By: Matt Emma
The legend of DJ Matrix has a new chapter. It’s called “Hypnotic.”
The new electro bass track, released this past August, is the first by DJ Matrix since the late 1980s. At that time, DJ Matrix (born Demetrius Ford) released two hit 12-inch records — the biggest being “Feel My Bass” — and then chose to step away from the music scene.
For fans in the early hip hop, electro, and “Miami bass” dance worlds, DJ Matrix had become a prominent figure. Now, he has returned with high-profile collaborations, appearances in nightclubs and record stores, and — above all — beats that seem to demonstrate that the legend is still very much alive.
Soon to be 59 years old, Ford hopes his comeback will serve as an inspiration to others. He says, “My message is, it’s never too late to make a dream come true.”
“Hypnotic” features another legend of the electro music scene, The Egyptian Lover, who was instrumental in the return of DJ Matrix by tracking him down over social media. Their collaboration includes the new single, an August trip to London to promote the single — and where Ford met the European fans he hadn’t known about — and plans for more joint tracks for an upcoming album by DJ Matrix.
At an in-store event at London’s Yo-Yo Records, fans were able to bring out their original vinyl for DJ Matrix to sign. They were also able to purchase limited edition blue vinyl copies of “Hypnotic.”
For the most part, Ford is meeting his fans for the first time. Decades ago, he decided to leave the music world to embark on a long and winding career that included serving in the military, being an investment banker, and owning two minor league professional basketball franchises, which included an ABA team with NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler.
He says, “Musically, I’ve been hibernating for almost 40 years. 99% of the people who listen to my songs don’t even know what I look like because I released my earlier music while I was serving in the military and was never able to perform many live performances. I’ve never really been able to experience it like I’m experiencing it now.”
With his upcoming music, DJ Matrix is looking to stay true to his signature sound while also experimenting with hints of other genres, like house and hip-hop. Think of it as a hybrid approach that combines his old school bass beats and vocoder effects.
“I have to walk that tightrope,” he says, “to make sure that I don’t alienate my longtime fan base or cause people to second-guess my comeback. I only released two songs before I had to leave the industry, and both were crazy successful dance songs, but I feel I have more to offer to the generations of music lovers that came after DJ Matrix disappeared.”
With the focus on “Hypnotic” in 2025, fans can look forward to another single and a full album in 2026. On those upcoming projects, he plans to include more high-profile collaborations with The Egyptian Lover and others.
After a lifetime of success in the military and finance, Demetrius Ford has improbably returned to his first dream. Although he didn’t expect to be here, he is embracing every moment. “I feel like a teenager again,” he says. “Music has given me new life and new purpose. I’m living the dream I first dreamt nearly four decades ago. I truly feel blessed.”
For anyone thinking that dreams have expiration dates, DJ Matrix provides a powerful reminder that it’s never too late, even for a legend.
Listen to “Hypnotic” and follow DJ Matrix at the links below:
