • Chairman Mao

Enjoy a special performance courtesy of The Harlem School of The Arts.

Hosted by The Mighty G-Man • Sponsored by Wax Poetics, Société Perrier and Goorin Bros.

Sunday 25 September 2011 • Manhattan • Doors 2pm Show 3pm

Hudson • 356 W. 58th • Manhattan • RSVP to ensure entry.