A New Digital Experience Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
Today marks the launch of The Cultureverse, a new digital experience created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music. This collaboration between retail giant Walmart and Web3 creative studio POCLab aims to pay homage to hip-hop pioneers and explore their journey and impact. The Cultureverse is an immersive gamified experience that combines representation, diversity, and emerging technology.
POCLab, co-founded by Simone Berry and Akbar Hamid, focuses on leveraging technology to create meaningful brand experiences. The Cultureverse is a new vertical developed by POCLab in partnership with Walmart to increase visual representation and provide access to emerging technology.
Walmart’s Venture into the Metaverse
The Cultureverse is Walmart’s latest venture into the metaverse. In 2022, the retail giant launched “Walmart Land” and “Universe of Play” on the Roblox platform. Last year, Walmart also partnered with Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media to launch the Black & Unlimited Digital Development program.
In The Cultureverse, hosted on the Spatial platform that supports Ethereum NFTs, visitors can explore exhibits like the Art of Sound gallery showcasing digital hip-hop art and artist stories. There are also panels at the Main Stage sponsored by Walmart, where influential voices in hip-hop share their insights. Additionally, users can immerse themselves in hip-hop fashion history at the Sound of Style and discover ’90s black-owned brands through a virtual popup.
Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Roots and Influence
Hip-hop originated in the early 1970s in New York City and has become a cultural and musical phenomenon. Some of its early pioneers include Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, MC Sha-Rock, and The Sugarhill Gang. The Cultureverse aims to celebrate the rich history and impact of hip-hop.
While the initial hype around the metaverse may have subsided, the concept of connecting people in virtual worlds remains important to developers and content creators. The Cultureverse provides a platform for fans to connect with their favorite artists and music.
Hot Take: A Fusion of Hip-Hop, Fashion, and Innovation
The Cultureverse not only celebrates hip-hop music but also showcases the brands that played a crucial role in its development. These brands have become pioneers in both fashion and innovation within The Cultureverse. Walmart’s collaboration with POCLab demonstrates its commitment to providing access, driving belonging, and empowering the black community in both real life and the virtual realm.
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