Serial Founder DIVINE Unveils Groundbreaking Creator App Featuring Hip-Hop Legend RAKIM

Victor D. Lombard, also known as DIVINE, a serial entrepreneur and former recording artist, has made waves this week with the announcement of his new fintech company, launched in partnership with the legendary hip-hop artist RAKIM. This innovative platform, named **Notes**, aims to revolutionize how independent urban musicians and creators manage their careers.

Introducing Notes: Empowering Independent Musicians

Notes is designed specifically for independent urban musicians and offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to help artists navigate their careers. Key features of the platform include:

• Financial Literacy: Multimedia courses and guides on music business education.
• Career Management Tools: Resources for applying for loans and accessing credit scores.
• Creative Collaboration: A feature allowing artists to write lyrics and connect with peers.

Innovative Features of the Notes App

One standout feature is the **digital passport**, which enables users to:

• Track credit scores.
• Access loans.
• Utilize budgeting tools.

Notes partners with various lenders and earns commissions through referral fees when users apply for loans via the platform. Currently in beta, the app includes AI tools, featuring an AI voice assistant modeled after RAKIM, with a full launch anticipated by the end of February.

Addressing Challenges in the Music Industry

In a conversation with TechCrunch, DIVINE shared that his motivation for launching Notes stems from his personal experiences in the indie urban music scene. He emphasized the difficulties artists face in funding their careers, stating:

“The music industry, as it stands, is structured to take advantage of artists through exploitative contracts and limited financial resources.”

With over ten years of experience building fintech companies, DIVINE views technology as a means to empower artists, allowing them to regain control over their careers. His previous ventures include BLAK, which focused on underserved communities, and Solvent, a neobank aimed at providing financial services to those in need.

The Partnership with RAKIM

DIVINE’s collaboration with RAKIM, a pivotal figure in hip-hop history, enhances the platform’s credibility and outreach. RAKIM, known for his groundbreaking work in the hip-hop group Eric B. & RAKIM, has been a source of inspiration for DIVINE for two decades. He stated:

“When I started ideating Notes, I knew it had to be more than just a fintech platform. It had to be a movement rooted in the values of empowerment and cultural authenticity.”

RAKIM has joined Notes as a co-founder and advisory board member, bringing his invaluable experience and insights to the company. His son, Tahmell Griffin, also holds an executive position within the organization.

Future Plans for Notes

Currently self-funded, Notes is actively seeking a pre-seed round of investment to accelerate its growth. The company offers both freemium and premium subscription models, aiming to generate revenue through these memberships and referral fees.

DIVINE’s vision for Notes is clear: “I want Notes to shift the narrative from artists being exploited by record labels to artists owning their financial future and career success.” By empowering musicians to secure funding for their projects and learn to run their careers as businesses, Notes aspires to redefine the music industry landscape.

For more information about Notes and its offerings, visit their official website at notesapp.com.