As a seasoned researcher who has been following the cryptocurrency world for over a decade now, I must admit that 2024 was a remarkable year for the integration of crypto into popular culture. The instances where crypto made its mark were not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking.
In recent times, cryptocurrency is making its mark more noticeably within mainstream society, with its impact becoming increasingly apparent in contemporary culture. This can be seen across various platforms such as documentaries, music, reality TV shows, and even live concerts. The year 2024, for instance, demonstrated the expanding reach of crypto in a variety of ways that both amused, enlightened, and left some viewers scratching their heads.
Here are five notable instances where crypto made a mark on pop culture this year.
HBO’s Money Electric takes Bitcoin to the mainstream
In October 2024, HBO unveiled their eagerly awaited documentary titled “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Enigma“.
Guided by director Cullen Hoback, whose past projects included investigations on the QAnon phenomenon in 2021, this movie explored the roots of Bitcoin and the elusive figure behind its anonymous creation, Satoshi Nakamoto. A significant promotional blitz garnered widespread media coverage. Could this be the production that finally unveiled the truth behind this enduring enigma?
In this documentary, elements of in-depth research and cinematic style were skillfully blended together. It included conversations with experienced figures in the cryptocurrency world, such as Adam Back from Blockstream and Roger Ver, often referred to as “Bitcoin Jesus.” The documentary also delved into the broader aspects of the cryptocurrency landscape, focusing particularly on its conflicts with regulators and its attempts to integrate within established financial structures.
Eventually, Hoback proposed a theory suggesting a connection between Bitcoin developer Peter Todd and the enigmatic figure known as Nakamoto. However, Todd firmly rejected this suggestion.
After its debut, the movie titled “Money Electric” received appreciation from some quarters, yet its primary argument that Todd is Satoshi Nakamoto was met with limited acceptance. This film instigated discussions regarding Bitcoin’s future and the questionable investigative tactics employed by Hoback. Additionally, it shed light on the increasing political power of crypto investors and their potential impact on the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Kendrick Lamar drops Bitcoin bars on GNX
Kendrick Lamar created a buzz in the cryptocurrency world by incorporating Bitcoin into one of his tracks titled “Wacced Out Murals” from his 2024 album GNX. In this song, he subtly integrated Bitcoin within his narrative of storytelling.
“Promisin’ bank transactions and even Bitcoin.”
The lyric appeared to call out rivals offering financial incentives, including Bitcoin, to gain influence. This seemed to be a nod to the artist’s disdain for manipulative tactics often employed by entertainers today.
In a subtle yet significant move, Bitcoin was referenced in hip hop slang by Kendrick, symbolizing power and riches. This reference not only struck a chord with his followers, but also sparked debates about Bitcoin’s expanding influence in contemporary culture.
It’s noteworthy how popular artists such as Kendrick and Drake, who have previously employed Bitcoin for gaming, are now integrating cryptocurrency into their stories. This action underscores the growing influence of cryptocurrencies within mainstream culture.
“America Loves Crypto” concert series takes over swing states
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approached, an organization called Stand With Crypto (initiated by Coinbase) organized a series of concerts titled “America Loves Crypto” to boost backing for political figures advocating pro-crypto agendas.
One of the evening’s standout events was the Black Keys’ electrifying performance, which lasted 45 minutes and covered 11 of the band’s most iconic hits. The series also featured artists including Big Sean and The Chainsmokers, blending entertainment with political advocacy.
At this free concert, attendees were given special privileges like food, drinks, and VIP treatment if they downloaded a digital wallet and obtained a Non-Fungible Token (NFT). The VIP area provided a cozy environment for fans, while the entire event seamlessly integrated cryptocurrency, with ticket sales and exclusive experiences all utilizing it.
Uniting the worlds of cryptocurrency activism and popular culture, America Loves Crypto demonstrated that major occurrences can influence public opinion and policies regarding this emerging field.
Crypto gets its own Shark Tank with Killer Whales
2024 saw the debut of a unique reality TV program titled “Killer Whales.” This engaging show blends the thrill of startup presentations with the cutting-edge concepts of Web3 technology. Developed by Hello Labs, it can be accessed on various streaming platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime. The series spotlights crypto innovators presenting their projects to a knowledgeable panel of industry veterans, including Anthony Scaramucci and prominent social media figure Mario Nawfal.
Unlike typical pitch competitions, Killer Whales wasn’t centered around financial investment but rather on mentorship and exposure for startups in the crypto sector. Startups that received “swim” votes from the panel were eligible to receive a marketing accelerator package from CoinMarketCap, worth up to $100,000.
The series’ mix of business insight and personal drama seemed to capture a wide audience ranging from crypto enthusiasts to reality TV fans. It also provided a rare platform for educating mainstream viewers about blockchain technologies and key crypto concepts like tokenomics.
Netflix’s Biggest Heist Ever explores Bitcoin’s Bonnie and Clyde
In Netflix’s documentary titled Biggest Heist Ever, viewers delve into the true story behind the 2016 Bitfinex hack, a significant incident in the world of cryptocurrency. The film focuses on the lives of an unusual duo, Heather “Razzlekhan” Morgan and Ilya “Dutch” Lichtenstein, who have been accused of laundering vast amounts of Bitcoin that were stolen.
The unusual behaviors, such as Razzlekhan’s embarrassing cryptocurrency-focused hip hop performances, made the story go viral online.
Additionally, the film provided an in-depth analysis of both the complex technical aspects of the hack and the intriguing private lives of the individuals involved. Insights from cybersecurity professionals, previous colleagues, and law enforcement personnel created a detailed portrait of the sequence of events leading up to the heist and its potential impact on the cryptocurrency market.
The Largest Known Heist sparked fresh debates on national security, focusing primarily on Lichtenstein’s rumored connections to Russia. The movie, which combined elements of suspense, comedy, and a true-to-life digital robbery, became a notable addition to the genre. It further cemented cryptocurrency’s role in popular culture’s obsession with crime and mystery.
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2024-12-25 20:43