#WatchNow: Rapper Dino James Drops Truth Bombs on Hennessy Freestyle Podcast

“I still don’t know how all of this has happened to someone like me, who knew absolutely nothing – whether it was making songs or writing. But the goddess of hip-hop has chosen me and I am very grateful,” says Dino James thinking aloud as we get ready to roll the cameras for a very special episode of India’s ultimate hip-hop podcast, Hennessy Freestyle. Even as he dismisses his own talent nonchalantly, something vital has clearly struck the Mumbai rapper – maybe a new realization or an epiphany – because he shares the same sentiment once again, this time with his die-hard fans at his album launch gig in Mumbai. “I had moved to Bombay and I didn’t have a job, I was running from pillar to post. There was a time when I didn’t know what to tell my dad. Which is why, I was to thank the universe for choosing me,” said James. 

The rapper and breakout hip-hop artist makes a spectacular appearance on the second episode of the six-part series Hennessy Freestyle presented by Rolling Stone India and Hennessy. Hosted by Rolling Stone India’s Executive Editor Nirmika Singh, the upcoming episodes feature no holds-barred conversations with artists like Kr$na and Fotty Seven (New Delhi), Dee MC (Mumbai) as well as Karma (Dehradun.). The inaugural episode featured rap icon and hip-hop mentor Raftaar.  Hennessy was the first brand to understand the power of hip-hop and the genre’s philosophy. As the years passed by, the relationship deepened, manifesting to become synonymous with the genre. Today, it’s almost impossible to talk about hip-hop without Hennessy.

Born and raised in Bhopal, M.P., James shot to underground fame with his debut music video “Girlfriend” back in 2016. A hip-hop tell-all about a relationship gone sour, the song struck an immediate chord with an audience that was perhaps waiting for emo hip-hop. Almost of his subsequent releases – “Thanks a lot,” “Tujhe Meri Yaadein,” and “Plastic” – hinged on pain and betrayal, paving the way for the rapper to be hailed for his emotional quotient as much as his witty verses. 

Hennessy was the first brand to understand the power of hip-hop and the genre’s philosophy. As the years passed by, the relationship deepened, manifesting to become synonymous with the genre. Today, it’s almost impossible to talk about hip-hop without Hennessy

On Hennessy Freestyle, James drops his guard to discuss how this year has been crucial for him in more ways than one – he got signed to Def Jam India, the India leg of the iconic American hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings which traces its roots back to 1984, boasting a roster comprising Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Rihanna and more. The Mumbai rapper also released two seminal songs – “Lost” and “Chosen’ – which further cemented his image as a pathbreaking artist. More recently, James released his debut album titled D which consolidates his honest artistry in quite the package. He says, “This album represents my untold story which was private up until now. People grow, evolve and change but this album is about not forgetting where we come from.”

(Hennessy Freestyle Podcast is for viewing by those aged 25 and above only. Drink Hennessy responsibly)