Hip-Hop is a genre that helped in shaping many lives and cultures. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2023. To mark the milestone, Walmart partnered with People of Crypto Lab (POClab) to launch Cultureverse, an immersive, gamified atmosphere within the Spatial metaverse. Cultureverse strives to pay homage to the pioneers of Hip-Hop while diving deep into the genre’s evolution and its far-reaching effect on music, art, and fashion.
Enhancing Marginalized Communities: The Mission By POClab
People of Crypto Lab is commonly known as POClab. It has been working relentlessly to highlight marginalized communities and introduce change via meaningful digital links. Cultureverse works as an extension of the mission. Apart from celebrating cultural heritage, this project insists on the importance of innovation and inclusivity.
The co-founder of POClab, Simone Berry, highlighted the initiative’s ethos in a statement, stating:
“This collaboration with Walmart’s Black & Unlimited aims to inspire a new generation of Black creators and foster an environment of innovation and inclusivity while continuing our mission to drive meaningful digital connections between brands and consumers.”
The Role Of Walmart And Other Partners
Walmart is a considerable partner in this venture, and it is leveraging its Black & Unlimited platform to empower Black makers, creators, and entrepreneurs. Besides that, the yearly hip-hop music festival, Rock the Bells, is another partner that supports Cultureverse. Together, they are now working on custom programming and distinct partnerships that strive to inspire a new generation of Black innovators while making a physical world impact.
Cultureverse, which is set to launch in September, will offer its participants a wide range of resources, including training, technology, and consultation. The primary purpose is to develop equitable and sustainable opportunities for everyone involved.
The Future Of The Metaverse
Cultureverse represents one of the many ways that the metaverse can serve as a platform for meaningful and immersive experiences. As the digital world keeps evolving, it opens various doors for effectively addressing cultural and social issues. The potential for the metaverse to facilitate socially and educational impactful experiences such as Cultureverse is promising.
Being more than just a celebration of Hip-Hop; it is a notable move towards developing a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape. It brings together People of Crypto Lab, Walmart, and Rock the Bells in a distinct partnership to honor the past and shape the future. While this venture has managed to transform the power of Black culture and Hip-Hop, it has also set a precedent for the metaverse’s future – a platform meant for meaningful change.
