As cryptocurrency continues to embed itself into the mainstream, its influence is becoming increasingly visible in today’s popular culture. From documentaries and music to reality TV and live events, 2024 showcased crypto’s evolving presence in ways that entertained, educated, and sometimes baffled audiences.
HBO’s Money Electric: Taking Bitcoin to the Mainstream
October 2024 brought the release of HBO’s highly anticipated documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery. Directed by Cullen Hoback — who had previously worked on the QAnon mystery in 2021 — the film delved into the origins of Bitcoin and the enigmatic identity of its pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. A massive hype campaign caught the attention of mainstream media. Would this be the film to finally settle the mystery?
Money Electric combined investigative journalism with a cinematic flair and featured interviews with crypto veterans like Blockstream’s Adam Back and Roger ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ Ver while simultaneously exploring the broader crypto ecosystem, especially its clashes with regulators and integration into existing financial systems.
In the end, Hoback posited a theory linking Bitcoin developer Peter Todd to Nakamoto, even though Todd vehemently denied the claim. Following its release, Money Electric was praised by some, but its central claim that Todd is Satoshi did not gain much traction, sparking debates about Bitcoin’s future and the ethics of Hoback’s investigative methods.
The film also highlighted the growing political clout of crypto investors and their influence on the 2024 US presidential election. 1
Kendrick Lamar Drops Bitcoin Bars on GNX
Kendrick Lamar stirred the crypto pot with his track ‘Wacced Out Murals’ from his 2024 album GNX. In the song, Kendrick wove Bitcoin into his lyrical storytelling, saying:
"’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.
While subtle, the mention was a notable foray for Bitcoin into hip-hop vernacular, serving as a metaphor for power and wealth. Kendrick’s commentary didn’t just resonate with his fans; it also reignited discussions about Bitcoin’s growing role in today’s cultural paradigm.
The fact that artists like Kendrick and Drake (who famously used Bitcoin for gambling in the past) are incorporating crypto into their narratives has highlighted the currency’s impact on the cultural mainstream. 2
‘America Loves Crypto’ Concert Series Takes Over Swing States
In the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election, Stand With Crypto — a political initiative launched by Coinbase — held the ‘America Loves Crypto’ concert series to drum up support for candidates proposing crypto-friendly policies.
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.
The free concert offered food, drinks, and VIP perks to attendees who downloaded a digital wallet and claimed an NFT. While the VIP section created an intimate atmosphere for fans, the setup also wove crypto into every aspect of the event, from ticketing to exclusive experiences.
By bringing together two seemingly disparate realms — crypto advocacy and pop culture — America Loves Crypto symbolized how mainstream events can help shape public perception and policy. 3
Crypto Gets Its Own Shark Tank with Killer Robots
In a move that blurred the lines between entertainment and finance, Killer Robots , a reality TV show, featured a segment where contestants had to pitch their crypto-based business ideas to investors.
While not directly related to the crypto space, the show’s format and content raised questions about the potential for crossover between traditional media and blockchain technology. 4
Biggest Heist Ever Explores the Dark Side of Crypto
Newsweek‘s Biggest Heist Ever documentary chronicled the infamous 2016 Bitfinex hack, examining the lives of Heather ‘Razzlekhan’ Morgan and Ilya ‘Dutch’ Lichtenstein, the eccentric couple accused of laundering billions in stolen Bitcoin.
Their peculiar antics, including Razzlekhan’s cringeworthy crypto-themed rap videos, turned the story into an internet sensation. Furthermore, the documentary examined the technical intricacies of the hack while delving into the couple’s bizarre personal lives.
Interviews with cybersecurity experts, former associates, and law enforcement officials painted a vivid picture of how the theft unfolded and its ramifications for the crypto ecosystem. Biggest Heist Ever also raised new questions about national security, particularly regarding Lichtenstein’s alleged ties to Russia.
The blend of suspense, humor, and a real-world digital heist made the film a standout entry in the genre, solidifying crypto’s place in pop culture’s fascination with crime and intrigue. 5
References:
[1] "HBO’s Money Electric Highlights Crypto’s Growing Influence on Politics" (Source: CoinDesk, October 2024)
[2] "Kendrick Lamar’s Bitcoin Lyric Raises Questions About Power Dynamics in Hip-Hop" (Source: The Fader, September 2024)
[3] "Stand With Crypto Hosts Concert Series to Promote Crypto-Friendly Candidates" (Source: CoinTelegraph, October 2024)
[4] "Killer Robots Blurs Lines Between Entertainment and Finance with Crypto Segment" (Source: Forbes, November 2024)
[5] "Newsweek‘s Biggest Heist Ever Explores the Dark Side of Crypto" (Source: The Verge, November 2024)
