Victor D. Lombard, a serial entrepreneur and former music artist known as DIVINE, declared the establishment of a new venture this week, collaborating with RAKIM, one of the most significant figures in hip-hop.
The newly founded company is named Notes. This fintech platform is designed primarily for independent urban musicians and creators, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively manage their careers. It offers resources to assist artists in applying for loans or obtaining credit scores, as well as providing education on financial literacy and the music business through multimedia courses and comprehensive guides. Moreover, the platform features a section where artists can compose lyrics and engage with fellow creatives.
Notes includes a “digital passport” functionality, enabling users to manage their credit scores, secure loans, and utilise budgeting tools. The company collaborates with lenders and creditors, earning commissions on referral fees when users apply for loans on the platform.
Currently in beta phase, the app incorporates AI tools, featuring a voice assistant that mimics RAKIM’s voice. The official launch is anticipated by the end of February.
In a conversation with StartupSuperb, DIVINE shared that his personal experiences in the indie urban music scene and the challenges of financing a career inspired him to create this venture alongside RAKIM. It is widely acknowledged, through various media portrayals and music narratives, that entering the music industry is both difficult and costly. While only a handful of artists achieve chart success, countless others struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
He remarked that the music industry is currently set up to exploit artists through unfair contracts and limited financial resources, often compelling them into unfavourable agreements merely to survive. With a decade of experience building fintech companies, he views technology as a powerful equaliser, enabling a shift of control back to artists and creators. DIVINE previously established fintech firm BLAK, aimed at serving underbanked populations, and created Solvent, a neobank targeted at underserved communities.
Thus, he envisioned Notes as a means for musicians to educate themselves, finance their own projects, and establish careers on their own terms. He believes the present is an opportune moment for this initiative, given that indie artists and creators are growing increasingly influential while still lacking adequate financial support.
DIVINE approached RAKIM’s team with a pitch for the company, resulting in a collaboration that he believes possesses the potential for significant impact.
RAKIM, known for his membership in the hip-hop duo Eric B. & RAKIM, was influential during the golden era of hip-hop in the 1980s. Their album “Paid in Full” was recognised by Rolling Stone in 2020 as one of the Greatest Albums of All Time, notable for its innovative use of funk samples and its influence on future rap flows and lyricism.
DIVINE mentioned that he has known RAKIM for two decades, consistently admiring his commitment to artistry and principles.
He expressed his vision for Notes to extend beyond being merely a fintech platform, aspiring for it to evolve into a movement centred around empowerment and cultural authenticity. This vision, he stated, made collaborating with RAKIM a natural fit.
In this collaboration, RAKIM joins as a co-founder and advisory board member, with his son, Tahmell Griffin, also taking on an executive role within the company.
Currently, the company is self-sustained but is looking to pursue a pre-seed funding round. Notes offers both freemium and premium subscription options, aiming to generate revenue through these subscription models and referral fees. DIVINE sees this venture as the culmination of his journey through music and technology.
He envisions Notes as a platform that transforms the narrative for artists from being at the mercy of record labels to taking charge of their financial and career aspirations. If artists can utilise Notes for funding their upcoming projects, learn how to manage their music careers as a business, and leverage community collaboration for growth, then the initiative will have achieved its purpose.
