On October 6, 2020, Canadian record producer, DJ, and songwriter Murda Beatz (born Shane Lee Lindstrom) revealed to his 283,000 Twitter followers that he had just purchased bitcoin (BTC). The news quickly spread across the cryptocurrency community and the music industry, with fans welcoming the hitmaker into the digital asset space.
Who Is Murda Beatz?
Murda Beatz, 24, hails from Fort Erie, Ontario, and has produced chart-topping hits for some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, and fellow Canadian rapper Drake. According to estimates, his net worth stands at approximately $2.6 million. His decision to go public with his Bitcoin purchase marks a significant crossover between mainstream music and crypto.
Why He Bought Bitcoin
In his tweet, Murda Beatz thanked two individuals who introduced him to Bitcoin: fellow hip hop artist Jermane Prime and Morgan Creek Digital co-founder Anthony ‘Pomp’ Pompliano. He wrote: “I Bought Bitcoin Today… Salute 2 [Jermane Prime and] Anthony Pompliano.” This highlights how personal networks among celebrities are driving cryptocurrency adoption in the entertainment world.
A Growing Trend in Hip Hop
Murda Beatz is far from the first hip hop star to embrace Bitcoin. In 2015, the now-defunct Coinbase application Zapchain sold Talib Kweli’s album for bitcoin. Rapper Nas (Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) invested in Bitcoin years ago and revealed in 2014 that he was an early investor in Coinbase. Legendary artist Snoop Dogg sold his 2013 album for 0.3 BTC and famously tweeted about “going to the moon.” 50 Cent also accepted Bitcoin for his album sales in 2014, later profiting handsomely from the holdings.
Fan Reactions and Advice
The comment section under Murda Beatz’s post was filled with excitement and advice. One fan wrote: “Wise decision. Bitcoin is the best form of money humankind has ever invented. Keep stacking.” Others sent satoshis via Twitter tipping bots. However, several users urged caution: “Get that Bitcoin off exchanges, make sure it’s in a secure place like a Ledger wallet,” one tweeted.
Murda Beatz’s public endorsement adds to the growing list of hip hop artists advocating for Bitcoin. As more influential musicians openly support and hold digital assets, the cultural adoption of cryptocurrency continues to accelerate.