Ethiopian-Eritrean rapper Heno. grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland, on the nexus of a number of worlds. As an honor roll scholar with road smarts, Heno skilled each the privileges and injustices of his atmosphere. His household’s house was positioned subsequent to his elementary and center faculties, a library, and a police station — a mixture of locations that will form his perspective on life.
As a baby, Heno. explains that one in all his earliest reminiscences concerned a traumatic encounter with the police once they unlawfully entered his residence, shining a flashlight and pointing a gun at him. He says he was additionally wrongfully accused of promoting medicine in first grade and handcuffed. These occasions influenced his perspective on life and his place in it and contributed to his consciousness of the excessive incarceration charges in Maryland.
Right now, Heno. is utilizing his artwork and blockchain expertise to create significant influence in his life, the lives of his ever-growing digital group, and in his communities within the U.S. and Ethiopia.
Social change by means of artist empowerment
In his upcoming album, I’m Tired of Being Hypersurveilled, Heno. intends to name consideration to problems with racism, police brutality, psychological well being, and privateness. “Each facet of the digital world is monitored to some extent,” Heno. explains on the venture web site. “I really feel a lot safer offline and off the grid. […] I’m uninterested in hypersurveillance.”
And it isn’t nearly these platforms accessing our telephone data, monetary data, and facial recognition knowledge, he explains, it’s additionally concerning the methods they revenue off customers. Social media customers can construct followings by sharing day by day content material, however in doing so, they’re additionally creating worth for the platform.
In accordance with Heno., blockchain expertise is especially well-suited to fight these issues. “[In Web2,] we submit our content material, however we don’t personal it. In Web3, we personal all the pieces,” he mentioned in an interview with nft now.
However Heno.’s artwork isn’t simply centered on elevating consciousness about such points, it additionally instantly contributes to social change. Proceeds from his drops go to The Bail Mission, Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform, and the Baltimore Motion Authorized Group, making a tangible influence on the lives of individuals in his residence state. Additional, as a volunteer for Wegene Ethiopian Foundation, Heno. helped open a data middle in Ethiopia, offering laptop labs and different expertise to native kids.
These endeavors are a big a part of why he believes he’s made a reputation for himself in Web3. “Individuals care extra concerning the intention behind a venture in Web3 than within the conventional music business,” he mentioned. “As soon as I figured that out, I knew I’d discovered the suitable place.”
The monetary advantages of blockchain expertise
Although Heno. sees himself within the “proper place,” his profession initially started in web2. His transition into Web3 highlights the benefits of belief and transparency that blockchain expertise affords artists.
“I come from the normal music business, the place I paid 1000’s of {dollars} to draft contracts to do enterprise with individuals,” Heno. defined. “If I want 20 pages of clauses to do enterprise with you, possibly we shouldn’t be working collectively.” In distinction, sensible contracts allow artists to collaborate and conduct enterprise with out the necessity for complicated authorized agreements or intermediaries.
Heno. additionally emphasizes the significance of every artist understanding their compensation and possession, which blockchain expertise makes extra clear and accessible. This ease of entry empowers artists to take management of their careers and monetary futures, thus enabling their continued creative expression.
“Clearly, I receives a commission extra in Web3 than I acquired paid for streaming numbers,” he mentioned in an interview with nft now. “That’s nice, however that’s the short-sighted profit.” Having the liberty to decide on each his monetary and artistic path is a privilege he wouldn’t have loved beneath a standard file contract.
Many artists grapple with imposter syndrome, assuming they should accept much less and depend on bigger entities to succeed. Heno’s expertise in Web3 proves that this isn’t the case. “I believe when individuals see you serving to your self, they wish to help you extra,” he mentioned. By means of Web3, Heno. has been capable of construct relationships with individuals instantly, fostering a supportive group and connecting with audiences on a deeper degree.
Heno. additionally notes the significance of humility and studying in constructing group in Web3. Given the technological studying curve, artists should method the area with a real want to be taught and adapt. This mindset has been one in all Heno.’s most vital belongings, permitting him to evolve alongside the quickly altering panorama. His want to be taught has helped him collaborate with artists like Mick Jenkins, JPEGMAFIA, Chaz Bear, and extra.
By means of his collaborations with the group and his want to drive social change, he has managed to create a singular digital world round his music. Of specific significance is a brief movie titled In the Meantime, which was launched as a collection of NFTs on March 22.
Heno.’s purpose is to create paintings that stimulates conversations, fosters connections, and facilitates transformation. Whereas driving social change by means of their craft is definitely essential, artists should additionally champion themselves. One methodology to attain that is by experimenting in Web3.
He believes blockchain expertise permits him to interrupt down his work into digestible items, making it extra accessible and interesting for audiences. By pushing the boundaries of what’s attainable in Web3 and leveraging the distinctive alternatives it presents, Heno. and different artists can proceed to drive social change by means of their artwork, but in addition by means of advocating for themselves.