Before now, I never envisioned myself writing a piece like this. But, I've always been passionate about journaling, and I thought this would be a great way to loop people like yourself into what I'm building with "We Them Niggas." Originally conceived as a podcast, things have shifted-- as my journey into the realm of Web 3.0 has taught me the importance of prioritizing community over content creation.
This summer, I have been actively participating in a research DAO known as the Water and Music Discord. Although there is some debate surrounding whether or not they truly qualify as a DAO, from my experience, they seem to operate as such. Their position as a DAO is displayed through their community-driven approach, consisting of an open platform where anyone can collaborate to understand the convergence of Web 3.0 and the music industry.
…I realize I have jumped right in without a proper introduction. I'm Maceo Whatley-- freshly out of college with a BA in Moral Psychology from Franklin and Marshall located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Around the time I chose my major, I also decided to pursue rapping-- inspired by talents like G Herbo, Young MA, Lil Dicky, and Juice WRLD. Since January 2021 I've been honing my freestyling skills, creating cherished memories with those close to me-- from family to my college friends. Amidst this, I had been contemplating ways to contribute positively to the music industry, leading to the inception of "The We Them Niggas Podcast." Now, It's more than a “show”—it's a platform for empowerment, recognition, and inspiration.
My dream has always been to chart my own path and enable those around me to chase their passions. "We Them Niggas" embodies this spirit— existing as a community that fosters belonging while equipping members to make a significant impact, regardless of interests and passions.
I've nurtured this vision for over a year, and it is now time to bring these thoughts to the forefront.
Journaling has always been therapeutic for me, and I approach this write-up in a similar vein. I'm eager to share my exploration of Web 3.0's implications for independent artists and the broader creator economy. This venture is a window into my quest to navigate our complex world, as I strive to understand diverse perspectives and bring them to the forefront of Web 3.0 and its capabilities. My hope is that the essence of this project resonates with everyone I collaborate with. Do connect with me on Twitter and catch my Podcast on streaming platforms. I'm embarking on this journey as a community architect, and I'd love your insights.-- I’m all ears!
Warm regards,
Maceo Whatley
P.S. Check out my initial NFTs. If they resonate with you, feel free to mint. One captures a freestyle session from early 2023 in Manhattan with Chris Edelman (prodby Gekko). The other one is a sneak peek into my podcast before its official launch.
Freestyle Rap:
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Podcast Trailer:
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