Kanye West’s bizarre Super Bowl ad didn’t just confuse viewers as it helped fuel a 3,800% surge in a Nazi-themed crypto.
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Kanye West is caught up in controversy again, and this time, he didn’t exactly do himself any favors. The rapper, who has increasingly become known for his inflammatory statements rather than his music, aired a Super Bowl ad that has since fueled the creation of a token on Solana (SOL) with apparent Nazi symbolism.
The ad itself was unconventional, featuring West reclining in a dentist’s chair while showing off his diamond-encrusted teeth. Filmed on an iPhone, the rapper claimed he spent his budget on his dental work, forcing him to shoot the ad in a minimalist fashion.
“So what’s up, guys, I spent, like all the money put a commercial on these new teeth. So once again, I had to shoot it on the iPhone.”
Kanye West
The ad directed viewers to his website, yeezy[dot]com, but didn’t provide any additional context or promotional material. Airing in select regional markets rather than nationwide, the ad’s message was cryptic, but it was enough to stir reactions across social media.
When opening the website, which resembles a merchant store, it only contains one item: a t-shirt with a swastika on it named “hh-01,” likely standing for “Hail Hitler.”
Shortly after the ad aired, a token token linked to West’s recent statements surfaced on decentralized exchanges. Dubbed the same name, the Solana-based token soared more than 3,880% in value within hours, per data from DEX Screener. As of press time, the token’s market capitalization stands at $2.7 million, with nearly $250,000 in locked liquidity.
West’s actions were quickly criticized by public figures and advocacy groups. The Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee criticized his messaging, while other celebrities, including David Schwimmer and Piers Morgan, called for his social media ban. West, however, seemingly deactivated his own X account after posting a cryptic farewell message.
In another X post, just before deleting his account, West also claimed that he was offered $2 million to launch a token and scam his community. “I was proposed 2 million dollars to scam my community,” he wrote, sharing a screenshot of a DM from an unnamed person at an unknown time. “Those left of it. I said no and cut ties with the person who suggested it.”
Major red flag
Meanwhile, the token associated with his controversial imagery has sparked debate within the crypto space. Some see it as a speculative opportunity, while others raise concerns about its centralized nature. As one X user noted, almost 10% of the token’s supply is owned by “four bundled wallets.”
The emergence of meme coins tied to controversial figures or events is nothing new, but the latest instance has once again reignited discussions about the ethical implications of trading such assets.
Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin earlier criticized meme coins linked to dictatorships, advocating for better-quality projects. Buterin pointed out that “a bunch of Solana memecoins has recently been openly super-racist,” highlighting the prevalence of coins with names associated with totalitarian regimes, which he finds particularly concerning.
Even with West’s unpredictable behavior, he still seems to have a loyal fan base, with some suggesting his actions are just misunderstood creativity.
West has a way of keeping people talking, whether it’s through his music, fashion, or the controversies he stirs up. His ability to grab attention has been a big part of his career, and some believe that his unpredictability is actually what keeps his brand alive.
One way or the other, the potential consequences of West’s latest actions are yet to be seen. If he’s found to have any direct involvement in the creation or promotion of the hh-01 token, he could face lawsuits or investigations.
The situation shows how West keeps drawing attention and sparking controversy, no matter the risks. But with growing criticism and possible legal issues, it’s uncertain how long his actions will go unchecked before authorities step in. It also highlights the increasing connection between celebrities and crypto speculation, raising concerns about ethics and rules in the crypto industry.
