Rakim is Taking Hip-Hop Into the Future — and the Fintech World

Hip-hop legend Rakim is taking his influence far beyond the music studio, stepping into the world of financial technology with the launch of Notes Technology, an AI-powered fintech platform designed to empower artists with financial tools, capital access, and financial literacy education (source: AfroTech).

Nearly 40 years after revolutionizing rap, Rakim remains a force in music, having released his studio album G.O.D.’s Network in 2024. Now, he is bringing that pioneering spirit to the fintech space, creating a platform that gives independent artists the tools to take control of their careers and finances. Notes Technology aims to bridge the gap between music, technology, and finance, offering access to loan and credit providers, AI-driven financial education, and digital tools to manage income, investments, and capital.

“With Notes, getting ‘paid in full’ is beyond just the money,” Rakim explained. “It’s also about the knowledge and understanding of the urban music game, knowing how the business works, and leveraging that insight to thrive as independent artists and creators.”

A standout feature of Notes is an AI-powered voice assistant modeled after Rakim himself, guiding users through financial decisions and strategies. The platform plans to expand further, offering business banking, debit cards, peer-to-peer payment services, and even cryptocurrency solutions to help artists navigate the modern financial landscape.

“Independent urban music artists often struggle to achieve financial stability despite their market impact,” Rakim said. “Notes combines cultural connection, technology, and empowerment to give them the tools they need to thrive.”

The initiative gains additional strength through a partnership with Divine Lombard, fellow rap pioneer and fintech entrepreneur who founded Solvent, the world’s first “super neobank” in 2022. Lombard emphasized, “Partnering with Rakim to create Notes is an unprecedented opportunity to empower and support artists and creators in the urban community who have been underserved and exploited for too long.”

For artists and creators seeking financial independence, Notes Technology opens doors to a new era where culture, business, and technology intersect. By equipping artists with knowledge, capital access, and digital tools, Rakim is ensuring that the next generation of hip-hop talent can succeed both creatively and financially. Those interested in joining the platform can sign up for the waitlist today, stepping into a future where hip-hop and fintech meet.