Crypto-Powered Walmart Enters Metaverse to Celebrate Hip-Hop and Black Culture

• Walmart partners with Web3 creative studio People of Crypto Lab to launch “Cultureverse”.
• Created in collaboration with People of Crypto Lab, Cultureverse honors Hip-Hop’s pioneers and explores its cultural resonance across art, music, and fashion.
• Walmart’s move into the metaverse, following previous efforts on Roblox, highlights its innovation strategy.

In a move that aligns with the trend of blending luxury and culture in the metaverse, retail giant Walmart is stepping into the virtual world by partnering with Web3 creative studio People of Crypto Lab. A trailblazing entity in the Web3 realm, POCLab has shared that  Walmart aims to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and the transformative influence of Black culture with the launch of “Cultureverse,” an immersive, gamified experience on the Spatial metaverse.

According to a recent report, Cultureverse, created in collaboration with People of Crypto Lab, is set to honor Hip-Hop’s early pioneers while exploring the genre’s evolution and its enduring cultural impact on art, music, and fashion. More than just a virtual celebration, the experience also strives to enhance technology access for Black creators. Leveraging Walmart’s Black & Unlimited platform, designed to amplify Black creators, makers, and entrepreneurs, the project includes custom programming and collaborations.

Justin Breton, Walmart’s Director of Brand Experiences and Strategic Partnerships, stated,

Cultureverse presents a unique opportunity to bring Walmart’s Black & Unlimited platform to the virtual world for the first time – all to inspire a new generation of Black creators, entrepreneurs, and culture builders and create real-world impact in the process.

Walmart’s foray into the metaverse follows its previous entry through experiences on Roblox and a partnership with Outlier Ventures to support Web3 startups via its Store No.8 incubator arm. The collaboration with People of Crypto Lab aligns well with the studio’s mission to elevate underrepresented communities’ visibility and create culturally relevant digital experiences that span fashion, gaming, and entertainment, all driven by Web3 technology.

Having filed trademarks for virtual goods and tokens, Walmart embraces the metaverse’s potential for engagement and connection. As the metaverse gains momentum, Walmart’s venture into the virtual world showcases its commitment to innovation and reaching customers where they spend their time.

With the wider crypto and blockchain community increasing interest in Web3 and the metaverse, People of Crypto Lab’s focus on supporting Black creators is an important milestone. Simone Berry, Co-founder of People of Crypto Lab, emphasized its mission to inspire a new generation of Black creators and foster innovation and inclusivity, all while building meaningful digital connections between brands and consumers.