From Miami Bass to Military Service

DJ Matrix built his reputation in the Miami Bass and Electro scene of the mid-1990s with rhythm-driven tracks like "It's Time to Rock" and "Feel My Bass." The latter became a breakdancing competition staple, used by dancers around the world. His approach was rooted in his South Central Los Angeles upbringing, where music offered relief during difficult times, and shaped by early exposure to his mother, a singer who performed alongside Marvin Gaye and The O'Jays. Watching rehearsals at home gave him an understanding of musical discipline before he ever touched a drum machine.

A live performance by Egyptian Lover shifted his focus toward production. He began experimenting with drum machines and quickly developed a natural sense for building rhythm-driven tracks. Reflecting on that period, he notes, "That's when I realized I could move people, and that became the foundation for everything I did." But as his career gained momentum, military service and the need to provide for his growing family pulled him away. He sold his equipment and left music entirely in the mid-1990s.

Rediscovery Through Online Platforms

In the years that followed, his music continued to circulate without him. Online platforms and dedicated listeners brought his earlier work to new audiences across generations. When he eventually revisited those recordings decades later, the response surprised him. "I had no idea the music was still connecting with people," he says. "Seeing that response changed how I looked at everything." Around the same time, he reconnected with Egyptian Lover, the artist who had originally influenced his entry into music.

Remaking an Icon

"Feel My Bass (Reloaded)" is a remake of the original breakdancing anthem. When Matrix announced his comeback with "Hypnotic" last year, his fan base responded with one overwhelming request. "When I announced my comeback with 'Hypnotic' last year, my fan base kind of went nuts," said Matrix. "But what they asked, more than any other question, was if I intended to do a Feel My Bass remix. I mean, they were literally begging me to remake the song, but I was really hesitant at first because the original was so special. I wasn't sure I could produce a remake that would be as good, and I didn't want to disappoint my fans," he continued. "But I remade it, and I'm extremely happy with what I produced. I really think it's better than the original!"

His upcoming single "Drift Away," set for release on June 5, incorporates house influences while maintaining the rhythmic foundation that has defined his work. Now approaching 60 years old, Matrix is returning to a vastly expanded electronic music landscape. "I feel like I've been given another opportunity to do what I love," he explains. "This time, I have a deeper appreciation for it."