What is a Domain Name

Every website has a unique IP (Internet Protocol) that consists of a string of numbers and periods. (example 255.255.255.255) Domain names are easy-to-remember names that associate the name for an IP address.

Why Are Domain Names Important

Domain names are in the simplest terms, a form of digital real estate. Therefore, it can be a valuable asset to be developed or resold. Instead of a physical building, a domain name represents a digital identity that can serve many purposes including building a website, having a custom email address, or even a cryptocurrency wallet address. Additionally, unlike social media, when you register a domain name, you own it. Social media accounts can be suspended or revoked if the company that owns it, doesn’t like your message.

A TLD is a top-level-domain. The most common TLD is .com. It’s the end of a domain name. Other TLDs include .org .net .edu and .hiphop.

A registrar is an authorized retailer of domain names. In order to be able to offer domain names for registrations, Registrars must be certified by ICANN. Registrars charge customers retail prices for domains and then pay the domain registry the difference. In addition to domain names, most registrars offer additional services like website hosting, website building, eCommerce stores, email, Internet marketing, and other value-added services. For a list of .hiphop registrars, click here .

The registrant pays an annual registration fee to the registrar to have the right to use the domain name during the registration period. Domain name annual registrations can be purchased for up to 10 years at a time. Registrants must pay the annual subscription fees to their registrar to maintain ownership of their domains. Failure to renew the registration can result in a loss of ownership of the domain name.

What is a Domain Registry

A domain registry is basically the wholesaler of a TLD. Dot Hip Hop, LLC is the Registry Operator for .hiphop. We maintain the database of all .hiphop domain names. Those domain names are then offered to the public for registration by domain registrars

What Are the Benefits of Registering a .HipHop Domain

Just like the general benefits that come with owning any domain name, with a .HipHop domain you are obtaining a digital identity that aligns with Hip Hop, thereby strengthening your brand. For example, if you registered the domain heavyhitters.com, the name itself doesn’t tell you much about the brand. However, if you registered heavyhitters.hiphop, you automatically associate the name with Hip Hop. This also makes the name more memorable. Additionally, there are many more .HipHop domains available now than the more common domain endings like .com.

How Can I Use a .HipHop Domain

With a domain name, you can build a website, create custom email addresses, and set up a custom cryptocurrency wallet address.

How Does the Hip Hop Community Benefit from .HipHop

Hip Hop now has its own identifiable and brandable domain extension. No one predicted 50 years ago what Hip Hop would become. It’s now the most downloaded music genre and is influencing culture all over the world. These .hiphop domains represent an opportunity to own and directly influence the future of Hip Hop.

I Have Social Media, Why do I Need a Domain

Social media is good to have but it is not a replacement for a domain name. Social media accounts are owned by their respective companies, not by you. A change of ownership or a message that offends the social media company can result in a suspension or cancelation of your social media account. Without your own domain, this could effectively shut down an online business that doesn’t own its own domain.

Who Can Purchase a .HipHop Domain

There are no restrictions when it comes to registering a .HipHop domain. This is not true of all TLDs.

Where Can I Register a .HipHop Domain Name

Most ICANN-accredited registrars carry .HipHop domains. Click here for the most recent list.

How Long is a .HipHop Registration

Registrations can be between 1-10 years.

How Much do .HipHop Names Cost to Register

Each registrar sets their own retail pricing. Domains are offered in two pricing categories, standard and premium. Click here for a list of registrars .

How Much Do .HipHop Names Cost to Renew

Each registrar sets their own retail prices. Search for available names here . Premium domains in most cases will have lower renewal rates after the first year.