Hip Hop, R&B, and NFTs: A New Era of Creative Control

“The Boss” Gold Death Row Lil Bitcoin. Courtesy of Crypto.com

In 2025, the intersection of music and NFTs continues to transform how artists connect with fans, monetize their work, and redefine creative independence. Insights from PBS’s documentary on the NFT industry, combined with notable real-world examples, underscore the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize not just visual arts but also music—with hip hop and R&B artists leading the charge.

Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records NFT Label

In a bold move to blend tradition with technology, Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records signaled a new chapter for the storied label. Renamed as an NFT label, Snoop leveraged blockchain technology to redefine how music is owned, shared, and monetized. Fans now have the opportunity to own a piece of Death Row history through NFTs, creating unique access to exclusive tracks, artwork, and collectibles.

“Death Row will be an NFT label,” Snoop announced in 2022, positioning the iconic brand as a major player in the metaverse. This shift underscores the label’s commitment to empowering artists and fans alike by bypassing traditional gatekeepers. The move not only taps into the nostalgia of Death Row’s legacy but also establishes a future-forward approach, aligning with the broader cultural shift towards digital ownership highlighted in blockchain discussions.

Snoop’s decision was not made in a vacuum. As the PBS documentary illustrates, NFTs provide a unique opportunity for artists to circumvent outdated industry models. This is particularly impactful in the hip hop and R&B genres, where independence and authenticity are often valued over mass-market appeal. By leveraging blockchain, Snoop is allowing artists to take ownership of their creative work and connect directly with their audience on a global scale.

The Weeknd’s NFT-Infused World Tour

The Weeknd, another trailblazer in the NFT space, used blockchain technology to deepen fan engagement during his 2023 world tour. Partnering with Binance, he launched a collection of NFTs tied to the tour, offering exclusive digital memorabilia and interactive experiences. This initiative also supported humanitarian causes through The Weeknd’s XO Humanitarian Fund, merging technology with philanthropy.

The integration of NFTs into a world tour was groundbreaking. It demonstrated how musicians can use blockchain not only for financial gain but also to create a sense of exclusivity and community among their fans. By owning an NFT, fans gained access to digital collectibles that offered more than a monetary value—they became mementos of a shared experience. This innovative approach reflects the broader trends discussed in the PBS documentary, where NFTs are reshaping how creators interact with their audiences.

For fans, the NFTs represented more than just collectibles; they became a means to connect with the artist on a deeper level. The Weeknd’s use of NFTs also showcased the potential for musicians to support charitable causes through their digital ventures, creating a model that blends artistry, technology, and social responsibility.

A Broader Cultural Shift

Blockchain and NFTs have created a significant cultural impact across creative industries. While much of the early buzz around NFTs centered on visual artists like Beeple—whose $69 million sale at Christie’s remains a landmark event—the technology’s adoption by musicians has been equally transformative. Artists from diverse backgrounds have utilized NFTs to challenge industry norms and find financial independence.

One standout example from the PBS documentary is an independent artist who minted an unreleased music video as an NFT, using the proceeds to pay rent and continue their creative journey. This mirrors the experiences of visual artists who found freedom from traditional gatekeepers through blockchain technology. Yet, while visual art dominates NFT headlines, music NFTs have emerged as a powerful tool for artists to monetize their craft and engage fans in innovative ways.

Snoop Dogg’s and The Weeknd’s endeavors highlight how this cultural shift is particularly resonant in the music industry. Hip hop and R&B, genres rooted in storytelling and community, have embraced NFTs as a natural extension of their artistic ethos. By creating digital collectibles, artists are offering fans a tangible way to support their favorite musicians while also owning a piece of their legacy.

The Challenges Ahead

As revolutionary as NFTs may be, challenges persist. Issues such as intellectual property theft, scams, and the lack of regulation in the NFT space remain pressing concerns. Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd, with their high-profile initiatives, showcase how artists can navigate these hurdles, but not every creator has access to the same resources.

For example, the PBS documentary highlighted instances where artists faced significant obstacles, including counterfeit NFTs and disputes over ownership rights. These challenges underscore the need for greater education and safeguards within the NFT ecosystem. While blockchain technology offers immense potential, its decentralized nature can also leave artists vulnerable to exploitation.

NFTs offer exciting possibilities for artists across genres, but they’re not without risks. For every success story, there are cautionary tales of counterfeit NFTs and financial losses, underscoring the need for education and vigilance in this burgeoning market.

A New Era for Music and NFTs

The integration of NFTs into the music industry marks the dawn of a new era. Snoop Dogg’s reinvention of Death Row Records and The Weeknd’s NFT-driven world tour highlight how hip hop and R&B artists are at the forefront of this movement. By blending creativity with technology, they’re not only reshaping how music is distributed but also empowering fans to become active participants in the art they love.

This new era is not just about financial gain; it’s about fostering deeper connections between artists and fans. NFTs offer a way to memorialize artistic moments and create a lasting impact, whether through exclusive content, charitable initiatives, or digital collectibles. As blockchain technology evolves, so too will its applications in music and beyond.

The PBS documentary and other industry insights serve as a reminder that NFTs are more than a passing trend—they’re a tool for artists to reclaim agency in their careers, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of creativity. With pioneers like Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd leading the way, the potential for NFTs in music remains as vast as the technology itself.