Brand Building: Built Black-owned social media platform to empower creators and challenge the status quo.

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Recorded23 Nov 2025

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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 #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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