Genius digital media platform

Genius, formerly known as Rap Genius, is a digital media platform founded in 2009 in Brooklyn, New York. Originally created as a site for annotating hip-hop lyrics, it has expanded to cover a wide range of musical genres and professional content. The platform allows users to provide interpretations and context for lyrics, news, and literature, making it a leading source of music intelligence.

The service is primarily operated and hosted from the United States, utilizing digital infrastructure and data centers mainly located in North America. Over the years, Genius has evolved from a niche community project into a significant player in the music industry, forming partnerships with major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Owned by Genius Media Group Inc., the company remains headquartered in New York City. It is a privately held entity that has received funding from various venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz. The platform continues to be a central hub for music fans and artists to interact with the written word of music through video content, live events, and its expansive annotation database.