Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To highlight Isaac Hayes III’s entrepreneurial journey, his stewardship of his father’s legacy, and his creation of Fanbase, a Black-owned social media platform designed to empower creators and challenge the status quo of tech ownership and monetization.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Legacy & Identity
- Isaac Hayes III discusses the duality of carrying a famous name—both a burden and a blessing.
- Early in his career, he used a pseudonym to avoid bias and prove his merit as a music producer.
- Quote: “In the beginning, it kind of hurt you… down the line, it’s going to help you tremendously.”
2. Music Publishing & Ownership
- He explains the difference between masters and publishing in music rights.
- Publishing is like “musical real estate”—you own it until you sell it.
- Quote: “As long as you hold on to that musical real estate, you own it forever.”
3. Social Media as a Business Tool
- Hayes recognized the power of social media around 2008–2009.
- He emphasizes how Black culture drives social media engagement but lacks ownership.
- Quote: “Black culture elevates all infrastructures of entertainment, but we don’t own them.”
4. Fanbase: A Visionary Platform
- Fanbase is a subscription-based social media platform that:
- Doesn’t run ads.
- Allows creators to monetize directly via in-app purchases.
- Sends content to all followers without suppression.
- Quote: “I’m the first social media founder to create a mechanism where people could subscribe to people using in-app purchases.”
5. Innovation & Influence
- Fanbase pioneered features like gold verification badges and mobile subscriptions before major platforms adopted them.
- Hayes asserts that Fanbase moves at the speed of Black culture, unlike competitors who mimic it.
- Quote: “The only separator between us and them is capital.”
6. Political Impact
- Hayes used social media to support political campaigns, including helping elect Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
- He views social media as a tool for civic engagement and community empowerment.
- Quote: “Social media spreads messages through virality… it can create engagement and action very quickly.”
7. Investor-thon & Community Support
- Fanbase raised nearly \$700,000 in 10 days through an equity crowdfunding event featuring celebrities and influencers.
- Hayes stresses the importance of Black ownership in tech infrastructure.
- Quote: “If we’re not owning infrastructures, we’re just contributing to other people’s wealth.”
🧠 Final Message
Isaac Hayes III is a visionary entrepreneur who blends legacy, innovation, and cultural empowerment. His mission with Fanbase is to create a platform where creators—especially from the Black community—can thrive, monetize, and own their digital presence.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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