Revolutionizing the Music Industry: Notes is Here to Empower Artists

Serial entrepreneur and recording artist Victor Lombard, aka DIVINE, just dropped a BOMBSHELL announcement. Teaming up with hip-hop icon Rakim, they’ve launched Notes—a fintech app designed to empower independent urban musicians and creators. This isn’t just another app; it’s a MOVEMENT.

Notes is packed with tools to help artists take control of their careers. Think financial literacy courses, step-by-step guides on monetizing music, and even a feature to write lyrics and collaborate with peers. But here’s the kicker: it includes a “digital passport” that tracks credit scores, offers budget tools, and connects users with lenders. Oh, and did we mention it has an AI voice assistant powered by Rakim’s iconic voice? Yeah, it’s THAT cool.

“The music industry is structured to exploit artists. Notes is here to flip the script and give power back to the creators.”

— DIVINE

Why This Matters

Breaking into the music industry is a BATTLE. For every chart-topping artist, there are thousands struggling to make ends meet. DIVINE knows this firsthand. After a decade in fintech—founding companies like BLAK and Solvent—he saw technology as the ultimate equalizer. Notes is his way of leveling the playing field.

• Financial Literacy: Multimedia courses and guides to help artists manage money and monetize their craft.
• Digital Passport: Track credit scores, access loans, and use budgeting tools—all in one place.
• AI-Powered Collaboration: Write lyrics, connect with peers, and get advice from Rakim’s AI voice assistant.

Rakim Joins the Fight

Rakim, one-half of the legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim, isn’t just a co-founder—he’s a symbol of authenticity and empowerment. His album Paid in Full revolutionized hip-hop, and now he’s bringing that same energy to Notes. “This isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement rooted in cultural authenticity,” DIVINE said.

“When I started ideating Notes, I knew it had to be more than just a fintech platform. It had to be a movement.”

— DIVINE

How It Works

Notes operates on a freemium model, with premium subscriptions offering advanced features. The app earns through referral fees when users apply for loans via the platform. Currently in beta, the full launch is set for late February 2025.

The Vision

DIVINE’s mission is clear: shift the narrative from exploitation to empowerment. “If an artist can use Notes to fund their next album, learn to run their career as a business, and grow through community collaboration, then we’ve succeeded,” he said.

This isn’t just an app—it’s a REVOLUTION. And with DIVINE and Rakim at the helm, the future of independent music has never looked brighter.