Matthew Law’s Soundtrack of Togetherness: The Revival of Friends and Family

Philadelphia has always been a city of deep musical roots, and Matthew Law is one of its torchbearers, blending the old with the new, the underground with the celebrated. As a DJ, his work is more than just mixing tracks—it’s about telling stories, celebrating culture, and bringing people together through music.

Before DJing became his calling, Matthew was deep into visual art. “Music always had a place in my life, but I really thought art was going to be my thing,” he tells me. As a kid, he attended a city-run art camp where he explored everything from painting and sculpture to silk screening and pottery. From ages 8 to 16, that was his world. But when DJing entered the picture in his teenage years, it took over. Still, that visual sensibility never left him. “I’ve always had a loosely defined aesthetic that transfers into what I do musically.”

Growing up in West Philly meant being surrounded by DJ culture. “It probably is something in the water,” Matthew jokes. His neighborhood boasts a staggering lineage of DJs—Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, DJ Aktive, King Britt—all hailing from the same 10-block radius. “Even James Poyser grew up around the corner from me, and I had no idea until last year,” he says.

This environment shaped his musical DNA, grounding him in the traditions of Philly’s legendary sound while inspiring him to carve out his own lane. For Matthew, DJing was never just a hustle. “I make money from it, but it’s not just about that,” he explains. “It’s the first thing I knew I was really, really good at. I understand the context, I’m invested in where it comes from, and I want to make my mark alongside the other DJs in the city.”

One thing he stresses to up-and-coming DJs? Build a set that goes beyond the viral moment. In a world where quick clips and trends dominate, Matthew believes in crafting something timeless. That’s why his sets tell a story—one that connects past and present, mainstream and underground, all in a way that feels intentional.

One of the ways Matthew fosters community through music is with Friends N Family or better known as FNF, his long-running event that started at Kung Fu Necktie, with its last show at Warehouse on Watts (W.O.W). Like many live events, it hit pause during the pandemic, but Matthew found a way to keep the energy alive, playing online sets to stay connected with his audience. Now, Friends and Family is making a comeback, and it’s bigger than ever.

Returning to its roots at Kung Fu Necktie, the event is poised to bring back the same spirit of unity, discovery, and celebration that made it a staple in the first place. But it’s not just about nostalgia—Matthew wants to elevate the experience. He envisions Friends and Family as a space where seasoned DJs and emerging talent come together, where music lovers of all backgrounds can vibe, and where the dancefloor becomes a place of cultural exchange.

“People have been waiting for this,” Matthew says. “There’s something special about being in a room full of people who love the music as much as you do. We’re keeping that feeling alive” With guest DJs, carefully curated sets, and a renewed energy, the return of Friends and Family isn’t just about restarting a party—it’s about reigniting a movement that thrives on authenticity and connection.

So what’s the bigger message behind his music? “It’s gonna sound like all rainbows and butterflies,” he laughs, “but it’s about togetherness.”

At the heart of every set is a celebration of Black music—not just a single genre, but the full spectrum of Black creativity across generations. “It’s important for me to mix different time periods, different styles, to show that all of it is us,” he says. “If we’re not making room for what’s considered old school or underground, we’re doing a disservice to everything we’ve contributed to music.”

Matthew keeps it simple: “Just make room for each other.” Whether in music, art, or life, he believes in lifting up those around him and honoring the work that’s come before. His sets aren’t just collections of songs—they’re conversations, invitations, and movements all in one.

Through his music, Matthew Law continues to bridge generations, celebrating the past while pushing the culture forward. And in a city like Philly, that’s exactly what a great DJ is meant to do.