Five Notable Instances of Cryptocurrency in Pop Culture This Year
HBO’s Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery
October 2024 brought a significant release to the streaming world with HBO’s Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery. Directed by Cullen Hoback, who previously collaborated on QAnon with The QAnon Movement, this film delves into the origins of Bitcoin and the enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. A well-crafted documentary that combines investigative journalism with cinematic flair, Money Electric featured interviews with crypto luminaries such as Blockstream’s Adam Back and "Bitcoin Jesus" Roger Ver. It also explored the broader implications of crypto within financial systems.
The film concluded with Hoback proposing a theory linking Bitcoin developer Peter Todd to Nakamoto, despite Todd’s strong denial. While some praised Money Electric, its impact on public perception was minimal, as skepticism about the theory persists.
Kendrick Lamar & Bitcoin: The Lyric Revolution
Kendrick Lamar’s album Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City included a track titled "Bonnie and Clyde," which subtly referenced Bitcoin through lyrics referencing crypto terms like "crack," "bonuses," and "hacking." This innovative use of lyrics marked the first instance of a major artist integrating cryptocurrency themes into music, sparking discussions on the future of digital culture’s influence on pop art.
America Loves Crypto: The Big Heist
The Netflix series Biggest Heist Ever chronicled the infamous 2016 Bitfinex hack, exposing the lives of the notorious criminals Heather "Razzlekhan" Morgan and Ilya "Dutch" Lichtenstein. The show’s unique blend of suspense, humor, and real-life insight into the heist’s aftermath solidified crypto’s role in pop culture.
America Loves Crypto: The Concert Series
The America Loves Crypto concert series combined music with political advocacy, leveraging crypto elements like NFTs for ticketing, enhancing fan engagement. This innovative approach bridged art and technology, captivating audiences and fueling discussions about crypto’s cultural impact.
Web3 TV: The Rise of Killer Whales
The Killer Whales web3 TV show offered a unique format, blending entertainment with tech education. Panelists featured blockchain experts like Dr. Jane Doe and privacy advocates including John Doe, alongside law enforcement officials for authenticity. This show successfully educated viewers about blockchain while entertaining.
Final Thoughts on 2024’s Crypto Pop Culture
2024 marked a year of exciting crypto integration into pop culture, from documentaries to music and television shows. These instances underscored Bitcoin’s growing cultural significance, hinting at a future where digital assets play an integral role in entertainment.
