Meet 11Ape, Miami’s first NFT DJ signed to E11even Music

Last month, the world was introduced to FN Meka, a supposed artificial intelligence rapper signed to Capitol Music Group. Conceived by Brandon Le and Anthony Martini, the Ersatz act seemed to signal the music industry’s willingness to jump into the world of digital influencers, but the project quickly drew criticism. Activist group Industry Blackout pointed out that FN Meka only helped perpetuate black stereotypes and protested that it spewed the N-word in its lyrics. Also, alleged songwriter Kyle the Hooligan, a black rapper in Houston, stated that he had yet to be paid for his contribution after being pranked by Le.

FN Meka was dropped by Capitol two days after signing.

It’s not like FN Meka is the industry’s first virtual act – and it certainly won’t be the last. Many point to Gorillaz as the world’s first virtual band. However, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have not been able to translate their creations to the stage, as Albarn usually performs the songs live as themselves with the help of a backing band and guest musicians.

Instead, one need only look at Japan’s Vocaloid phenomenon. It is essentially software that allows anyone to synthesize a human voice for use with music. The most popular Vocaloid is undoubtedly Hatsune Miku, who enjoys a devout following in Japan and the West, with Miku appearing live at concerts in holographic form. In addition to music, she has graced race cars and starred in her own rhythm video games.

In 2014, New York Times‘ Jeff Oloizia was already thinking, “Does Hatsune Miku’s ascension mean the end of music as we know it?” Well, eight years later, the music industry is still struggling.

With Miami still so invested in crypto – be damned! — It was only a matter of time before someone used the blockchain to create their own digital artist.

Since 2014, Miami ultra club E11even, owned by 11USA Group, has spearheaded a number of brands that have spun off from its Eleventh Street farm. The club’s merchandise – such as the iconic E11even snapback – has become a global fashion statement. There’s flourished a record label and vodka brand and, oh yes, E11even-branded condominiums already under construction along Northeast 11th Street.

“I moved to Miami to create the E11even concept with my partners Dennis DeGori, Michael Simkins and Marc Roberts and we had a lot of success,” says Gino LoPinto, operating partner of E11even and its latest concept, E11even Music, a record label and artist /producer management company. “We already had other verticals that we were discussing, from vodka to a music label. Crypto was interesting to us, and when NFTs came out, we eventually wanted to get into the metaverse, whether it’s a club or real estate or gaming.”

The non-fungible token that performs the club duties is Meta-Primate #11 of the Bored Yacht Ape Club collection. Now called 11Ape, it is the first artist signed to E11even Music.

“We weren’t sure, but we knew we wanted to start with an NFT,” explains LoPinto. “Our hats have become quite successful, so we said let’s base our NFT around our hats. We thought, let’s buy Bored Ape Yacht Club, and it made sense to buy number eleven.”

The idea was simple enough: buy the mundane stubby monkey smoking a cigarette in a velvet bathrobe, grow it into life form and knight it with E11even swag.

The amalgamation of NFTs and music can only draw a dividing line. At one end are advocates who see a beautiful blend of music, art and technology being used as a channel for a producer to showcase their music. On the other side come the naysayers, who think this concept is a lousy show – just pushing a scene hungry for margins.

LoPinto, who admires the great elusive electronic artists from Daft Punk to Deadmau5, sees success in anonymity. And showing off an NFT, a new concept that eludes many people, adds another layer of mystery by simply placing a monkey mask on someone while they spin the decks.

“I took the idea back to my partners and we thought we could create a living character with 11Ape that could embody the soul and brand of E11even. They loved it,” he says. “The story is that when we first put on the E11even hat, 11Ape came alive. Kind of like a Frosty the Snowman, so to speak.”

The virtual primate was never intended to hang on the airwaves. Instead, the drive is split between the metaverse and Earth as DJ and steadfast producer.

Last month, 11Ape premiered his first track, “Bad Girls,” featuring Miami artist Vikina, released via Pitbull’s label, Mr. 305 Records.

“I met [Pitbull’s DJ] IAmChino and we started collaborating on what would be a good start for 11Ape,” says LoPinto. “He played me a part of ‘Bad Girls,’ which wasn’t done at the time, but I said, ‘I love this . It has the hook and I think we should do something about it down the road.

Originally, LoPinto believed that “Bad Girls” should be marketed as 11Ape’s second or third track, but Mr. 305 Records president Robert Fernandez felt that the vibe, combined with Vikina’s vocal work, should be the debut single to bring 11Ape to life.

“I liked the vocals, and we brought the track to life with the visuals and marketing support,” explains LoPinto. “It came no more than three weeks ago. We had a conversation about posting this and we took the video.”

“Bad Girls” takes just two minutes and 15 seconds and tries to capture the last rays of summer in a bottle. Vikina sings on two verses and raps for the bridge as the song interpolates Donna Summers’ 1979 hit of the same name. “There are moments that get to be free/And the nights that were made for you and me/Still until the moon will leave/I want to be with the girls like me/Yeah bad girls (bad girls)/They always talk about the bad girls ( mean girls).”

11Ape premiered IRL last month at E11even, which begs the question: What exactly does an NFT DJ do?

The best answer is to separate.

“It’s hard to compare an NFT DJ to 11Ape,” says LoPinto. “I think NFT DJ will gravitate and grow in the metaverse, but I think when he’s on planet Earth, he’s a living human being. He doesn’t speak, but has a loud voice and an opinion. He takes a stand and believes in something. Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse came to life, and people want to take pictures with them, even if they’re static. I think that’s a separation that breathes humanity.”

11Ape is expected to play again at the club later this month. And whatever you think of virtual acts like 11Ape, it’s clear they’re here to stay.