A Conversation with OTF Producer DJ FMCT: Overcoming Doubt, Solidifying His Spot On the OTF Team, and his Forthcoming Album.

In just the past four years, DJ FMCT has swiftly exceeded the expectations of his hometown, the small city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with Billboard charting singles and platinum records and millions of streams. Not only has the young producer been able to institute a movement for himself alongside the OTF family, but he has assembled a star-studded catalog with hitmakers such as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty, Lil Zay Osama, and more. In this interview, D JFMCT speaks on his love for music blossoming from his father’s past career as a DJ, courageously chasing after his position on Lil Durk’s primary production team, assembling his forthcoming album “DEVOTED,” and who he envisions on his next body of work.

What genres of music best describe your sound? 

FMCT: “I have an eclectic sound because all genres appeal to me. Those include Latin music, rap/hip hop, and old school, among others, have been instrumental in creating my sound.”

When did you begin producing? 

FMCT: “I began professionally producing in 2019, but realistically, I have been producing since a very young age. I used to collaborate with my dad, who would DJ all of our family gatherings, and from there, my love of music was born.”

What year changed everything for you? 

FMCT: “The year 2020 is when everything changed for me. That was the year my first official placement (Denied in the UK) came out with Chicago’s Rap Sensation Lil Durk.

Do you remember your first prominent placement? What’s the story behind that? 

FMCT: “Yes. I do remember. It was a pinnacle moment in my life. It was the night of May 25, 2020, when I received a call from DJ Bandz, Lil Durk’s DJ. He had informed me that Durk had recorded a song on my beat and was intending on dropping it on the album Just Cause Yall Waited 2 DELUXE in June. It was then I realized my life wouldn’t be the same.” 

Tell me about your association with Lil Durk and his camp. How did you lock that in?

FMCT: “I am signed to OTF as one of Lil Durk’s leading producers. How I locked in is a long story that can best be summarized by saying that in an interview I watched on Montreal TV of Murda Beats, he mentioned that he would go on Twitter and DM the individuals that the artists would follow, which then led to him being in direct contact with the artist such as The Migos. I then applied that same method to Instagram, where I contacted Lil Durks’ closest people, such as Boona, Boonie Moe, and Zoo. I provided numerous beats, one of which was specifically heard by Boonie Moe. Who, in turn, sent the beat of Denied in the UK to Durk. Then, I received a call from DJ Bandz and Lil Durk DJ, saying they wanted to both sign me to OTF.  A relationship was born, and well…the rest is history.” 

Suppose you could only introduce yourself to someone with one song in your catalog. What song would it be? 

FMCT: “I would say “Smoking and Thinking” by Lil Durk.”

What inspired you to put out a body of work you could call your own?

FMCT: “I would say that I have been inspired by many reasons, both in listening to music and producing, that led to my decision to put out my own body of work. But I would say, primarily, because I feel I could better showcase my eclectic sound as a producer through a body of work that includes the myriad of relationships I have established with different artists with different sounds. Artists such as Lil Durk, G-herbo, Esparo, Kalanfrfr, Don Q, etc.”

What is your dream album lineup? 

FMCT: “Future, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Drake, Durk, Lil Baby, Anuel AA, and Hunxho, among many others”. 

How important is it for producers to shift from beat makers to executive producers? 

FMCT: “I think it is essential for beatmakers to shift to executive producers because it showcases the true musicianship that the beatmakers have and can genuinely catapult their careers beyond just beat-making.”

What is your dream album lineup? 

FMCT: “Future, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Drake, Durk, Lil Baby, Anuel AA, and Hunxho, among many others”. 

What is the most challenging part of being a producer in 2023? 

FMCT:  “To be honest, I feel the most challenging part is being able to make a name for yourself as a reputable producer. Sadly, a downside to this producing business is that if you do not have a solidified and reputable name, the opportunity to produce with different artists can be limited.”

Follow DJ FMCT on Instagram @_DJFMCT, and look out for his upcoming album “DEVOTED” this winter.