DJ Scheme Dreams of Simpler Times on “Homesick” Video
DJ Scheme specializes in collaboration, his genuine ability to connect and foster electric chemistry through music put him at the center for Florida’s rap renaissance. Scheme cherishes the friendships and community he’s built throughout the years, it’s the essence of his recently released debut album FAMILY, but the pain of losing two of his closest friends, Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion, will always leave gaps in his heart. Recruiting vocals from Zacari and production from Skrillex, DJ Scheme shares the video for “Homesick.” Dedicated to the memory of his two friends, “Homesick” is a nostalgic representation of the young artists in their purest forms, having fun and playing in the schoolyard as children. Zacari’s somber, heartfelt vocals perfectly capture the earnest sentiment of the opening track off of the album, as the young boys brighten the sidewalk with ‘FAMILY’ in chalk.
“Together In Our Most Pure Forms The Way It Should Be,” wrote Scheme in a recent Instagram post.
A celebration of musical kinship, FAMILY explores how creative partnerships can create deep familial connections and reinforce a sense of community. Scheme had a hand in the production on each of the project’s 17 tracks, creating a diverse, yet cohesive flow that echoes Scheme’s invigorating DJ sets at Rolling Loud and elsewhere. Throughout the project, Scheme proves to be a natural at finding the hidden chemistry in unexpected partnerships, as well as finding new avenues to explore the South Florida sound that took rap by storm. On “Blue Bills,” Scheme combines Florida rapper $NOT and L.A. standout Fenix Flexin of Shoreline Mafia, who prove to be perfect sparring partners above a propulsive and bassy beat. Recent single “Soda” (over 3.3 million Spotify streams) connects unlikely kindred spirits Cordae and Ski Mask The Slump God over a stomping piano-led beat by Scheme and Take A Daytrip. Scheme also finds new angles for artists who share similar styles, creating a smoothed-out West Coast riders’ anthem for Lil Mosey & Ty Dolla $ign (“Bussin’ Out”) and reuniting Ski Mask, Lil Yachty and Danny Towers for “E-ER,” a spirited sequel to their Gold-selling collab “How You Feel” (which also appears on the project).
Scheme’s collaborators also inspired the 23-year-old artist to add new elements to his production. The soul-sampling cut “Trust Nobody (2 My Brothers)” provides a pristine, traditionalist canvas for Joey Bada$$, while iann dior has a vocal showcase atop gently arpeggiated acoustic guitars on “Baby.” Album opener “Homesick” enlists the aid of Skrillex and Zacari uses airy synths, tasteful guitar, and swelling vocal choirs to achieve a mournful, gospel-adjacent tone. Despite the stylistic expansions, Scheme aims to satisfy longtime fans with trunk-rattling productions, like the towering instrumental offered to Lil Keed on “Top Of The Mountain,” and punchy trap bangers like “Zebra” ft. Jackboy and Danny Towers.
An ambitious debut for the multi-talented DJ/Producer/Artist, FAMILY establishes Scheme as a tastemaker with a distinct aesthetic and a wide musical range. Featuring additional appearances from Lil Gnar, Shakewell, TheHxliday, Tes-X, and more, FAMILY is available everywhere via Scheme Records/EMPIRE.
Buy/Stream FAMILY: https://music.empi.re/family
FAMILY Tracklist:
1. Homesick ft. Zacari & Skrillex
2. Trust Nobody (2 My Brothers) ft. Joey Bada$$
3. Thor’s Hammer Worthy feat. Ski Mask the Slump God & ZillaKami
4. E-ER ft. Ski Mask, Danny Towers & Lil Yachty
5. Bussin’ Out ft. Lil Mosey & Ty Dolla $ign
6. Soda ft. Ski Mask & Cordae
7. Splurgin ft. Lil Gnar & Shakewell
8. Baby ft. iann dior
9. Fallin 4 U ft. TheHxliday
10. It’s Alright ft. Tes X
11. Blue Bills ft. $NOT & Fenix Flexin
12. How You Feel ft. Danny Towers, Ski Mask The Slump God & Lil Yachty
13. Zebra ft. Jackboy & Danny Towers
14. 3 Sum ft. Robb Bank$
15. Top Of The Mountain ft. Lil Keed
16. Feel ft. Cris Dinero & G.Wakai
17. Piece Of My Heart