This week’s featured collector is _crypto_wolf_

_crypto_wolf_ has a small collection of Ethereum NFTs. Sometimes small is beautiful. Check it out at lazy.com/_crypto_wolf_

How do you feel about music NFTs?

It has been awhile since a poll has given as clear of a result as last week’s. A clear majority are open-minded, yet cautious, about music NFTs. Based on this poll, it appears there is a growing rejection of hype among NFT collectors. Fascinating!

NFT Paris 2025 Recap: Humility & Self-Reflection

Konohime has posted a worth reading recap of NFT Paris 2025. Here’s a summary of their main observations:

NFT Paris 2025 brought together a surprising mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces in the French NFT scene. The event kicked off on February 13 at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, though for many attendees, the real excitement began with the side events that evening. One standout was FelixFelixFelix’s exhibition at Avant Galerie, showcasing his Cypherpalace from the CypherDudes collection—a room brimming with cypherpunk references and pulsing screens. This intimate gathering drew more traditional artistic figures deeply engaged in NFT culture, hinting at a shift from sheer speculation to passion-driven projects. Conversations touched on everything from Ministry of Culture reports and NFT archeology to who might survive financially in the space—serious topics tempered by a mix of cautious optimism and the lingering echoes of broken dreams.

On February 14, the main conference opened its doors, offering a more public-facing lens on the ecosystem. Immediately noticeable was the absence of major Web2 brands, replaced by booths from prominent PFP projects, Ordinals supporters, and outfits like Sandbox, all competing for attention. Attendees were a mix of old-timers from the 2018-2019 era, intrigued by emerging sidechains and more independent initiatives. Despite the carnival-like atmosphere (complete with photo ops and yellow Valentine’s roses from Binance), the content felt more grounded than in previous years. Panels and discussions exuded humility and self-reflection, steering away from loud marketing pitches. The sense was that the community is past the hype cycle, now focusing on incremental improvements rather than big-bang revolutions.

Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that NFT Paris has gravitated closer to the practical realities of building in Web3. PFP collections continue to consolidate their brands, and side projects are slowly evolving rather than heralding sweeping metaverse revolutions. On-chain analytics didn’t feature prominently—perhaps a collective choice to focus on tangible applications rather than raw data. The contrast between the promised new internet and the current scattering of standalone initiatives is stark; no single project truly unifies this diverse ecosystem. For a serious NFT collector, the main takeaway is that the market is maturing: speculation has quieted, and genuine builders remain, but the grand vision of a unified “next internet” is still very much in progress.

Read the full report on Konohime’s Substack.

What best describes the vibe of NFTs in 2025?

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This week’s featured collector is AI_Me

AI_Me is an NFT artist that uses AI to create vivid and futuristic images. Check out their collection at lazy.com/ai_me

What’s your stance on the proposed NFT Act updates?

Our previous poll’s overwhelming 82% “full support” reflects a clear hunger within the NFT community for regulatory certainty—precisely what the Timmons-Torres NFT Act aims to deliver by classifying certain NFTs as non-securities. With 0% expressing skepticism or neutrality, the data suggests that most respondents are either strongly in favor of clarifying federal rules or firmly opposed to any new legislation (18%). This divide underscores the tension between those who believe structured guidelines will legitimize the space and those wary of stifling innovation. Given the broader context—especially the SEC’s shifting stance and past enforcement controversies—these results highlight a prevailing desire for guardrails that can protect both creators and collectors without overregulating the emerging market.

A Leap Forward for Music NFTs: Sony’s Soneium Teams Up With Crypto Record Label

The music NFT landscape just gained another heavyweight contender with Sony’s public blockchain platform, Soneium, announcing its first-ever NFT collection in partnership with onchain record label Coop Records. Launched on January 14, 2025, Soneium aims to tackle some of the music industry’s most persistent problems—specifically, the lopsided revenue splits that often disadvantage artists and creators.

At the heart of this new initiative is Tokyo-based producer NUU$HI, whose 22-minute music NFT is currently available on Soneium’s marketplace, Sonova. The track has already seen hundreds of mints, highlighting a growing appetite for blockchain-powered music releases.

Redefining Music Monetization Models

Coop Records, the onchain label behind the collection, has long advocated for equitable profit-sharing in the music business. By using NFTs and smart contracts, Coop aims to ensure that artists receive a fair cut of streaming and sales revenues—challenging an industry status quo often dominated by large labels and digital platforms. According to Coop Records founder Cooper Turley, “creators and power users will be the biggest winners” in this new wave of token-driven applications. Soneium aligns with this vision, placing the idea of “fair distribution” at the core of its platform’s design and emphasizing recognition for creators.

Sony’s Blockchain Ambitions

Although Soneium is part of the Sony ecosystem, it operates independently from the conglomerate’s major labels like Columbia Records and RCA Records—for now. However, the potential for crossover is significant. Sony Block Solutions Labs, the Singapore-based unit overseeing Soneium, has already indicated a broader aim to protect intellectual property and foster transparent profit-sharing.

Implications for NFT Collectors

For collectors, the Soneium-Coop collaboration offers more than just another digital collectible. It’s a glimpse into a future where music ownership, fan engagement, and artist compensation are deeply intertwined with NFTs. The relatively low entry cost for this inaugural NFT could signal a shift away from high-priced, speculative NFTs and toward more mainstream accessibility. Furthermore, the direct involvement of Sony—a global entertainment leader—adds a layer of credibility that may encourage broader adoption of music NFTs.

A Broader Cultural Shift

This development underscores a pivotal moment in the evolution of NFTs, where functional utility (like fair compensation for artists) becomes as important as hype-driven exclusivity. Soneium Director and Startale CEO Sota Watanabe has characterized the platform as “the internet for entertainment,” emphasizing music as the next frontier. By demonstrating how NFTs can distribute profits equitably and streamline rights management, Soneium and Coop Records are not just launching a collection—they’re challenging the traditional music industry to rethink its entire value chain.

For collectors, artists, and industry stakeholders, the takeaway is clear: music NFTs are maturing beyond novelty items, with Soneium’s mainnet launch offering a tangible blueprint for fair distribution and transparent monetization. While there’s no guarantee Sony’s major labels will immediately follow suit, the door has been cracked open. As blockchain adoption accelerates and mainstream entities take note, this could mark the beginning of a broader movement—one where musicians, fans, and collectors all share in the value of digital music ownership through NFTs.

Learn more at The Block.

How do you feel about music NFTs?

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This week’s featured collector is NetworkGamer

NetworkGamer is a game developer and NFT enthusiast. Check out their collection at lazy.com/networkgamer

Where Do You Stand on Doodles’ Shift Away From the “Extractive Corpo Era”?

In last week’s poll clearly indicates that NFT collectors value a culture-driven approach over a corporate-centric one, suggesting that many see genuine engagement, creative expression, and community-building as more meaningful than short-term monetary gains. The strong majority who favor Doodles’ new direction underscores a broader trend within NFT communities: enthusiasts are increasingly motivated by shared ideals and collaborative environments rather than just hype. At the same time, the dissenting minority—those preferring a more corporate stance or needing additional information—highlights a tension between sustainable growth and cultural authenticity. In essence, the poll suggests that while most Doodles supporters are rallying behind this cultural pivot, some remain cautious.

U.S. Congress Pushes for Clear NFT Protections: Inside the NFT Act

NFT collectors may soon get greater clarity and legal protections in the United States, thanks to a renewed push to pass comprehensive digital asset legislation known as the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21). Introduced and initially passed by the House of Representatives last year, FIT21 was designed to give federal agencies like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clearer jurisdiction over cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Now, two congressmen—Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)—are trying to ensure that NFTs are explicitly included in an updated version of the bill. “Not only do we need rules of the road for stablecoins and digital assets, our NFT bill is a great opportunity to help create more clarity,” Timmons told Decrypt.

Timmons and Torres introduced the New Frontiers in Technology (NFT) Act in December, which for the first time would classify certain non-fungible tokens as non-securities. Under this proposal, NFTs tied to art, video games, memberships, and other consumer-focused use cases would enjoy a clearer legal status—something the community has long demanded. The push for NFT protections comes amid statements by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), who remains “adamant” that crypto markets structure and stablecoin bills will advance in the Senate within the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency. If NFT protections are codified in the updated bill, it could be a watershed moment for the community, particularly given the SEC’s history of vague guidance on how it views certain NFTs.

That vagueness reared its head most dramatically under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose tenure saw high-profile enforcement actions against several NFT-focused projects, such as the forced destruction of NFTs tied to Mila Kunis’s “Stoner Cats” animated series. “There needs to be a regulatory framework in place to prevent the kind of weaponization of government that we saw under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler,” Torres said. He added that Gensler’s enforcement stance often discriminated against new technologies. “If the SEC is technology-neutral, as it claims to be, then the use of blockchain should be irrelevant,” Torres said in reference to some of the enforcement crackdowns.

Moving forward, the SEC’s new leadership signals a shift. Acting Chair Mark Uyeda and crypto task force lead Hester Peirce have expressed a more collaborative tone, distancing themselves from Gensler’s aggressive enforcement. Meanwhile, the NFT Act’s language also recognizes potential pitfalls, excluding any NFTs primarily marketed as investment contracts. By ensuring that only purely consumptive NFTs—like tickets, collectibles, or membership perks—are exempt, the bill aims to protect everyday creators and collectors without giving a free pass to unscrupulous actors. “The NFT Act is a crucial step toward regulatory clarity for both consumers and creators,” said The Digital Chamber’s Chief Policy Officer Cody Carbone. “We are hopeful this bill advances swiftly and is included in any broader crypto legislation considered by this Congress.”

Ultimately, the Timmons-Torres bill could be transformative for the NFT space, especially as mainstream brands—from McDonald’s to Disney—continue to explore tokenized assets. “We pass laws to apply not only to present administrations, but also future administrations,” Torres said, highlighting the long-term importance of establishing clear rules today. “There could be a future Gary Gensler chairing the SEC.” If the updated version of FIT21 passes with NFT-focused provisions intact, collectors and creators will benefit from a more consistent and fair regulatory environment. And with NFTs already serving as digital collectibles, membership passes, and beyond, the move signals a pragmatic step toward a more mature market—one where buyers and sellers can operate with confidence in the enduring value of blockchain-powered assets.

Learn more at Decrypt.

What’s your stance on the proposed NFT Act updates?

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This week’s featured collector is Limn

Limn is a painter and photographer. Check out their unique collection at lazy.com/limn

Which Factor Will Most Influence Your NFT Purchases in 2025?

In last week’s poll on which factor will most influence NFT purchases in 2025, Artistic Quality and Rarity/Scarcity emerged in a tie, each capturing 38% of the votes. Notably, Utility and Function followed at 25%, while Social Proof attracted no votes. Interestingly, no participants indicated they plan to skip NFT buying altogether in 2025—suggesting continued enthusiasm around digital collectibles.

From a broader perspective, these results underline a clear preference for NFTs that offer tangible or aesthetic value. While hype and social signals have often driven trends, collectors seem more focused on the inherent qualities of each piece—whether that’s its uniqueness or visual appeal. This also points to a maturing marketplace, where utility and creativity outweigh pure speculation, and reinforces the notion that a dedicated base of buyers still believes in the potential of NFTs going into 2025.

OpenSea 2.0 Unveiled in Private Beta—And There Are Points

OpenSea recently introduced its OS2 platform in a private beta release, highlighting a redesigned user interface and an experience points (XP) system. These enhancements are currently available only to select users, with Gemesis NFT holders receiving free priority access. OpenSea drew a blockchain snapshot of nearly 49,785 wallets holding Gemesis NFTs, granting them eligibility for this exclusive beta, while other users have been waitlisted.

The newly implemented XP system is designed to promote higher user engagement. Although OpenSea has not officially confirmed any plans, many speculate these points could lay the groundwork for a future token drop—particularly notable because OpenSea has so far operated without a token. This approach reflects a competitive strategy seen with Blur, the rival marketplace that surpassed OpenSea in monthly trading volumes in mid-2023 and maintains a strong lead. In January 2025 alone, Blur recorded over $317 million in trading volume on Ethereum, significantly outpacing OpenSea’s $152 million. While OpenSea dominated over 90% of NFT marketplace volumes in 2022, its share has now slipped to about 33%.

These shifts in market share come on the heels of OpenSea’s strategic pivot, initiated when it laid off half its workforce in November 2023. With the CEO emphasizing that OS2 is central to OpenSea’s future, users can expect continued feature updates and refinements. Beta participants are already encouraged to list items, make offers on collections, and submit feedback through the official Discord, earning XP while shaping the platform’s development.

Doodles Reorients, Switches CEO

Doodles, known for its vibrant, cartoonish NFT artwork, has undergone a leadership shakeup. Scott Martin—better known by his artist moniker “Burnt Toast”—has stepped in as CEO, succeeding former Billboard executive Julian Holguin. Under Holguin’s guidance, Doodles forged collaborations with major brands such as Adidas and McDonald’s and fostered a partnership with music icon Pharrell Williams, who remains the project’s chief brand officer despite the CEO transition.

In announcing the leadership change, Martin signaled a return to what made Doodles special in the first place: authenticity, transparency, and creativity. The company’s spokesperson described the parting with Holguin as a mutual decision reflecting a broader shift away from a more corporate tone. This marks a pivotal evolution for a project that quickly rose to prominence in late 2021, as Martin’s eye-catching artwork captivated collectors. After debuting around $462 worth of ETH, Doodles’ floor price soared to nearly $57,000 in May 2022. During Holguin’s tenure, the collection expanded with customizable NFT avatars, acquired an animation studio, and introduced more brand integrations.

Scott Martin’s vision appears to distance Doodles from what he called the “extractive corpo era,” refocusing on community-driven values. While details on next steps remain under wraps, Martin hinted at “big things,” including the possibility of a token airdrop—similar to other projects like Pudgy Penguins and Azuki. Currently, the Doodles floor price sits at approximately $13,501, a figure up by 6.62% over the past week.

Where Do You Stand on Doodles’ Shift Away From the “Extractive Corpo Era”?

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We would love to hear from you as we continue to build out new features for Lazy! Love the site? Have an idea on how we can improve it? Drop us a line at info@lazy.com

This week’s featured collector is BearBrains

BearBrains uses Lazy because it is “a simple and uncluttered way to showcase the ART!” View their collection at lazy.com/bearbrains

Do You Believe the Rumored CryptoPunks IP Sale?

So, checking out last week’s poll, 57% of participants think the rumored CryptoPunks IP sale is really happening. But then you’ve got the other 43%—29% saying “Nope” and 14% still on the fence. That split shows there’s still plenty of skepticism or “wait and see” mentality when it comes to these kinds of rumors. Overall, it highlights how rumors can spread fast in the NFT world, but also how opinions can vary big time, even within one community. Lots of folks believe it, some don’t, and a bunch want more proof. That’s the NFT space for you—equal parts hype and caution.

NFT Game of Discovery and Connection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has taken an exciting step onto the blockchain with its newly launched online NFT game, Art Links. Billed as a “no art history degree required” experience, Art Links offers visitors an engaging way to connect with the Met’s vast collection, and brings a refreshingly interactive twist to Web3 gaming.

Explore Art to Earn NFTs

Created in partnership with tech platform TRLab, founded by entrepreneur Audrey Ou and Christie’s non-executive deputy chairman Xin Li-Cohen, Art Links challenges players to create “chains” by uncovering common threads between more than 140 highlighted artworks. Successful matches reward collectors with free NFT badges—digital tokens signifying achievements in the game—while deeper exploration of each piece reveals the intricacies of its materials, historical context, and significance in art history.

Players can expect fresh content for the next 12 weeks, with new challenges released every Thursday at 12:01 a.m. ET through April 10, 2025. The rotating puzzle structure ensures a continuous stream of unique connections to be uncovered, while the design team offers an insightful overview of each piece, bridging ancient relics with modern masterworks.

As TRLab co-founder Audrey Ou notes, harnessing blockchain technology to link creators, collectors, and fans is “the future of art.”

Why It Matters for NFT Collectors

For collectors looking to expand their portfolios, Art Links merges two important worlds: the cultural prestige of one of the world’s top art institutions and the forward-looking realm of blockchain assets.

By bringing a storied institution and an emerging technology together, Art Links sets a compelling model for future museum-led blockchain initiatives. Whether you’re a crypto-savvy collector, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about how it all works, now is the perfect time to dive in and explore the Met’s new frontier in digital engagement through NFT gaming.

Check it out at https://artlinks.metmuseum.org/

Which Factor Will Most Influence Your NFT Purchases in 2025?

We ❤️ Feedback

We would love to hear from you as we continue to build out new features for Lazy! Love the site? Have an idea on how we can improve it? Drop us a line at info@lazy.com

This week’s featured collector is Svenmalefist

Svenmalefist is developer of realtime illusions. Their Lazy profile showcases artwork they’ve created. View Svenmalefist’s artwork at lazy.com/svenmalefist

Which aspect of AI-driven NFTs do you think will have the biggest impact on the market this year?

Based on last week’s poll, AI NFT gaming ecosystems appear to be the most anticipated driver of change, suggesting that collectors see immersive, AI-enhanced virtual worlds as the next frontier for NFTs. The strong interest in autonomous NFT creation also indicates a desire for novel, automated means of generating unique digital assets—an evolution that could streamline and diversify the NFT market. Meanwhile, a notable minority of respondents remain skeptical about AI’s potential impact, implying that adoption could be uneven across various segments of collectors. Overall, these findings highlight a growing appetite for innovative AI applications in NFTs, particularly within gaming, but also underscore the challenges of acceptance.

LA Wildfires Renew Interest in Charity NFTs

NFTs have traveled a remarkable path since 2012, when Meni Rosenfeld first proposed a Bitcoin-based token concept that foreshadowed today’s non-fungible assets. In 2014, digital artist Kevin McCoy’s Quantum demonstrated how blockchain technology could authenticate unique works of digital art—effectively becoming the first NFT by proving that ownership and provenance could be verified online. By 2017, pioneering Ethereum projects like CryptoPunks and CryptoKitties introduced the concept of scarce, tradable collectibles on the blockchain, pushing NFTs into mainstream conversations. Then came 2021—widely known as the “Year of the NFT”—when high-profile collections such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club achieved cultural stardom. In addition to this surge in popularity, NFT creators collectively donated over $12 million to nonprofits, highlighting the technology’s capacity for generating meaningful real-world impact.

In the wake of these achievements, philanthropic NFT efforts gained momentum in 2022 and 2023, with crypto communities banding together to support various humanitarian campaigns. This ongoing journey illustrates how NFTs have evolved from a niche collectible phenomenon into a powerful philanthropic tool, uniting creators, collectors, and charitable organizations around a shared vision of social good.

It is against this dynamic background of NFT innovation and altruism that the LA wildfires have prompted mmERCH to rally seven renowned NFT artists—Larva Labs (Matt Hall and John Watkinson), Grant Yun, Gremplin, Nice Aunties, Chikai, ClownVamp, and Goyong—to launch the “I ❤️ LA” NFT collection on Ethereum.

From January 17 through January 19, 2025 (until 11:59 p.m. EST), collectors can mint a randomly assigned NFT at the price of 0.0069 ETH (approximately $24). Each piece is minted in equal proportions, ensuring that every participant has the same chance of receiving artwork from any of the featured creators. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds will go to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering critical supplies—such as diapers, formula, and hygiene products—to those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

By bridging artistic creativity with grassroots relief efforts, the “I ❤️ LA” collection demonstrates how NFTs can seamlessly blend culture, innovation, and tangible social impact. In keeping with the broader philanthropic trajectory of NFTs, it shows how collectors, artists, and tech enthusiasts can collaborate to drive real change when it’s needed most. To learn more or mint an NFT that directly benefits wildfire survivors, visit mmerch.heartsla.xyz.

Rumors Swirl Over Alleged IP Rights Sale Shakes Up CryptoPunks Prices

Word on the street is that CryptoPunks, the most valuable NFT collection owned by Yuga Labs, could be selling off its IP rights—if rumors sparked by Azuki researcher “Wale.moca” hold any water. Within three hours of the January 14 social media post, CryptoPunks’ floor price jumped 13%, from 36.6 ETH to 41 ETH, underscoring the market’s appetite for even a whiff of big news. While Yuga Labs hasn’t confirmed or denied the chatter, collectors are already on high alert, speculating about who the mystery buyer might be—and what this means for the NFT market’s reigning heavyweight.

Do You Believe the Rumored CryptoPunks IP Sale?

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