This profile is part of our Culture Shifters series, which highlights people who are changing the way we think about the world around us. Read about film archivist Maya Cade , internet stars Keyon Elkins and Drew Afualo , music historian Katelina Eccleston , artist Kay Rufai , filmmaker Alika Tengan , and actors Rhoyle Ivy King and Nicco Annan .

Self-sovereignty is a priority for Latash Alcindor. Its what guides her as she creates her music and brings in resources to grow and sustain her career. And through her success, shes helping other independent artists find their path as well.

For the Los Angeles-based rapper, whose stage name is Latash, that was always the plan. But she never would have guessed that shed be able to do it through a digital world.

The 34-year-old is creating freedom in her music career through cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens essentially unique digital assets (usually art), transmitted on a cryptocurrency blockchain, most popularly Ethereum. These NFTs are housed in the ever-evolving metaverse, a term The New York Times describes as a convergence of virtual reality and a digital second life.

After years of dealing with an industry that typically undervalues musicians, Latash set out to become one of the first artists to publish her music videos to the blockchain as NFTs for others to purchase. As a result, shes seen more success in the past year than she imagined possible.

She told HuffPost that she wants to share that knowledge with artists who are often disempowered.

I really do believe that being the artist that I am right now, and in crypto, Im finding a home for me, Latash said. I push for women rappers to find space in crypto because I think they will really win here more than they ever have. And I know for so many women rappers, they dealt with trials. I dont want to see that for artists anymore. I just want to see people in their wellness.