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Kon
For Keeps
Kon is one half of super crate digging duo Kon & Amir. So you know the odd sample here and there? That’s nice. These guys have been doing it for a real long minute and are the definition of a walking, talking library of sampling history, why else would Complex put them to the task of compiling 50 of their favourite samples? We speak to Kon on whether hip-hop still gets him excited, the first sample to spark the endless dig and that Complex list.
What’s good Kon? For those that ain't know, what's up with you?
I’m back on my feet, loving life and making it happen...
Where were you when you got the call to compile the 50 greatest hip-hop samples of all time? Were you down on the idea straight away or did it seem to epic a task?
I was in my kitchen. I actually had nothing to do with it... I was a bit busy, so Amir picked the list. I found out his picks during the phone interview and I gave a backdrop to each one. I think Amir left out some very important samples.
No list will ever be perfect, and its just Amirs opinion anyway.
Your touring Aus, is it a strictly vinyl affair or are you fucking with Serato these days?
I still buy tons of vinyl but I Don’t take much with me due to luggage costs and I’ll never check my vinyl... I know too many DJs who have had their shit stolen.
What are your thoughts on the digital age of DJing? How do you think it's affected the art of DJing?
It’s a double-edged sword. Keep in mind house DJs have been using cdjs long before Serato... although the playing field is now level. I think now it’s important to make custom remixes and edits… just for your self and a select few. Sort of like getting that white label test press only back in the days.
So much of the contemporary hip-hop landscape is now not based on sampled music are you still able to relate to the genre as it currently stands?
I really don’t listen to much new hip-hop, not just because there’s not much sampling going on, but honestly... the rhymes, flows, concepts and so on... are tired. Not much originality going on. How many more times can I hear about a club, a bottle, hoes, whips and jewelry?
Are there any Australian produced records that your on the lookout for while your out here?
Well see when I get there.
What was the first song that made you go, 'I need to know that sample' and was that the beginning of the dig?
Nobody Beats The Biz for the drums, I already knew the Steve Miller joint, and Peter Piper for Bob James. This was about 85-86.
Do you think the dig will ever end for you? Will there ever be a time where you think 'that's it, I'm done'?
It never ends, there’s always more.
What can we expect from a Kon set in 2010? How have your performances changed over the years?
Expect a bit of everything, hip-hop, disco, soul, funk, house, breaks, latin etc. I play any music that’s good, obscure and well known. Its changed allot because now I’m not limited to just the vinyl I used to bring out.
What else have you got coming up that we should know about? Got any shoutouts for anyone out there?
Working on some new records and production with Ben Westbeech, also doing tons of remix/edits. Shouts to DJ Sheep and everybody else whose been following what Amir and I have been doing.
Kon keeps his blog playin4keeps updated on the regular and its a great insight into the music behind the music, so add it to your bookmarks.
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