Combining several genres including hip-hop, R&B, and pop into her unique musical approach, Nia Dinero isn’t looking to be like anyone else. She strives to stand apart by being herself in all she does.
How would you describe your unique approach to creating music?
My unique approach to creating music has always been based on my love and understanding of “structure” for music.
Whether I’m creating myself or collaborating, the process has to feel right and ultimately make sense to me, who I am, and where I come from. I grew up listening to so many genres of music and learned the value of a powerful hook and Pre – hook growing up on 2000s Pop and R&B. My rapping style is charismatic and sits well in melody while leaving room for me to be creative in my overall style I call “Hip-Pop.” The music tells me what to do and what it needs, “Add this adlib,” “add this drop,” I have to connect to the record in order to put it together like a puzzle.
When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a music career seriously?
I first realized that I wanted to pursue music seriously in College. I attended Norfolk State University and met a producer named “Dreamz” on campus who saw a video of me rapping for fun on YouTube. At the time, I was an on-air personality for our college station WNSB Hot91.1, and initially, I did not want to rap lol. Dreamz convinced me to pick up the mic and wrote a song for me that same day called “SwaggaChick.” nI later performed the song during the college talent show and received so much love! … It was a wrap after that!
Tell us some of the people who have influenced or inspired you in your musical journey?
Some people who have influenced and inspired me musically are artists like Queen Latifah, Left Eye, EVE, Missy Elliot, Fergie, Nipsey Hussle, Jay Z, Beyonce, and H.E.R. They all have diverse styles of music, but you know their voice and sound when you hear it. They are all unique and well-respected artists for their work and accomplishments in the music business.
Your single “Birthday” was well-received; what do you think made it connect with so many listeners?
I think my single “Birthday” connected with so many people because it simply just felt good. My intentions were to make this record feel good during a confusing time for all of us. I created my “EP” titled “Just For Now” during the pandemic, and “Birthday” was released because we wanted people to feel re-emerging energy. Times were hard then and still are for so many, so I wanted the single and visual to feel good and take you away to a dope house party with the people you love.
“Birthday” was meant to look and feel like a celebration. I invited friends and family to be a part of the video shoot where many of us hadn’t been together since the beginning of the pandemic, and together we birthed the energy of reclaiming our own hope and time and just having fun with this record. “Birthday” showcases a classic Hip-Hop flow on a dope track, and listeners have been loving it.
How do you feel about the way hip hop has crossed over into pop music? Do you see it as a positive thing?
I think all genres at the moment are merging into other genres, including Hip-Hop, Pop, EDM, and country. The root of most music stems from both Hip-Hop and R&B culture, and most artists want to tap into the distinct elements of “Popular music” that help them to “crossover.” At the end of the day, you have to know who you are, where you want to go, and what you want to do to know if the merge is right for you and your style.
What is the inspiration for your forthcoming visual album?
The inspiration for my Visual album “Just For Now” was based on my own personal experiences in love, life, and relationships. The message behind the project is to love yourself and your journey. We can’t be afraid to bet on yourself to get what you truly deserve. Trust your process.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself enjoying More Life! (hopefully with my Husband, lol) … But 5 years from now, I want to have gained experience both in leading acting roles and performing on BIG stages; I want to build a successful empire that extends within and outside of the music industry.
Be’n Original
