Base Co-Founder Draws Fire After Backing Soulja Boy’s Token Despite Repeated Scam Claims

  vor 18 Stunden

Base co-founder Jesse Pollak is facing mounting criticism after publicly engaging with and backing activity linked to a meme token associated with rapper Soulja Boy. The case revives long-running concerns about celebrity-driven crypto promotions and the responsibility of senior ecosystem figures. The controversy unfolded over a sequence of posts on X in mid-December. On December 13, Soulja Boy shared a comparison of creator payout schedules across major platforms, arguing that newer applications offered faster access to earnings than traditional social networks. Twitch pays you once a month. TikTok pays you once a week. Favorited pays you once a day. Choose your poison wisely. — Soulja Boy (Draco) (@souljaboy) December 13, 2025 On-Chain Research Rekindles Concerns Over Celebrity Crypto Promotions Pollak amplified the discussion while framing Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network, as an alternative monetization layer for creators. In a direct reply to Soulja Boy, Pollak said he had just backed the rapper on Base and had “instantly earned,” describing the interaction as an example of “new internet” behavior enabled by on-chain tools. . @baseapp pays you instantly https://t.co/0XurhOsj1H — jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) December 13, 2025 Although Pollak did not name or explicitly promote a specific token, many users interpreted the exchange as an endorsement of a Soulja Boy-linked meme token that had just launched on Base. @souljaboy just backed you on @base and you instantly earned. new internet shit https://t.co/CQ5NCvBwXj pic.twitter.com/fmdkt8UsZy — jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) December 13, 2025 Developers, traders, and researchers questioned why a senior figure at a Coinbase-backed network would publicly engage with a celebrity whose crypto history has drawn repeated scrutiny. The criticism quickly shifted from the token itself to broader concerns about trust, reputation, and showing within the Base ecosystem, which has positioned itself as a compliant, mainstream-friendly Layer-2 network. The debate intensified after on-chain investigator ZachXBT publicly challenged Pollak’s decision to interact with Soulja Boy. Why give SouljaBoy the platform to scam new people? https://t.co/PDxnk0Z0Za — ZachXBT (@zachxbt) December 14, 2025 He pointed to research he published in April 2023 documenting what he described as a long pattern of exploitative crypto promotions tied to the rapper. ZachXBT Details Pattern of Abandoned Crypto Projects Linked to Soulja Boy According to that research, Soulja Boy was involved in at least 73 token promotions and 16 NFT launches, many of which later collapsed or were abandoned. Why give SouljaBoy the platform to scam new people? https://t.co/PDxnk0Z0Za — ZachXBT (@zachxbt) December 14, 2025 ZachXBT outlined several examples from past market cycles, including meme tokens such as RapDoge, which was promoted in July 2021 before quickly rug-pulling, and projects like Orion and The Life Token, which used charitable narratives before collapsing. Beyond tokens, the investigator said Soulja Boy launched multiple NFT collections, some of which advertised future utility that never materialized. He also referenced prior regulatory and legal issues, including SEC charges related to Tron promotions and a lawsuit connected to SafeMoon. Growing Scrutiny Follows Base’s Rapid Rise in the Layer-2 Market Against that backdrop, critics argued that visibility from prominent builders functions as implicit validation, particularly for new users who may not be familiar with a promoter’s history. Supporters of open, permissionless networks countered that public blockchains do not restrict who can deploy tokens or participate, and that engagement does not necessarily equate to endorsement. The episode arrives at a sensitive moment for Base. According to L2beat data, Base is currently the second-largest Layer-2 network by total value locked, with approximately $12.66 billion, trailing only Arbitrum. Source: L2Beat Its rapid growth has positioned it as one of the most visible scaling layers in the Ethereum ecosystem, increasing scrutiny around how senior figures communicate publicly. The backlash also reflects a broader pattern in crypto discourse. In recent months, ZachXBT has repeatedly surfaced in high-profile cases involving alleged misconduct, including claims tied to celebrity NFT launches, suspected large-scale hacks, and the exposure of organized fraud networks. These episodes have fueled recurring debates about due diligence, accountability, and the role of influence in shaping on-chain behavior. The post Base Co-Founder Draws Fire After Backing Soulja Boy’s Token Despite Repeated Scam Claims appeared first on Cryptonews .

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World’s Highest IQ Holder: XRP Could Reach $100 Over the Next 5 Years

  vor 18 Stunden

The debate over XRP’s long-term valuation has returned to center stage as institutional adoption accelerates and crypto markets mature. Once dismissed as overly optimistic, multi-year price targets are now being revisited within a changing regulatory, financial, and technological environment. As traditional finance increasingly intersects with blockchain infrastructure, the question is no longer whether digital assets will be used at scale, but which networks will capture that value. That context frames a recent commentary by YoungHoon Kim, widely cited as possessing an IQ of 276 , who publicly stated his personal view that XRP could potentially reach $100 within the next five years. While Kim’s statement reflects an individual opinion rather than a market forecast, it has attracted attention due to his reputation for analytical reasoning and the broader structural shifts occurring around Ripple and the XRP Ledger. Based on my personal view, #XRP could potentially reach $100 over the next 5 years. (NFA/DYOR) — YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276 (@yhbryankimiq) December 14, 2025 XRP’s Evolving Market Position XRP remains one of the most actively traded digital assets globally , with deep liquidity across major exchanges. Unlike many cryptocurrencies designed primarily for speculation, XRP was engineered for high-speed value transfer, settling transactions in seconds at minimal cost. This utility-driven design has kept it relevant through multiple market cycles, even during periods of legal and regulatory uncertainty. Since the conclusion of Ripple’s long-running legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2025, XRP has operated under significantly improved regulatory clarity. That resolution removed a major overhang that had constrained institutional participation, particularly in the United States. Institutional Infrastructure and Supply Dynamics Another structural development is the rise of regulated investment vehicles tied to XRP. Exchange-traded products tracking XRP have already accumulated substantial holdings, tightening available liquid supply. At the same time, custody solutions, compliance frameworks, and institutional-grade on-ramps have matured, making large-scale exposure operationally viable for asset managers. Ripple’s launch of RLUSD, its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, has also reshaped transaction mechanics within the ecosystem. By enabling institutions to move value using a stable medium before converting it into XRP for settlement, volatility friction is reduced during large transfers. This design supports higher transaction volumes without destabilizing execution. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Utility, Volume, and Valuation Logic XRP’s long-term valuation thesis is closely tied to transaction volume rather than simple scarcity narratives. Global payments, tokenized assets, and on-chain liquidity management collectively represent trillions of dollars in daily settlement potential. If XRP captures even a modest share of these flows, higher price levels become mathematically plausible over extended time horizons. However, a $100 valuation would imply a market capitalization measured in the trillions, requiring sustained utility growth, broad institutional adoption, and favorable macro conditions. Kim’s five-year perspective implicitly assumes compounding adoption rather than short-term speculative spikes. Separating Possibility From Certainty While YoungHoon Kim’s statement has sparked renewed discussion, it does not constitute a prediction or guarantee. XRP reaching $100 would depend on execution, regulation, market structure, and real-world usage scaling in parallel. What is increasingly clear, however, is that XRP’s relevance is no longer hypothetical. As infrastructure solidifies and traditional finance continues to integrate blockchain rails, long-term valuation conversations are shifting from “if” to “under what conditions.” Within that evolving framework, Kim’s view reflects a growing belief that XRP’s ceiling may be far higher than current prices suggest, given enough time and adoption. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post World’s Highest IQ Holder: XRP Could Reach $100 Over the Next 5 Years appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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$200 million in crypto longs wiped out in 1 hour

  vor 18 Stunden

In a sudden show of volatility, the crypto market saw nearly $200 million in long positions wiped out in just one hour on Monday, December 15. The sudden sell-offs pushed total long liquidations beyond $366 million on the day, highlighting the fragility of leveraged trades amid heightened uncertainty , as evidenced by real-time liquidation data Finbold assessed on Coinglass . Notably, the largest single liquidation order happened on the Binance cryptocurrency exchange platform, valued at $5.26 million, while Bybit reported the biggest number of liquidations overall ($62.94 million).​ Accounting for the short positions as well, a total of 144,715 traders were liquidated, with the overall liquidations coming in at just shy of $450 million. Crypto liquidations. Source: Coinglass Bitcoin longs suffer the biggest losses, Ethereum close behind Bitcoin ( BTC ) longs were the most severely affected, as nearly $70 million was rekt in an hour as just as the cryptocurrency was down 2.6% on the 24-hour chart. BTC price fell below $87,000, the lowest levels since December 1, was the primary catalyst. The pullback in Bitcoin naturally affected the rest of the market. Ethereum ( ETH ), which is down 2.4%, was a close second, with nearly $64 million liquidated. Solana ( SOL ), 2.2% in the red, followed with a $12.10 million loss, while Dogecoin ( DOGE ) and XRP each plunged 3.7% and posted liquidations of $5.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The losses came amid a $50 billion plunge in market value, which took the overall crypto market cap from $3.05 trillion down to $3 trillion between 3 p.m. (UTC) and 4 p.m. (UTC) on the same day, according to CoinMarketCap . Featured image via Shutterstock The post $200 million in crypto longs wiped out in 1 hour appeared first on Finbold .

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Bitcoin Faces a Sharp Decline: What’s Behind the Numbers?

  vor 19 Stunden

The anticipated Bitcoin price decline has begun, reaching $86,674. Key global events and policies have created a bearish environment for cryptocurrency. Continue Reading: Bitcoin Faces a Sharp Decline: What’s Behind the Numbers? The post Bitcoin Faces a Sharp Decline: What’s Behind the Numbers? appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

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Defiant Bitcoin OG Doubles Down: Adds 10,000 ETH to Long Position Amid $37.7M Loss

  vor 19 Stunden

BitcoinWorld Defiant Bitcoin OG Doubles Down: Adds 10,000 ETH to Long Position Amid $37.7M Loss In a move that defies conventional wisdom, a veteran cryptocurrency investor known as a Bitcoin OG has made a staggering addition to their portfolio. According to data from Onchainlens, the investor behind wallet address ‘1011short’ has increased their Ethereum long position by a massive 10,000 ETH. This bold decision comes while their overall portfolio sits at an unrealized loss exceeding $37.7 million. What does this tell us about veteran conviction in a volatile market? Who Is This Defiant Bitcoin OG? While the identity behind ‘1011short’ remains private, their on-chain activity paints a picture of a seasoned, high-conviction investor. A true Bitcoin OG typically refers to early adopters who have weathered multiple market cycles. Their current holdings are nothing short of monumental, showcasing a diversified yet heavily weighted strategy: 199,350 ETH (worth approximately $574 million) 1,000 BTC (worth approximately $87 million) 250,000 SOL (worth approximately $32 million) This portfolio, valued at nearly $700 million, indicates this is not a retail trader but a major market participant whose moves are watched closely. Why Would a Bitcoin OG Buy More ETH at a Loss? This is the million-dollar—or rather, multi-million-dollar—question. Adding to a losing position, known as ‘averaging down,’ is a high-conviction strategy. For this Bitcoin OG , it suggests several possible beliefs: Long-Term Belief in Ethereum: The investment is likely not about short-term price swings but the long-term utility and adoption of the Ethereum network. Market Cycle Perspective: Veterans often see downturns as accumulation opportunities, buying assets they believe are undervalued relative to their future potential. Portfolio Rebalancing: The move could be part of a strategic shift to increase exposure to Ethereum’s ecosystem ahead of anticipated developments. Essentially, this Bitcoin OG is signaling that the current price does not reflect their assessment of Ethereum’s fundamental value. What Does This Mean for the Crypto Market? The actions of large holders, or ‘whales,’ can serve as a sentiment indicator. When a Bitcoin OG with such a significant portfolio makes a move this large, it’s worth noting. It demonstrates that sophisticated capital remains active and confident during periods of fear or uncertainty. However, it’s crucial to remember: This is a single data point, not a market-wide trend. Whales can be wrong, and their high-risk strategies are not suitable for everyone. It highlights the importance of on-chain analysis for understanding market dynamics beneath the surface price action. Key Takeaways from the Bitcoin OG’s Move The story of this Bitcoin OG provides powerful lessons for any market participant. First, it underscores the difference between trading and investing. This appears to be a strategic investment based on deep conviction, not a reactive trade. Second, it shows that successful veterans often operate on a different timeline, thinking in terms of years, not days. Finally, it reminds us that unrealized losses on paper are just that—unrealized—until an asset is sold. In conclusion, the decision by this anonymous Bitcoin OG to significantly increase their ETH long position is a masterclass in contrarian investing. While swimming against a $37.7 million loss tide seems reckless to some, for a veteran with a proven track record and immense resources, it may be a calculated bet on a future they strongly believe in. It serves as a compelling narrative of conviction over fear in the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is a Bitcoin OG? A Bitcoin OG (Original Gangster) is a term used in the crypto community to describe early adopters and investors in Bitcoin who have been involved since the asset’s infancy. They are typically seen as seasoned veterans with significant experience across market cycles. What does “adding to a long position” mean? Adding to a long position means buying more of an asset that you already own, with the expectation that its price will increase in the future. It is often done to lower the average purchase price of the investment. Is following whale moves like this a good investment strategy? While observing whale activity can provide insight into market sentiment, it is not a standalone investment strategy. Whales have different risk profiles, capital, and goals than most investors. Their moves should be considered as one piece of a much larger research puzzle. What is an unrealized loss? An unrealized loss is a decrease in the value of an investment that you still hold. The loss is “on paper” and only becomes a realized loss if you sell the asset at the lower price. The Bitcoin OG in this story has not sold, so the $37.7M loss is not yet locked in. What tools are used to track these kinds of transactions? Transactions like these are tracked using on-chain analysis tools and explorers (like Onchainlens, Etherscan, etc.) that monitor public blockchain data. These tools can track wallet addresses, transaction sizes, and portfolio compositions. Found this deep dive into a Bitcoin OG’s defiant strategy insightful? Share this article with fellow crypto enthusiasts on X (Twitter), Telegram, or your favorite social platform to spark a discussion about conviction investing in volatile markets! To learn more about the latest Ethereum trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum price action and institutional adoption. This post Defiant Bitcoin OG Doubles Down: Adds 10,000 ETH to Long Position Amid $37.7M Loss first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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