A Brief History of Hip-Hop's Connection to CryptoCurrency

The world and the ways that we function in it are constantly evolving, but one thing that remains the same is man's insatiable need to get C.R.E.A.M. One of the most buzz-worthy developments in today’s global market is cryptocurrency. It’s hard to go anywhere these days without hearing about this intangible tender. With more coins—and more ways to service these coins—popping up every month, barring some major political interference, it doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down any time soon. And hip-hop is getting in on the action.

Starting in 2009 with Bitcoin, the decentralized digital assets have made some major paper for early adopters. Nipsey Hussle got hip to Bitcoin in 2013 at the advice of entrepreneur Marc Ecko. Today, he serves as a vocal ambassador for the expanding industry, and part-owner of Amsterdam-based crypto company Follow Coin.

 "The hip-hop culture shouldn't be left out like we always are," Nipsey told XXL. "Our influence is leveraged, but we're always left out until it's too late. That’s why I thought it was important to be involved as an entrepreneur and to be vocal and bring it to the hip-hop consciousness, so that people who have resources and assets available can participate."Other rappers have taken notice. Hip Hop Promoter Roy Robin following in the footsteps of other tech guru's launched an ICO for a popular cryptocurrency cleverly named "Initial Coin Offering Token". Unlike Bitcoin and the aforementioned projects, Initial Coin Offering Token or ICOT for short, is a project designed to help new crypto traders develop a passive income. In a recent interview Roy was quoted in saying, "At the end of the day people want to make money off this all. And they want to make that money as fast as possible. It's total hysteria and the time for the urban community to get money is now.." Recently his "Crypto Hedge Fund" bought a considerable stake in 3 undisclosed ICO's which began to rocket their price upwards (at the moment ICOT has $127,216.33 in 24 hr trading volume.)

Ghostface Killah has thrown his hat in the ring, investing in the cryptocurrency venture, Cream Capital, while 50 Cent may or may not have made millions accepting the virtual moolah as payment for his Animal Instinct album. Cryptocurrency culture has infiltrated rap lyrics, song titles and even artist monikers—at this moment, there is a rapper who goes by the name of CoinDaddy.

Back before it was the thing to do, Nas took a gamble and invested in then-fledgling digital currency transaction company Coinbase in 2014. Today, Coinbase is one of the world's most popular cryptocurrency exchanges.  Wherever cryptocurrency goes, rap will likely be close by. They make for an odd couple, but they suit each other. The digital asset is in need of powerful voices to shout its praises and downplay its uncertainties, and rappers never stop looking for ways to build fortunes. There’s no telling, but maybe one day rap empires will be measured in cryptocurrency—in Bitcoin, or Litecoin, or Ethereum, or whatever’s next on the blockchain. After all, when 50 Cent said get rich or die trying, he didn’t specify how. 

Views: 201

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Nas
Wednesday, Nov 5 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, SF

Raekown & Mobb Deep
Saturday, Nov 15 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

How the Grouch Stole Christmas
Friday, Dec 5 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Atmosphere
Friday, Feb 13 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Tampa Mystic posted blog posts
8 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
10 hours ago
realmuzik posted a discussion

From NYC to MIA

Steven Hall, the creative force behind Remix Kingz, is stepping into a bold new chapter with his groundbreaking community-focused movement, Traffik N Sex. Known for shaping dynamic sounds and elevating rising talent, Steven continues to make waves through impactful music and innovative outreach. With the movement gaining momentum, he is pushing a message forward through…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Wednesday
Tampa Mystic posted blog posts
Wednesday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Misha Releases Captivating New Single “Burning Fire” ft. BeMyFiasco

Acclaimed R&B artist and producer Misha and Grammy nominated R&B songstress BeMyFiasco just released their highly anticipated single titled “Burning Fire”. “Burning Fire” channels pure late-night energy that is sensual, hazy, and drenched in slow-motion desire. The track unfolds like an intimate confession, with its mantra-driven hook and hypnotic groove,…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Nov 28
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

December 10, 2025 at 9pm to July 8, 2026 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY DEC 10 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) All Throwbacks: Hip Hop, Soul/Funk, Reggae +more!Featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool)at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set starts at 9pm. No cover!>> RSVP HERE…See More
Nov 28

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service