Victor D. Lombard, also known as former recording artist DIVINE, has teamed up with legendary hip-hop artist Rakim to launch Notes, a fintech platform aimed at empowering independent urban musicians and creators. The new venture provides essential tools to help artists manage their careers, offering resources for applying for loans, tracking credit scores, and gaining financial literacy. Notes also offers courses on music business education and financial management, alongside a feature that allows users to write lyrics and collaborate with peers.
The platform’s standout feature, a “digital passport,” allows users to track their credit scores and access financial tools, including loans. The app, currently in beta, integrates AI-powered features, including a voice assistant voiced by Rakim himself, and is set to fully launch at the end of February.
DIVINE, whose previous experience includes founding fintech companies like BLAK and Solvent, drew on his firsthand knowledge of the struggles indie urban artists face. He recognized the industry’s tendency to exploit artists, leading him to create Notes as a means of providing financial independence and control to musicians. Rakim’s involvement, as a co-founder and advisory board member, adds credibility and influence to the platform, given his storied career in hip-hop.
“We want Notes to be more than just a fintech tool,” DIVINE explained. “It’s a movement focused on empowerment and cultural authenticity, allowing artists to build careers on their own terms.”
Currently self-funded, Notes seeks a pre-seed round to expand its operations. The platform offers both freemium and premium subscription models and aims to generate revenue through memberships and referral fees. As the platform continues to evolve, DIVINE envisions Notes as a critical resource for indie artists looking to finance their music and gain business knowledge, ultimately shifting the narrative from exploitation to ownership in the music industry.
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