Why Founders Need Billy Woods' A24 Lens for AI & Blockchain Innovation
Discover how the subtle, psychological depth of Billy Woods' "horrorcore" offers a powerful metaphor for building truly impactful AI and blockchain solutions, moving beyond hype to profound innovation.


In the chaotic, fast-paced world of AI and blockchain, where every other week brings a new paradigm or a fresh wave of hype, it's easy to get caught in the current. But what if the secret to building truly enduring, impactful technology wasn't about chasing the next big "jumpscare" feature, but rather embracing a more nuanced, psychological approach?
Consider the prolific rapper Billy Woods. While his name might not immediately conjure images of tech innovation, his artistic methodology offers a profound parallel for founders, builders, and engineers. Woods, renowned for his intricate lyricism and dense narratives, crafts what some call "horrorcore for the A24 crowd." This isn't about cheap thrills or slasher aesthetics; it's about the slow burn, the unsettling atmosphere, the psychological depth that forces uncomfortable introspection. It's a stark contrast to the more overt, shock-value approach of typical horror.
The A24 vs. Blumhouse of Innovation
Much of today's tech landscape feels like Blumhouse Productions – rapid iteration, high-volume releases, and a focus on immediate, often startling, impact. We see this in the endless stream of AI demos promising to revolutionize everything overnight, or blockchain projects chasing viral social media trends. These are the "jumpscares" of innovation: exciting, attention-grabbing, but often lacking the profound depth to sustain long-term relevance.
But what if we aimed for the A24 model? Think Ex Machina in AI, or The Lighthouse in decentralized systems. These aren't about instant gratification; they're about exploring complex themes, challenging perceptions, and building narratives that resonate long after the initial experience. For founders, this means asking: Are we building for fleeting attention, or for lasting impact that might initially feel unsettling because it challenges the status quo?
AI: Beyond the Surface-Level 'Jumpscare'
In AI, the "A24 approach" means digging deeper than just the next impressive multimodal model or a slightly better chatbot. It's about grappling with the inherent biases, the ethical implications, and the subtle ways these systems will reshape society. It's about understanding the "Hiding Places" within the data and algorithms, recognizing that true intelligence isn't always overtly flashy but profoundly integrated and often challenging.
Founders building A24-style AI are not just optimizing for metrics; they're designing for human interaction with complex systems, anticipating the psychological impacts, and building in layers of transparency and accountability that might feel less immediately gratifying but are crucial for trust and longevity.
Blockchain: Crafting Enduring, Unsettling Architectures
Similarly, in blockchain, the A24 mindset shifts focus from speculative pumps and meme coins to the foundational, often "darkest to date," work of building truly decentralized, resilient, and transparent infrastructures. This means confronting the complexities of governance, security, and scalability in ways that might be less glamorous than a 100x token launch but are far more essential for a sustainable future.
It's about developing "Maps" for a new digital frontier, understanding the intricate pathways of consensus and cryptography, and not shying away from the inherent challenges of trustless systems. An A24 blockchain project wouldn't chase hype; it would prioritize robust engineering and profound societal impact, even if that impact feels disruptive or "unsettling" at first glance.
Embracing the 'Darkest to Date' for True Innovation
Billy Woods' "darkest to date" work isn't just edgy; it's a fearless dive into uncomfortable truths. For founders, this translates to a willingness to tackle the hardest problems, the ethical dilemmas, and the systemic inefficiencies that others shy away from. These are the "horror" elements of our technological landscape that, when confronted head-on, lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs.
True innovation often emerges from these challenging spaces, not from superficial polish. It requires a commitment to depth, an eye for subtle complexities, and a courage to build something that might not appeal to the masses instantly but will resonate profoundly with those seeking substance.
So, as you embark on your next venture in AI or blockchain, ask yourself: Are you aiming for a quick "jumpscare" or crafting an A24 masterpiece? The latter might be more challenging, but it's the path to building something truly unforgettable and impactful.