What is Notes by Rakim? Details explored as rapper launches new fintech app

Rapper Rakim, aka William Michael Griffin Jr., has ventured into the field of finance and technology with the launch of his new app, Notes. The app was launched in collaboration with Divine to make monetary affairs easier for artists. Notes tries to connect artists with effective finance management.

Notes combines Rakim's cultural influence with advanced technology to empower urban music creatives by providing tools for financial and career growth.

The platform offers members access to financial resources, including connections to loan and credit providers, alongside AI-powered educational content focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

A unique feature of this app is that it has an “Ask RA” option that allows one to get their queries answered and get guidance in the rapper’s voice. Besides that, Notes makes it easier for artists to achieve financial stability. Speaking about his vision with the app in a press release, Rakim said:

“Independent urban music artists and creators often struggle to gain financial stability despite their market impact. With Notes, we’re building a community and lifestyle-driven platform that combines cultural connection, technology, and empowerment to give them the tools they need to thrive.”

Rakim aims to tackle financial challenges by offering educational tools and support through the app. As mentioned, the app was created in collaboration with Divine, the rapper's old associate. Together, they seek to create a platform that uses modern technology to empower urban creators.

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Rakim’s Notes is a step towards empowering the next generation

Notes bridges fintech, urban music, and the creator economy combining expertise in music, entrepreneurship, and technology to empower urban music creatives of the upcoming generation. According to the press release, the platform addresses long-standing challenges faced by artists in underserved communities.

Moreover, upcoming plans include offering business banking, payment services, cryptocurrency options, and more to enhance user value. Rakim’s message on the app’s official website says:

“With Notes, getting ‘paid in full’ is beyond just the money, it’s also about the knowledge and understanding of the urban music game from a position of being conscious of how it all works as a business, and how to leverage that to thrive and succeed as independent urban music artists and creators.”

Rakim's Notes also has an Instagram page (@notestechnology) which released a video about the launch on January 27, 2025. The video begins with the question “What’s the price of a dream?” and then follows to explain the contributions, toiling, and efforts to create music and turn it into a legacy.

The video then explains the role of Notes and reiterates the message that it is more than just a fintech platform. The voiceover says it’s a place to make money as the app empowers artists and creators. Besides financial literacy, the app provides entrepreneurship insights to musicians who want to turn their craft into a meaningful avenue.

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Early access is provided through a waitlist that interested users can join via notestechnology.com. Upon visiting the website, users must fill in information like name, email address, phone number, country, and other details.