Australian rapper Iggy Azalea recently targeted Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin, continuing her ongoing disagreement with him. This time, she criticized Buterin’s performance at Singapore’s TOKEN2049, where he sang about Ethereum’s progress.
Vitalik Buterin, known for his contributions to blockchain technology, performed a light-hearted song focused on Ethereum’s milestones, including lowering transaction fees with Layer 2 solutions, improving confirmation times after the Merge, and balancing decentralization with mainstream adoption. The video of his performance received mixed reactions from the crypto community, with some appreciating the humor and others finding it unexpected from a usually reserved figure.
Justin Sun praises Buterin’s bold move
Justin Sun, founder of TRON, commended Buterin for stepping out of his comfort zone to engage with the community in a new way. Sun highlighted that Buterin, typically known for avoiding the spotlight, showed a different side of himself. While Buterin remains silent about Iggy Azalea’s criticisms, his previous statements regarding celebrities in the crypto space hinted at his views.
Earlier this year, Buterin expressed frustration over celebrities’ involvement in promoting meme coins, which detracted from the ecosystem’s value. He voiced his disappointment with figures who, according to him, show little regard for the long-term vision of the blockchain space. Buterin suggested that such influencers focus on projects that contribute real value instead of riding on trends for personal gain.
Iggy responds with her event
In response, Iggy Azalea hosted her crypto-themed event in Las Vegas, promoting her meme coin, MOTHER, and her online casino, Motherland. The event, which drew influencers and crypto fans, stirred controversy, with many questioning its legitimacy. Iggy performed popular tracks such as ‘Fancy’ and ‘Kream,’ engaging with attendees throughout the night.
Despite the backlash, Iggy took to Twitter to dismiss criticism of her event. Without directly naming Buterin, she mocked those criticizing her actions, labeling them “boring.” She defended the party as a necessary networking opportunity and suggested that critics needed more experience to understand high-level business dynamics.
Iggy’s Twitter posts emphasized her belief that partying and business coexist in the crypto world. She asserted that the people calling the shots were already in the room, dismissing critics as irrelevant. However, concerns about the ethics behind hosting a casino-themed event tied to a meme coin were raised. Critics warned that such gatherings could tarnish the industry’s reputation and attract young, impressionable audiences into gambling and financially irresponsible behavior.
A divided Crypto community
Iggy’s ongoing feud with Buterin illustrates a broader divide within the crypto community. On one side, some view the space as a severe financial technology, while on the other, figures like Iggy are pushing to blend crypto with modern entertainment. This contrast is likely to fuel further debate as the industry evolves. With both sides holding firm in their views, the tension between traditionalists and entertainment-driven newcomers may shape the future of cryptocurrency in unpredictable ways.