Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried reacted on social media after Drake referenced FTX and Bitcoin on his new song “Dust.”
In an X post on Saturday, Bankman-Fried wrote, “The Drake stimulus package is real. Dust is a vibe – and when I get out, I can loan you my bean bag chair.” The post followed the release of Drake’s new music on May 15, including the track “Dust,” which contains several references to crypto.
Drake opens “Dust” with an FTX reference
On the song, Drake alludes to the rise and collapse of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange that filed for bankruptcy in November 2022 after an $8 billion shortfall in customer funds came to light.
Later in the track, he describes himself as “a BTC, crypto big timer,” one of the clearest references to Bitcoin in his lyrics to date. The line quickly drew attention across crypto social media, where listeners noted the continued appearance of FTX and Bankman-Fried in mainstream culture.
Bankman-Fried is serving a 25-year sentence
Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 on multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the misuse of customer funds at FTX and its affiliated trading firm, Alameda Research. In 2024, he was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
His social media activity remains sporadic, making the Drake response notable given his limited public appearances since sentencing.
Drake’s long-running connection to crypto
Drake has maintained visible ties to the crypto industry for several years. He has promoted the crypto gambling platform Stake and regularly places bets denominated in Bitcoin. He has also referenced Bitcoin in prior songs and social media posts.
In 2024, Drake shared commentary from Michael Saylor on Instagram, amplifying the Bitcoin advocate’s views to his large audience.
FTX remains part of pop culture
Drake’s lyrics arrive as the FTX collapse continues to resonate beyond the crypto industry. Netflix is developing The Altruists, a limited series about the rise and fall of FTX and the relationship between Bankman-Fried and former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison.
More than three years after the exchange’s collapse, FTX remains a reference point in music, television, and broader discussions about crypto’s boom-and-bust era.
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