Trending:

EXCLUSIVE! Rapper Dino James opens up about social media's impact on music; says his goal is to work with AR Rahman

Dino James is a rapper, singer and producer who has been one of the main driving forces behind the artform getting significant traction in India. We recently caught up with the artist to speak about his journey, future goals and the Def Jam association.

Varun Krishan

Updated Sep 29, 2022, 15:46 IST

EXCLUSIVE Rapper Dino James opens up about social medias impact on music says his goal is to work with AR Rahman

As the popularity of Hip-Hop music in India is at an all-time high, an increasingly large number of Indian listeners are getting exposed to the culture.

Dino James is a rapper, singer and producer who has been one of the main driving forces behind the artform getting significant traction in India.

Dino James entered the spotlight back in 2016 with his song Girlfriend. Since then, he has made music that motivates, inspires and more importantly allows listeners to relate to the heartbreak, dreams and aspirations of a common man.

Hip-Hop music is now more popular than ever.

For the unversed, Dino James signed a contract with Def Jam India earlier this year and has also announced his debut album which will be released worldwide via the noted music label. We recently caught up with Dino to speak about his journey, future goals and the Def Jam association.

1. How did the Def-Jam association take place?

I had labels reach out to me in the past too. But signing a contract with Def Jam came with a sense of pride, especially considering the roster of artists that it caters to internationally.

2. How is it being signed to a label vs doing it on your own?

When you are creating music independently, it is all about self-belief. On the other hand, when you are working with a label, it is like a group of people believe and invest in you.

3. Do you have a set pattern that you follow when releasing songs?

No, I just go with my gut. If I create a record that deserves a video, that's when the pattern and planning come into the picture. Like I recently dropped a song called MEHBOOBA with AAKASH which was a very gut-driven decision.

4. Are any collaborations on the way?

To be honest, I’m not into collaborations at the moment because I feel a lot of my stories need me and not a collaborator. But this year I am going all out collaborating and some of it is already on the way sooner than you might expect.

Dino James signed a contract with Def Jam India earlier this year.

5. What can we expect from you this year?

More Indian-infused music, more live shows, more experience-based lyricism and some major moves that I can't disclose, because it is still in the paperwork phase.

6. Who are your top 5 rappers of all time?

Eminem, Lil Wayne, J.Cole, Kendrick and Jay Z

7. Who is your favourite Indian rapper?

Divine and Emiway are my go-to Indian rappers because they stick to their respective styles.

8. Who is the next big thing in Indian hip hop?

There are too many to name and a lot to be discovered, to be honest.

9. What is your take on diss tracks in Desi Hip-hop? Do you think it's good for the culture?

The Indian audience is still not used to real rap music and they see it as a source of entertainment and not a source of inspiration. One day I think the audience will get over it and the real music will surface and survive.

10. Tell us about your journey in Hip Hop? When did you start rapping?

I started rapping 5-6 years ago and it was all random because I never thought of rapping or making a career in music. Listen to my song ON THE ROCKS where I give a glimpse of how I ended up rapping. Now the road map is laid and I’m working on going all out.

11. As one of the most popular rappers in India, do you wish to foray into Bollywood?

I have been blessed to work in Bollywood already and more tracks are on the way. The last one was with my homie

B.Praak in the movie Tadap and soon you will hear more of me in Bollywood too. The goal is to work with AR Rahman one day.

The artist came into the limelight back in 2016.

12. Did your family always support your decision of making music for a living?

My family is still coming to terms with me being an entertainer/rapper but now they do support me in any way they can, because they see what Hip Hop can do.

13. How was life before you became famous?

I come from a humble background which has seen its lowest lows too, but the drive to overcome the obstacles was enough of a reason to create music.

14. How difficult is it to get popular in India where every decision you make is bound to get scrutinized by peeps on social media?

It is difficult but at times your music will speak for you and at times you have to speak up for it on social media. The algorithm is not in our hands but promoting our work is. Also, we can't avoid scrutiny as it is a given in the entertainment business.

15. How does social media affect the rap scene in India?

It is sad but content on social media is more prominent than music these days. I try to keep my focus on music creation and let my management run the social media part of things for me.

16. What advice would you like to give to youngsters who wanna make a career in rapping?

Stay in your lane and be consistent, that's my idea of making it work

Latest News