--- title: "Crypto Project Named After Elon Musk, But Not Associated With Him, Buys Kanye West’s Backpack" description: "Kanye West's famous, 1-of-1 \"Robot Face\" backpack was just purchased for 50 ETH — roughly $100,000 — by an NFT collective called Elon.Space." date: "2022-09-05" modified: "2022-09-05" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/crypto-project-elon-musk-kanye-backpack" categories: - "Blockchain" - "Cryptocurrency" - "Elon Musk" - "Future Society" - "The Industrialists" tags: - "elon musk" - "kanye west" - "nfts" - "the digest" --- # Crypto Project Named After Elon Musk, But Not Associated With Him, Buys Kanye West’s Backpack ![Kanye West's famous, 1-of-1 "Robot Face" backpack was just purchased for 50 ETH — roughly $100,000 — by an NFT collective called Elon.Space.]() *\Image: Elon.space\* ## Backpack Rap Here's some Futurism word soup for ya: Kanye West's famous, [one-of-a-kind "Robot Face" backpack]() was just purchased for 50 ETH — roughly $100,000 at the time of purchase — by an Elon Musk-inspired, though not actually Elon Musk affiliated, [NFT collective called Elon.Space](). Following so far? Us neither. Here's how the project [described itself to *Hypebeast*](). "Elon's culture of memes is the reason why he is the most accessible figure in the Web3 and NFT space. He loves DOGE, he's going to space, and he loves trolling," the project told the site, explaining the inspiration behind its name. "His personality is the quintessential Web3 billionaire." According to *Hypebeast*, the collective will now mint the backpack into an NFT. And in true Elon fashion, 420 lucky users who get their hands on the digital asset will be entered into a raffle to win the real thing. ## Memelord Spinoff Elon.Space, which boasts the motto "who controls the memes, controls the universe," is a relatively new project that, as it told *Hypebeast*, claims to focus on "phygital" goods — in other words, the blending of physical goods or experiences with those in the real world. "Supporters can expect to be surprised and delighted with unfiltered commentary, high quality products (both physical and digital), and a chance to be part of a curated group of 420 who actually 'get it,'" the collective told the fashion outlet. "We don't believe in roadmaps and/or the standard mechanism by which today's NFT projects have incubated themselves into the industry." And, well, sure, there are [already some issues]() with that "standard mechanism" that Elon.Space speaks of. And the fact that the group chose a Kanye bag as their first project? Considering Kanye's [past two cents]() about NFTs, it may first strike as a strange choice. But then again, this collective clearly centers memes and virality over all — and to that point, Kanye, for better and worse, certainly knows how to make waves online. "Kanye is a creative genius that pairs perfectly with the ethos of Elon.Space," the project told *Hypebeast*. "We wanted a product that felt iconic and of a moment that resonates with the project – this was it." **READ MORE:** *[Kanye West's Goyard Backpack Just Sold for 50 ETH]()* \[*Hypebeast*\] **More on rappers and blockchain:** [*Eminem and Snoop Dogg Make Music Video Where They Appear as Their Bored Apes*]() ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()