Zuck This – I Desire to Break Free

      Embarrassingly, I admit that I used to write rap songs. Just to clarify – it was purely for enjoyment, not for profit. I actually composed a lot of poetry in my youth but became tired of the rigid structures, so I started expressing them through rap. For those who haven't experienced it, rap sonnets sound pretty awesome—especially when paired with some improvised interpretive dance moves! After my twins arrived, rap lullabies became our go-to entertainment. Let’s face it—I don’t fit the typical rap image, but I strongly believe in personal freedom, and as 2 Chainz would say, "This is me. Screw it."

      Rap is poetry; it is a form of expression and rebellion. Rap has shaped culture. Music has always influenced culture by setting trends. This leads me to ponder: In a world where technology companies and algorithms dictate what we see and how we feel—where tech moguls manage what stands out amidst the noise—can music still drive culture?

      Are artists genuinely free to create what they wish? Or are they crafting what they believe will generate more likes on Instagram and somehow navigate the algorithm? Just so you know—from someone familiar with the insidious algorithms from Zuckerberg—he has manipulated us all into catering to our own egos so that he can serve us more ads and profit more. It’s like gambling at a casino, knowing they will always win, yet remaining hopeful that "today will be the lucky day."

      A friend recently asked if I believed rap artists have become angrier in their music regarding the state of the world, and frankly, I think all artists and people have grown angry, frustrated, sad, and exhausted by the world's injustices. I feel that way too. I have redirected all of this emotional turmoil into creating an alternative to Meta and confronting Zuck directly. My anger, sadness, and disappointment concerning greed and control have transformed into excitement, inspiration, and hope because the moment has arrived, and we have built an alternative. Meta is stifling our voices and limiting our reach. Even those who manage to navigate the algorithms should recognize that we are ultimately working for Zuck.

      So, how can music and artists influence culture, engage audiences, and effect change in the world? We declare “Zuck this” and unite on WeAre8—a social tech platform that provides artists and everyone else with creative and economic freedom.

      No one expresses this better than Queen—“I want to break free.” It’s time for musicians and artists to reclaim their freedom and lead culture once more.

      Now, my personal message to you all:

      “To every individual, artist, and musician standing up: While the world continues to scroll, you have declared, ‘Enough.’ It’s time for all of us to liberate ourselves from social platforms that do not serve us.

      At WeAre8, we are right there with you. We believe that social media should uplift individuals, not bring them down. A space where everyone can control their own narratives and feeds. A setting devoid of toxic content and harmful algorithms.

      A place where over half the revenue from advertisers is shared with millions of our citizens and artists. A space for inspiration. A hub for culture. A platform for freedom and economic liberation. A space where you can truly be yourself.

      It’s time to break free. Here’s to a new era of social media on WeAre8. So, Zuck this—I have liberated myself. Who’s joining me?”