Millions of NFTs inspired by the legendary American rapper Snoop Dogg were recently launched on Telegram, selling out in just 30 minutes. The collection, minted on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, generated a staggering $12 million in sales, exceeding all expectations. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced the success of the launch, revealing that approximately 1 million NFTs were included in the collection.
The weed-themed NFT drop, designed to reflect Snoop Dogg’s iconic style, featured a variety of digital collectibles such as marijuana-related objects, a digital dog, vintage cars, swag bags, and other themed symbols. Pavel Durov disclosed that both blockchain minting and secondary market trading for the collection will commence in 21 days on the TON blockchain.
To complement the release, Snoop Dogg premiered a new track titled “Gifts” alongside a music video showcasing the entire NFT collection. This collaboration signifies Snoop’s ongoing engagement with blockchain technology, using it as a platform to connect directly with fans through unique content and collectibles.
The latest NFT collection is part of Telegram Gifts, a feature that allows users to display animated digital collectibles on their profiles or convert them into Stars, Telegram’s in-app currency. These items aim to enhance user expression and functionality within Telegram’s evolving digital ecosystem.
The success of Telegram Gifts has been evident in recent sellouts, with limited-edition items themed around American symbols selling out in under a minute. Despite this positive trend, overall NFT sales volumes have experienced a significant decline this year, as reported by market data. In Q1 2025, NFT sales dropped by 61% compared to the previous year, with a 41% decrease in sales in the past 30 days alone.
As the hype surrounding non-fungible collectibles fluctuates, Snoop Dogg’s collaboration with Telegram on the NFT collection highlights the ongoing evolution of digital assets and their integration into mainstream platforms. The convergence of music, art, and blockchain technology continues to create new opportunities for artists and fans alike, paving the way for innovative ways of engaging with digital content.