A Premier NFT Collection on Solana
Solana Monkey Business (SMB) has rapidly emerged as one of the standout NFT collections on the Solana blockchain. This vibrant and whimsical collection features uniquely generated 24×24 pixel monkes, each boasting distinct traits and accessories. SMB represents a fusion of art, community, and blockchain technology, capturing the attention of both collectors and enthusiasts in the NFT space.
Launched in June 2021, Solana Monke Business distinguishes itself with its retro pixel art style reminiscent of early video games, tapping into a sense of nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of digital ownership. The collection was released in multiple phases.
The first phase introduced Gen1 monkes, a collection of 4 different space-themed monke NFTs, each with a limited supply. Holding the whole collection (one of each type) originally gave the holder a cut of the royalties from Gen2 sales. A maximum of 25 total collections could be formed. Gen 1 consisted of 16 Monkanician NFTs, 37 AstroMonke NFTs, 27 Monkos NFTs and 25 Monkalien NFTs.
The second phase expanded the universe with Gen2 monkes, which include more intricate and diverse attributes. “SMB Gen2 metadata is stored on Arweave, a permanent and decentralized data storage solution. Each monke has been generated to have a unique combination from amongst the 99 possible traits, and no two monkes are the same.”
The third phase introduced 15,000 Gen3 monkes. These monkes were available through a public raffle, gated mint, MonkeDAO presale, and ~5000 monkes were burnt after a vote by the MonkeDAO, leaving a grand total maximum supply of 9,999 Gen3 monkes on the market.
Legendary characters in the Solana landscape have held and/or hold monkes, participating in the storied history of SMB. @TheOnlyNom, major contributor to BONK, was at one point the CEO and co-founder of the MonkeDAO. Referred to as “one of the most powerful and efficient DAOs Web3 has ever seen” by @Hadeswap, the @MonkeDAO has continued to forge ahead with its vision, recently acquiring the “The Banana Stand,”a dedicated platform for SMB holders offering exclusive utilities and rewards. “The Banana Stand” aims to enhance community engagement by providing unique experiences and benefits to its members like raffles for SMB NFTs.
The ownership transfers of the SMB intellectual property (IP) have been significant in shaping the project’s future. Initially, the SMB IP was managed by the original creators, but was then bought by the crypto whale @HGEABC. @HGEABC then transferred ownership to the HadesDAO @Hadeswap who later voted to sell the IP rights to the @MonkeDAO for $2,000,000 USD. This transfer empowered the community with greater control over the development and utilization of the SMB IP, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment for innovation and growth. The transition marked a pivotal shift towards decentralized ownership and community governance.
The SMB community is another cornerstone of the brand’s success. The project has fostered a vibrant and engaged community, which is active on platforms like Discord and Twitter, and regularly holds irl meetups around the world. Holders of SMB NFTs enjoy exclusive benefits, such as access to special events, community votes on project developments, and potential airdrops. This sense of belonging and participation adds substantial value beyond the visual appeal of the monkes themselves.
Moreover, the team behind SMB continues to innovate, exploring new avenues such as collaborations with other artists and companies, and the development of additional utility for the NFTs. These initiatives keep the community engaged and add layers of value to the NFTs, ensuring the project remains dynamic and relevant in the fast-evolving NFT landscape.
There is also a #BuildWithMonkeDAO initiative, a collaborative effort within the @MonkeDAO community aimed at fostering innovation and growth in the Solana ecosystem. It encourages members to propose and develop projects that utilize Solana’s blockchain technology, offering support in terms of resources, mentorship, and funding. The initiative focuses on enhancing the ecosystem through collective effort, leveraging the diverse skills and ideas within the community to create impactful and sustainable blockchain solutions. Partnered with @Metaplex and the @Solana Foundation, #BuildWithMonkeDAO has real potential. It embodies @MonkeDAO’s commitment to decentralization, community empowerment, and technological advancement.
The #BuildWithMonkeDAO initiative is not unique. Monkes gather for a number of initiatives including #monke-play, #monke-music, #monke-media, and a number of other offerings and groups to help monkes gather and succeed in whatever they do. In summary, Solana Monkey Business is more than just a collection of digital art; it represents a thriving community, a showcase of Solana’s capabilities, and a testament to the creative potential of NFTs. As the NFT ecosystem continues to grow, SMB stands out as a pioneering project that has successfully blended artistry, technology, and community.
As a holder myself, I hope you enjoyed this article on SMB! Come join the @MonkeDAO and your local chapter to enjoy alpha, networking opportunities, and the irl benefits that many NFT collections strive for but don’t or can’t deliver.
Cheers,
Davie
©2024 Davie Waulaucher
