Billboard producer DinDin discusses Kartel ("already worked with my dream artist"), Squash ("built differently"), and contribution to major projects
Mario 'Din Din' Hemmings
Jamaican Billboard producer Din Din, CEO of Hemton Music, has solidified his reputation in recent years, emerging as one of the top producers in the dancehall landscape.
Born Mario Hemmings, the beatmaker, hitmaker and composer from Brown’s Town in Saint Ann has been the driving force behind numerous dancehall hits since 2017. His impressive resume includes riddims such as "Hilltop Badness," "1 Option," and "G6ixx." He is also known for a string of hit singles, collaborating with Vybz Kartel, Squash, Teejay, Malie, and Masicka, among others. His most recent success, the trending "Juta," a co-production with Cash Code, has further cemented his influence in the industry.
Widely recognized as a top composer, Din Din has a close connection with dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and has played a key role in producing many of Squash's hits. His talent as a composer truly shines through his collaborations with other prominent dancehall producers, such as Shabdon Records and Attomatic, working alongside both established and rising artists.
In an exclusive interview with Kaboom Magazine, Din Din shares some of his creative secrets, discusses the undeniable impact of Vybz Kartel, the rise of the 6ixx Boss Squash, and his collaborative work with various artists.
"It’s a good feeling to know that most of these artists in the game before you acknowledge your work and willing to work with you, it motivates you to work harder and stay consistent", he shared.
Describing his talent, Din Din explained his unique approach: "My talent as a producer comes from being authentic, creative, and thinking outside the box while coming up with fresh, new ideas. When an artist hears a riddim from me, it sounds new to them and sparks a lot of inspiration."
While it's hard to count all of his productions, some of Din Din's standout achievements include Billboard recognition and Grammy nominations. He has contributed to critically acclaimed albums such as Masicka's '438' and 'G.O.K.', Teejay's I Am Chippy, Rygin King's Therapy, and every Vybz Kartel project. Most recently, his production on 'Earth & Hell', featured on Govana's sophomore album Legacy, has further showcased his talents. "It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have contributed to these successful projects, and that is always the aim," he reflected.
"Big up Govi and Vado, it’s all about energy and mutual respect. Music is a business, and you can’t put limitations on what makes sense. If it doesn’t make sense, it just doesn’t," he said when asked about being open to working with any artist. "So, it’s not just anybody—things have to align and make sense," he added, emphasizing his selective approach to collaborations.
He frequently collaborates with accliamed producer and artist manager Atto 'Attomatic' Wallace, and when Din Din talks about Atto, he highlights their chemistry. "To be honest, work is never too much when it comes to me and Atto. We're always working, always thinking about the next song, and Atto is a very hardworking youth," Din Din shared.
You can't talk to Din Din without discussing his close relationship with Vybz Kartel. Hemmings has been responsible for many of Kartel’s hits during his time behind bars, even if not all of them were released under his label’s name. "Vybz Kartel is the GOAT. He is dancehall, inspiring, and has paved the way for us as young musicians in the scene right now," Din Din reflected. On the prospect of Kartel's freedom, he added, "It was overwhelming, to be honest. Words can’t explain. Moving forward, it’s just lone greatness."
Squash, who has maintained a strong viral presence over the past few years, also works closely with Hemton. From breakout hits like "Lavish" in 2017 to the dancefloor-igniting "Ambala," which has amassed over 13 million YouTube views, to hits like "Sweepstake Life," "Spooky," and many more, their collaboration has been unstoppable. "Squash built differently. Squash is one the most hard working artist me know and work with he records himself and mix his own songs," DinDin explained. "Squash’s love for music is unexplainable, so it’s no surprise when he finds hits. He deserves every success that comes his way! Big up Squash," he added.
DinDin is becoming a highly sought-after producer, especially among the new generation of artists. When asked about which artists have caught his attention, he enthusiastically responded, "All of them, all bad! Artists like Malie, Zambie, Grim YG, Bayka, Kraff, Pablo YG, RajahWild, Kaation—just to name a few. The list is too long, but as I said, they’re all bad".
Referring to the streaming era, Din Din shared his perspective: "Whatever you put in, that’s what you get, so you can’t expect more than what you work for."
With many big releases on the horizon, he shared that he’s already achieved one of his dreams. "I’ve already worked with my dream artist, which is Vybz Kartel, but internationally, it's Drake".
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