In an era where print is often declared dead, a new player in the crypto scene is placing a bold bet on the power of ink and paper. Superbasedd, a nascent lifestyle magazine rooted in Los Angeles, is setting out to capture the often overlooked human side of cryptocurrency culture. This unconventional publication is combining glossy visuals, edgy stories, and a deep dive into the degenerate subculture of crypto to carve out a niche in the digital age.
A Bold Vision for a New Audience
Superbasedd’s founder, Steve McHugh, is unapologetic about his approach. “We’re all dudes, we’re all degenerates, and if there’s one thing I know about degenerate dudes, they love women,” McHugh stated candidly. His vision for the magazine is simple: use attractive imagery to draw readers in and then engage them with in-depth stories that go beyond the usual crypto news. The magazine aims to appeal to the baser instincts of its audience, leveraging sex appeal as a gateway to deeper content.
The magazine’s strategy revolves around a classic formula that once powered the likes of Playboy, combining alluring visuals with substantive articles. However, unlike Playboy’s broad cultural appeal, Superbasedd targets a specific demographic—young men engrossed in the cryptocurrency world. By focusing on this niche audience, McHugh believes Superbasedd can thrive where others have failed.
Navigating the Fine Line between Edginess and Outrage
Superbasedd’s content strategy is deliberately edgy, designed to push boundaries. Co-founder Jake Hillhouse, who recently found himself in a hospital arm sling after a dune buggy accident, embodies the magazine’s ethos of living on the edge. The publication plans to feature wild stories from the crypto world, ranging from bizarre stunts to more serious exposés. “Our edginess is going to start with the girls and then end with crackhead dev,” Hillhouse explained, hinting at the range of content the magazine will cover.
The team is already eyeing key figures in the crypto world for feature stories. McHugh is particularly interested in spotlighting leading personalities like Solana’s founders, Raj Gokal and Anatoly Yakovenko, in Superbasedd’s debut issue, slated for release in October. The magazine aims to combine profiles of influential figures with stories that capture the chaotic and sometimes controversial aspects of crypto culture.
A Surprising Bet on Print in a Digital World
Superbasedd’s commitment to a print format may seem counterintuitive in a world increasingly dominated by digital media. Yet, McHugh and his team see print as a way to differentiate them in a crowded market. They believe that a high-quality, tactile product can create a sense of exclusivity and permanence that digital formats cannot. By using striking visuals and appealing to the sensory experience of flipping through a glossy magazine, Superbasedd aims to capture the attention of crypto enthusiasts and beyond.
The decision to go print isn’t just about nostalgia. McHugh envisions Superbasedd becoming a status symbol in the crypto community, a magazine worthy of display on any Hollywood coffee table. This high-end positioning aligns with America’s trickle-down celebrity culture, where what’s seen in the homes of the elite often filters down to the masses.
Capitalizing on Crypto’s Cultural Influence
Superbasedd isn’t just a magazine; it’s part of a larger strategy to tap into the cultural zeitgeist surrounding cryptocurrencies. Earlier this month, the magazine generated nearly $1.1 million through NFT sales, which included a three-year subscription to the publication. This innovative funding model not only provided the capital needed to launch but also engaged the crypto community directly, making readers stakeholders in the magazine’s success.
The magazine’s involvement in the NFT space doesn’t stop there. Superbasedd recently acquired the intellectual property for the Catalina Whale Mixer NFT collection for a fraction of its former value, with plans to expand its influence in the NFT market. This strategic move highlights the magazine’s ambition to be more than just a publication; it aims to be a cultural force within the crypto ecosystem.
Conclusion
Superbasedd is more than a magazine—it’s a bold experiment in blending traditional media with the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrency. By focusing on the human stories behind the digital revolution, it aims to bring crypto culture into the mainstream. Whether it succeeds or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Superbasedd is set to make waves in the crypto world, one glossy page at a time.
