Regular viewers of London Real will be only too aware of the rapid pace at which technology is evolving right now and disrupting virtually every conceivable industry. From this we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how the internet is structured and used.
Fading into the background are the days of centralised platforms, user-generated content, and social media, referred to as Web2, and in its place a new decentralised model, leveraging blockchain technology and cryptographic systems to return ownership, privacy, and control to individual users – Web3.
Rather than relying on central authorities or intermediaries, Web3 aims to decentralise power by enabling peer-to-peer interactions through smart contracts. In this new internet paradigm, users can own digital assets, manage their identities securely, and have greater autonomy over their data. This crossover is not only a technological evolution but also a philosophical change towards a more user-empowered internet.
One man who finds himself at the beating heart of this transformation is today’s livestream guest Rashid Ajami, the CEO and co-founder of Metropolis. Rashid is a celebrated music producer and entrepreneur who finds himself positioned as a Web3 pioneer thanks to the groundbreaking ecosystem he envisioned alongside his sister, Rania.
Metropolis is a cutting edge platform where commerce, gaming, SocialFi, art, and culture converge into a 360° immersive experience, redefining the way we engage with digital worlds through AI, VR, and AR, and creating personalised interactions and true ownership of digital assets.
At its core, Metropolis is about bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, and Rashid’s vision is to create a next-generation cultural destination that not only democratises access to the metaverse but also integrates commerce, culture, and entertainment seamlessly.
“The metaverse is evolving, and Metropolis is at the forefront, sculpting the future of how we interact with digital experiences.”
Comprised of two core components, Metropolis World and Metropolis X, Rashid is only too aware of the power of community, inclusivity and empowering creators and users alike, shaping a future where commerce, culture, and entertainment are redefined in ways that inspire and enrich lives.
Metropolis World is a dynamic environment where users can explore, create, and connect across a diverse array of digital and physical experiences. From immersive virtual landscapes to interactive social hubs, expansive lore, and engaging games, Metropolis World serves as a canvas for endless possibilities, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Meanwhile, Metropolis X offers a gateway for brands and creators to engage with audiences in innovative ways. With tools and resources designed to facilitate authentic connections, exclusive products, content, and experiences, while empowering brands to unlock new avenues for growth and engagement in the metaverse landscape.
“We envision a future where the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds are dynamic, where commerce, culture, and entertainment converge seamlessly.”
Metropolis X, offers users the opportunity to craft unique digital identities. With over 400 top brands and creators already partnered up, Rashid and his team have crafted a world where digital collectibles unlock real-world products, exclusive content, and experiences. Rashid also explains how the platform empowers users to reflect the multifaceted nature of their identity through customisable avatars.
For Rashid, Metropolis X is not just a marketplace, but a canvas for new artists to showcase their talents and collaborate with others. The platform enables up-and-coming artists to leverage its immersive environment, creating fashion lines that resonate with users on a personal and cultural level, while musicians and brands can connect more deeply with devoted followers.
Rashid is also quick to note the complexity of the Web3 transition and how Metropolis is bridging the chasm from Web2 in a way that appeals to both the expert and the uninitiated. For Rashid and his team, it’s an enormous and complex undertaking, breaking new ground in the digital landscape.
Blockchain technology is transforming how we will live, work and play and Metropolis is at the forefront, building a digi-physical future where digital assets will unlock real-world value connecting users with exclusive physical experiences, and turning digital personas into avenues for self-expression.
Rashid himself is a fascinating character who understands better than most the role of creator and the challenge of connecting with your audience. Before founding Metropolis, he toured the world as a house and techno DJ and it is his passion for blending music, culture, and digital technology that has shaped the innovative community Metropolis is fostering today.
I’m looking forward to this. Metropolis is unlocking new dimensions of interaction, creativity, and commerce, and creating a vision for the future of culture itself. For Rashid, the digital revolution is just getting started and Metropolis is leading the charge into a new era of immersive, customisable, and meaningful digital experiences.
“My goal is to transform Metropolis into a mainstream brand that resonates with everyone, not just those familiar with Web3 technology. I want to keep creating innovative products, content, and experiences that are truly meaningful to people.”
