Aku Dreams | June, 2023
The month in 10 chapters: Beats, Starbucks, Moon Gods, and more!
Aku is a character born from a question - “Mom, can astronauts be black?” - and a symbol of everyone’s potential for greatness. First introduced digitally in 2021 by creator Micah Johnson, the character has appeared in 10 “Aku Chapter” story videos and 15k unique “Akutar” identities, plus collaborations like the cover of TIME Magazine.
Currently Aku is exploring dynamic content for its core character and expanding The Akuverse, a story world of new characters with potential community ownership.
📝 1: Beats by Dre x Aku
Aku has a new pair of headphones!
Beats by Dre hooked up Aku and let him create a special design. The initial batch of these headphones will be exclusive, totaling only 13 pairs.
Aku ensured that 3 pairs are given directly to the community:
Fill out this Google Form BY JULY 4TH!
All Aku Chapter and Akutar collectors are eligible
Akutar partner trait holders are prioritized for 2 of the pairs
Love the collaboration? Want a pair in the future? The most important thing is letting your voice be heard on the social accounts and announcements below.
📝 2: Let The Beats Build
The Aku community took over socials yesterday to begin the charge, and wow those voices made a difference:
7K+ likes on the Instagram announcement
100K+ views on the Twitter announcement plus tens of thousands more in QTs
Most liked post of their past month-plus on Beats Facebook
Cumulatively these accounts have 13 MILLION followers, many of which are meeting Aku for the first time. Let them know!
We saw inspiring threads from Ckates7, messages from TIME, Adam Sternbach, Kintsugi, and too many more to mention.
Even Beats themselves got in on the fun with ThaxCapital:
A wonderful moment. But wait there's more...
📝 3: Aku and Starbucks Tease a July Odyssey
The Aku Discord was caffeinated this past week with breaking news of a Starbucks partnership.
Starbucks Odyssey is their Beta program powered by Web3. Participants engage in "Journey" activities that unlock collectible NFTs and Points, which lead to unique benefits and experiences.
How do you participate in the Aku partnership?
Create a Starbucks Rewards account
Join the Starbucks Odyssey waitlist (using the same email)
Complete these steps by JULY 5TH!
📝 4: Stars Power Aku’s Back To School Initiative
With the help of incredible partners, Aku is distributing 5,000 backpacks across the U.S. to the next generation of dreamers.
On a recent Aku Assembly Twitter Spaces, creator Micah Johnson shared the initiative mission and personal meaning. Head of Partnerships Kristen Fraser presented an incredible list of organizations and personalities brought on board, with support from Jessica Pliska, who’s been advising the team on social impact and philanthropy:
LeBron James Family Foundation
SocialWorks: Founded by Chance the Rapper
i.am angel Foundation: Founded by will.i.am
She Ready Foundation: Founded by Tiffany Haddish
What an honor! When Micah and Aku say "build worlds around dreams", they mean it.
📝 5: Zoom In / Zoom Out
BTS: New Beats = New Painting
What do you think Micah is listening to?
📝 6: Micah Johnson Delivers a Personal Touch
Moon Gods - collectors of all 10 Aku Chapters - have a special place in the community.
Those who supported the recent apparel release received two surprises this month: a handwritten note directly from Micah and a custom Moon Gods patch.
Shout out to Aramunu, H-Man, LadyApe, Stir Pan, Amb1s, and many more MGs for sharing theirs!
📝 7: Step Inside the Aku Chapters
We're not done with you Moon Gods! It's time to deliver two long-teased OnCyber Worlds, and one of them is yours.
Refresher: What is OnCyber?
A world building engine that allows collectors to display 2D and 3D art in custom spaces, share them across mobile, web, and VR, and engage multi-player using unique avatars.
The iconic Aku Chapter I hallway scene was the foundation for Aku OnCyber World 1. Aku's Chapter II subway is the foundation for World 2, and his Chapter III bedroom is the foundation for World 3.
On Wednesday, July 12th a collector snapshot will be taken:
Owners of either Aku Chapter II or OnCyber World 1 will have discounted access to World 2 at a 0.02 ETH
Moon Gods will receive exclusive free claim access to Aku World 3
The snapshot reads the location of your Aku NFTs. If you have any questions or need assistance, please open a Discord ticket!
📝 8: GIPHY Fun Continues
The Aku's World GIPHY account continues its momentum, accumulating 8.4 million total views.
Following a popular Mother's Day GIF, we saw Aku on a summertime surfboard and sinking a chip on a Father's Day golf course.
The best part is seeing people use the GIFs in social posts and replies - keep it up and stay tuned for the next one!
📝 9: The Aku Community Is Unmatched
Plenty of shout-outs have already been given, and we have five more:
Rusty delivered a beautiful thread on Aku fundamentals
Jose served up a barista scene
NigerianOG brought impeccable vibes all month long (Happy Father’s Day!)
“CryptoMonkey” became a Moon God
Hugo joined the community with a strong message
Thanks for being you!
📝 10: TL;DR
Beats by Dre and Aku announce new custom headphones (fill out the form!)
Starbucks and Aku announce a July Odyssey (sign up!)
Aku Back to School Initiative will deliver 5,000 backpacks alongside star organizations
Creator Micah Johnson delivers handwritten letters and badges to Moon Gods
OnCyber Worlds 2 & 3 snapshot is in two weeks