Jesse Pollak’s Support for Soulja Boy-Linked Meme Token Draws Criticism

Base creator Jesse Pollak is under fire after he publicly endorsed what seemed to be a meme token associated with rapper Soulja Boy. This incident has reignited concerns about the role of celebrities in speculative cryptocurrency projects.

Key Takeaways

Jesse Pollak, creator of Base, is facing backlash for endorsing a meme token linked to Soulja Boy.
The controversy raised concerns about celebrity involvement in speculative crypto projects.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT criticized Pollak for collaborating with Soulja Boy, highlighting his track record of controversial promotions.
The incident underscores the importance of credibility and trust in the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.

Overview of the Controversy Surrounding Pollak

The controversy began with a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) in mid-December. On December 13, Soulja Boy made a post comparing payout schedules for creators across major platforms, claiming that newer apps provide faster monetization opportunities. He wrote, "Twitch pays you once a month. TikTok pays you once a week. Favorited pays you once a day. Choose your poison wisely."

The following day, Pollak seemed to support Soulja Boy's message by promoting Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network, as a creator-focused monetization solution. He tweeted, ". @baseapp pays you instantly," linking to the platform.

Pollak’s commentary framed on-chain tools as better options compared to traditional social media platforms. The situation intensified when Pollak replied directly to Soulja Boy, stating that he had just supported him on Base and had “instantly earned,” branding this interaction as part of “new internet” behavior.

While Pollak did not name a specific token, many users took it as an endorsement of a meme token connected to Soulja Boy and his cryptocurrency activities.

Criticism from Blockchain Investigator ZachXBT

This perceived endorsement prompted a swift reaction from ZachXBT, a blockchain investigator who raised concerns about Pollak’s choice to engage with Soulja Boy. He tweeted, "Why give Soulja Boy the platform to scam new people?" referencing his previous investigations into the rapper’s crypto past.

According to ZachXBT's research from April 2023, Soulja Boy was involved in 73 crypto promotions and 16 NFT launches, many of which reportedly ended poorly, culminating in abandoned projects and scams. He asserted, "In recent weeks, influencers have praised @souljaboy for new NFT projects hoping for clout. However, he has been one of the most unapologetic promoters in crypto."

The investigator explained how his research documented instances where promoted tokens quickly lost value after intense marketing, followed by the removal of promotional content. He also cited various legal troubles in relation to the rapper’s activities, which include past SEC charges related to Tron promotions and lawsuits linked to SafeMoon.

Moreover, ZachXBT emphasized that many NFT projects advertised future utility but were later neglected, with some collections removed from marketplaces due to intellectual property concerns.

For critics, the issue goes beyond just one token. They believe that when prominent figures like Pollak, who is crucial to shaping the public image of Base, associate with controversial personalities, it could damage trust in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The Broader Implications for Base and the Crypto Community

Base has marketed itself as a compliant, mainstream-friendly Layer-2 network backed by Coinbase, increasing the sensitivity surrounding its reputation. The incident has rekindled debates about accountability when influential developers promote celebrity-led initiatives with questionable histories.

Even mild intentions can pose credibility risks quickly when serious builders collaborate with known promoters. As one user pointed out, “Markets judge alignment, not tone. Trust diminishes when focus shifts from innovation to spectacle, impacting liquidity.”

Proponents of open networks maintain that permissionless systems should not dictate who can build or promote on-chain. In contrast, critics argue that visibility from senior leaders within the ecosystem provides implicit validation, particularly for those new to the space.

The backlash against Pollak illustrates increasing scrutiny faced by major platforms as they attempt to balance openness with necessary due diligence. It also demonstrates how past controversies quickly resurface when trust is on the line—especially as cryptocurrency continues exploring creator monetization and meme-driven outreach.