[FEATURE] MY FAVOURITE MIXTAPE: DINA AYADA

Hailing from Belgium with fluency in five languages, 19-year-old Moroccan artist Dina Ayada creates music inspired by a deep appreciation for American hip-hop but informed by a global vision, earning co-signs from Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Ty Dolla $ign, Swae Lee, Chase B, French Montana. VIPER caught up with her to hear all about her favourite mixtape ever…

What’s your favourite mixtape ever? 

Live. Love. ASAP – A$AP Rocky

Why is it so significant to you? 

As a 19-year-old artist, I was only eight years old when A$AP Rocky released ‘Live. Love. ASAP.’ Back in elementary school, when I was just starting to get into music, this mixtape made a big impact on me. A$AP Rocky’s unique style and sound stood out, and it sparked my interest in exploring my own creativity. It was also the combination of everything around this project that spoke to me: the music, the energy, the fashion, … just how it all came together. Even though I was young when I first heard it, ‘Live. Love. ASAP’ has stuck with me as I’ve grown as an artist. It’s like a musical time capsule that reminds me of my early days and the diverse possibilities in Hip Hop. A$AP Rocky’s way of blending different sounds has influenced how I approach my own music. So, for me, this mixtape is not just about the past, it’s a source of inspiration for my present and future in music. It’s a connection to where I started and a reminder of the endless possibilities in the world of Hip Hop. 

Were there any artists or producers that you discovered through this tape? 

Absolutely. ‘Live. Love. ASAP’ opened my ears to a whole new world of artists and producers. It was my introduction to the unique sounds of A$AP Rocky himself, of course. Additionally, it led me to discover other talented people in the Hip Hop scene who contributed to the mixtape and it sparked my interest in their individual styles and production techniques. The tape was like a gateway for me, discovering creative minds that I’ve continued to explore and draw inspiration from in my own journey. 

Where exactly were you when you heard the mixtape for the first time? 

I have this memory of just being in my room after school and playing this project. It made me feel very relaxed at that time. The music became the soundtrack to that period of my life. 

Did it come into your life at a significant time? 

Yes, ‘Live. Love. ASAP’ came into my life at a time when I often found myself alone at school, feeling a bit different from my peers. The mixtape became more than just music, it became a kind of companion during those moments of solitude. A$AP Rocky’s unique style and the vibe of the mixtape resonated with me, providing a sense of connection and understanding that I might not have found elsewhere. It’s amazing how music has the power to be that for people. I hope my music can have a similar impact for others. 

How did the mixtape cover make you feel? 

The mixtape cover really caught my attention. It looked cool and the pictures on it matched the feel of the music inside. I liked how it set the mood for listening to the songs. It made the whole experience more interesting and made me feel connected to the music in a visual way.

Describe the mixtape in three words? 

Creative, Interesting and Emotional. 

What song is your personal favourite? 

‘Peso’ and ‘Purple Swag’ still find their way into my playlist from time to time. These tracks in my opinion, set the tone for Rocky’s smooth and fresh New York style. They showcased a uniqueness that he brought to the table, and it was clear even then that he was offering something distinct and innovative to the culture. 

If you could put a price on this mixtape, how much would you pay?

Priceless.

Did you have a physical copy?
No. 

No? Which is your favourite that you have a physical copy of? 

‘Days Before Rodeo’ – Travis Scott