The world of memecoins has entered a weird new chapter, fueled by the outlandish antics of celebrities and questionable monetary ventures. The most recent episode options rapper Lil Pump, whose latest social media exercise has left the crypto group scratching their heads and questioning – is that this a stroke of promoting genius or a recipe for monetary catastrophe?
Memecoins: Pumping Up The Hype
Lil Pump, identified for his platinum-selling hit “Gucci Gang,” unveiled a brand new brow tattoo proudly displaying the phrase “Solana” alongside the blockchain platform’s brand. This wasn’t only a random creative alternative. It coincided with a flurry of promotional posts for his very personal Solana-based memecoin, creatively named “lil pump.”
Taking issues a step additional, Pump declared himself the “step little one” in a self-proclaimed “memecoin household,” name-dropping fellow celebrities Iggy Azalea (“$MOTHER”) and Andrew Tate (“$DADDY”) who’ve additionally launched their very own Solana tokens. The rapper’s social media blitz included repeated inquiries to main exchanges like Coinbase and Binance, asking “wen” – crypto slang for “when” – will his token be listed.
I bought my Sol. when Binance?
ca: 9vrGUHwsC8LyLjQoh3zJb9S53x7A88u49La63qPB6F5t pic.twitter.com/fdCJHXLhsP
— Lil pump (@lilpump) June 13, 2024
Pump And Dump Fears Cloud The Hype Machine
Whereas some followers cheered Pump’s foray into crypto, seasoned buyers had been cautious. The historical past of celebrity-backed memecoins is plagued by failures. Tasks promoted by figures like Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather, and even Snoop Dogg have left a path of disenchanted buyers and empty pockets.
These ventures usually observe a well-known sample: celebrities leverage their huge followings to pump up a brand new token, inflicting its value to skyrocket. Then, simply as shortly, they money out, leaving buyers holding the bag as the value plummets.
Latest occasions solely fueled these considerations. Caitlyn Jenner’s Solana-based “JENNER” token took a nosedive after its creator dumped the challenge’s liquidity, primarily stealing from buyers. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers related to memecoins, notably these fueled by celeb hype.
Is Lil Pump Completely different?
Lil Pump appears decided to show his challenge has endurance. In contrast to a few of his celeb counterparts, he’s actively making an attempt to construct a group round “lil pump.” Nonetheless, the ways elevate questions.
I’m feeling fairly sad about with “this cycle’s celeb experimentation” up to now.
“Financialization as a way towards an finish”, I can respect if the top is worthy (healthcare, open supply software program, artwork, and so on). Financialization *as the ultimate product*,
Ashton and Mila’s…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) June 5, 2024
The authenticity of his “Solana” tattoo is debated, with some speculating it’s simply eliminated. Moreover, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly voiced his disapproval of the celeb memecoin development, calling into query its long-term viability.
Featured picture from Youtube/Lil Pump, chart from TradingView
