'5 Questions With': Dice Ailes

EQ: Hi Dice, welcome to EQUATE. First off, your stage name is interesting. Can you tell us a little about how it came to be? Also, how are Dice and Shasha different – do you ever feel the need to separate the two?

Thank you for having me. The inspiration behind the name Dice Ailes is not too far-fetched. Just like a die, I have different sides to my music and the brand in general. However, for the Ailes it’s simply a wordplay on my surname, Aleshinloye.

I like to just have that air of mystery around Dice. Just keeping my private life private is important.

EQ: You’ve essentially grown up across the world, from Canada (where you were born), to Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, back to Canada, then Nigeria again. How did the merging of all these cultures come together to shape your artistry?

I really love to travel and take in cultures and this has contributed to my versatile taste in music, fashion and even food. It has made me an all round entertainer.

EQ: You just released your absolute banger of a track “Money Dance” and the visuals too. It’s such a bop, and it’s already making us think about summer. What was your creative process like on the project (both song & visuals)?

I just wanted to do a fun song that you could play anywhere and anytime. From the clubs, to the wedding receptions and more, I made Money Dance for every occasion.

EQ: You’ve collaborated with some great names in the industry such as Kwesi Arthur, Olamide, Ice Prince and Yung6ix. What has it meant for you to work with such a range of peers on incredible tracks, and also if you could collaborate with only one person, who would it be and why?

Collaboration for me is key and that’s why I am selective when it comes to it. I love when our spirits are aligned and it just feels right.

I would definitely love to work with Drake someday because he’s someone who has taken things beyond just hip-hop. He is an entertainer.

EQ: With already such a huge track to kick off the year what can we expect from you the rest of 2021? Are there any EQUATE exclusives you can let us in on?

Let’s not let the cat of the bag just yet. The best is yet to come.