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Ape and Pray with NotEezzy | Ep. 07

By Midcurve

Published on 2024-03-25

Discover how NotEezzy turned $600 into $500k flipping NFTs, his trading strategies, and insights into the Nigerian crypto scene in this captivating podcast episode.

The notes below are AI generated and may not be 100% accurate. Watch the video to be sure!

From $600 to $500k: NotEezzy's Incredible NFT Journey and Crypto Insights

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency and NFTs, few stories are as captivating as that of NotEezzy. In this episode of "Ape and Pray," NotEezzy shares his extraordinary journey from a modest $600 investment to amassing $500,000 through NFT flipping. His story is not just about financial success, but also about navigating the complexities of the crypto world, understanding market dynamics, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of digital assets.

NotEezzy's Crypto Origin Story

NotEezzy's journey into the world of cryptocurrency began with a practical need. As a university student in Nigeria, he was looking for ways to earn income online. However, the challenge was finding a method to receive payments from outside the country. This is where crypto came into play, offering a solution to the cross-border payment problem.

"The only way to receive money in Nigeria was through crypto," NotEezzy explains. This necessity led him to explore job opportunities in the crypto space, eventually landing a position with an influencer. This role required him to read and summarize crypto news daily, inadvertently providing him with a comprehensive education in the field.

The Leap into NFTs

NotEezzy's entry into the NFT space was sparked by a tweet from a respected figure in the crypto community. "I saw a CoolBit tweet about Hashmasks," he recalls. This piqued his interest, leading him to research further into the NFT phenomenon.

His first significant investment in NFTs came with a bold move – using funds from his father's wallet to purchase Hashmasks. "I kind of like stole money from my dad," NotEezzy admits. This risky decision paid off as the value of Hashmasks skyrocketed, turning his initial investment into a substantial profit.

The $600 to $500k Journey

The journey from $600 to $500,000 wasn't a straightforward path. It involved a series of strategic investments, quick flips, and an uncanny ability to spot trends before they went mainstream. NotEezzy's success was built on a combination of research, intuition, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

One of the key factors in his success was his approach to information gathering. "The most important part of my trading or my win rates is the people that I follow on Twitter," he explains. By carefully curating his information sources and following individuals with a track record of successful predictions, NotEezzy was able to stay ahead of market trends.

Trading Strategies and Market Insights

NotEezzy's trading strategy isn't based on complex technical analysis or chart patterns. Instead, he relies heavily on sentiment and his ability to gauge market excitement. "I don't trade it by any charts or metrics. Like it's just sentimental kind of," he explains.

His approach involves closely monitoring social media chatter, Telegram group activities, and other indicators of growing interest in a project. For instance, when discussing the success of the PPP project, NotEezzy notes, "I joined the telegram and the telegram was getting like over a thousand messages every hour. Like, that's something I have not seen before."

This attention to detail and ability to spot unusual patterns has been key to his success in identifying promising projects early on.

The Crypto Scene in Nigeria

NotEezzy provides fascinating insights into the crypto scene in Nigeria, highlighting how cryptocurrency has become an essential tool for many Nigerians. "Nigeria probably has like total largest volume of P2P crypto transactions like in the world," he states.

The popularity of crypto in Nigeria is driven by economic factors. With a minimum wage equivalent to about $5 a month, the ability to earn $100 through crypto-related activities can be life-changing. "If people can find the way to make like a hundred dollars a month online, there's a lot of money back home," NotEezzy explains.

Crypto also serves as a hedge against the rapid devaluation of the Nigerian Naira. Many Nigerians prefer to hold stablecoins like USDT rather than their local currency to preserve value.

The Role of Binance in African Crypto Adoption

When discussing the platforms used in Africa, NotEezzy highlights the dominance of Binance. "Binance is like the biggest, everyone knows," he says. This indicates the significant role that centralized exchanges play in regions where traditional financial infrastructure may be lacking.

The popularity of Binance in Africa underscores the importance of user-friendly platforms in driving crypto adoption. It also highlights the potential for growth in these markets as more people seek alternatives to traditional financial systems.

The Evolution of NFT Trading

NotEezzy's journey through the NFT space reflects the rapid evolution of this sector. From the early days of Hashmasks to the more recent trends in Bitcoin-based NFTs, his experiences provide a timeline of the NFT market's development.

His success with projects like Bitcoin Puppets and Not Monkeys demonstrates the ongoing potential in the NFT space, even as the market matures. "I just have this God's feeling that this would do well with how people are talking about and the arts was cool," he says, describing his intuition-based approach to NFT selection.

Meme Coins and Market Dynamics

The discussion touches on the recent surge in meme coin popularity, with NotEezzy sharing his experiences with projects like PPP. His success in this area highlights the volatile and often unpredictable nature of the crypto market.

"I put like $1,000 in a total. My friends to put $1,000 or whatever they kind of thought to put in. And people just started running like out of nowhere," he recounts, describing the explosive growth of a meme coin investment.

This anecdote illustrates the potential for significant gains in the crypto space, but also serves as a reminder of the high-risk nature of these investments.

The Importance of Community in Crypto

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy emphasizes the role of community in his crypto journey. From his early days working with an influencer to his current status as a successful trader, the connections he's made have been crucial.

"I have more online friends than real-life friends," he admits, highlighting how the crypto community has become a significant part of his social circle. This sense of belonging and shared experience is a common theme among many successful crypto traders and investors.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

NotEezzy's journey hasn't been without its challenges. He candidly discusses the mistakes he's made, including losing a significant portion of his portfolio during market downturns. "I lost that much overnight. And then crypto just started to top after then like finally, like numbers in my portfolio were dropping so quickly," he recalls.

These experiences have taught him valuable lessons about risk management and the importance of taking profits. His current approach involves regularly converting crypto gains into real-world assets and diversifying his investments.

The Future of Crypto and Personal Goals

Looking to the future, NotEezzy expresses a desire to "retire" from active trading, though he clarifies that this doesn't mean leaving the crypto space entirely. "I want to be comfortable enough to like just live off like I can live in crypto without depending on crypto," he explains.

This goal reflects a maturing perspective on wealth and success in the crypto world. It's a reminder that while the potential for gains is significant, long-term financial stability should be a priority for those who find success in this volatile market.

Insights for Aspiring Crypto Traders

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy provides valuable insights for those looking to follow in his footsteps. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, staying informed about market trends, and developing a network of reliable information sources.

His success also highlights the potential of emerging markets in the crypto space. The story of how he leveraged crypto opportunities from Nigeria serves as an inspiration for aspiring traders in regions that may be underserved by traditional financial systems.

The Role of Intuition in Crypto Trading

One of the most intriguing aspects of NotEezzy's trading style is his reliance on intuition. When asked about his ability to pick winning NFTs, he says, "I don't know how to describe it. It's just this God's feeling like there's this God's feeling. I have like, I just know this should do well."

This intuitive approach, combined with thorough research and an understanding of market sentiment, has been key to his success. It's a reminder that in the fast-paced world of crypto, sometimes gut feeling, when backed by experience and knowledge, can lead to significant opportunities.

The Impact of Influencers in the Crypto Space

NotEezzy's story also sheds light on the significant role that influencers play in the crypto ecosystem. His early experiences working for an influencer provided him with valuable insights into how information flows in the crypto world.

"I found out like, people pay crypto influencers, it crazy. I've never seen anything as I tell, I didn't know anything that was that work," he recalls. This experience not only helped him understand the market dynamics but also positioned him to leverage social media and community sentiment in his trading decisions.

The Importance of Adaptability in Crypto

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy's ability to adapt to changing market conditions stands out. From his early days of flipping NFTs to his more recent experiences with meme coins, he has shown a remarkable ability to pivot and capitalize on new opportunities.

This adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of cryptocurrency. As NotEezzy puts it, "There's always something like during the bear market, I tried to think I was like, what could possibly make my coins go up again? What could make NFTs applicable to the public?" This constant questioning and willingness to explore new areas has been key to his sustained success.

The Psychological Aspects of Crypto Trading

NotEezzy's journey also highlights the psychological challenges that come with trading in the volatile crypto market. He candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster of seeing significant gains and losses in short periods.

"I've been through maybe three cycles now. And every time people are like, Oh, it's over. We're never going to get that chance ever again. But it seems like there's always something new," he reflects. This perspective underscores the importance of maintaining a long-term view and emotional resilience in the face of market fluctuations.

The Global Nature of Crypto Opportunities

One of the most inspiring aspects of NotEezzy's story is how it demonstrates the global nature of crypto opportunities. From Nigeria, he was able to participate in and profit from global trends in NFTs and cryptocurrencies.

This global accessibility is one of the most revolutionary aspects of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. It allows talented individuals from anywhere in the world to participate in financial markets and opportunities that were previously out of reach.

The Evolution of Crypto Use Cases

NotEezzy's journey also reflects the evolving use cases for cryptocurrency. What started as a solution for receiving international payments has grown into a complex ecosystem of trading, investing, and value creation.

His experiences with NFTs, DeFi, and meme coins showcase the diverse applications of blockchain technology and the continuous innovation in the space. It's a reminder that we're still in the early stages of this technology, with new use cases and opportunities emerging regularly.

The Importance of Community in Crypto Success

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy emphasizes the role of community in his crypto journey. From the Telegram groups he monitors to the Twitter personalities he follows, his success is deeply intertwined with his ability to tap into collective knowledge and sentiment.

This highlights an often-overlooked aspect of crypto success – the power of community. In a space where information moves quickly and trends can emerge overnight, being part of an informed and active community can be a significant advantage.

Balancing Crypto Gains with Real-World Stability

As NotEezzy discusses his future plans, he touches on an important topic for successful crypto traders – balancing crypto gains with real-world stability. His goal to "retire" from active trading and diversify into real-world assets reflects a mature approach to wealth management.

"I'm starting like some kind of lounge in my city. I have multiple watches, multiple cars. I have lots of cash reserve. I have lots of crypto holdings in several different hardware wallets," he shares. This strategy of converting crypto gains into tangible assets and diverse investments is a valuable lesson for anyone experiencing success in the crypto space.

The Future of Crypto in Emerging Markets

NotEezzy's experiences provide valuable insights into the future of crypto in emerging markets. His description of how crypto is used in Nigeria – as a means of receiving international payments, a hedge against currency devaluation, and a path to financial opportunity – suggests that these markets could be at the forefront of crypto adoption and innovation.

As he puts it, "Crypto has been my only means of survival for the last six, six, eight years." This level of reliance on crypto in regions with unstable currencies and limited financial infrastructure could drive significant growth and innovation in the coming years.

The Intersection of Gaming and Crypto Culture

An interesting parallel that NotEezzy draws is between the crypto community and gaming communities. "Even before crypto, it was with gaming, like I was, all my friends were like people that would play games together," he shares.

This connection between gaming and crypto cultures is noteworthy. Both spaces attract individuals comfortable with digital interactions, risk-taking, and rapidly changing environments. This overlap could provide insights into the future development of crypto communities and products.

The Role of Centralized Exchanges in Crypto Adoption

NotEezzy's comments on the popularity of Binance in Africa highlight the crucial role that centralized exchanges play in driving crypto adoption. While much of the crypto narrative focuses on decentralization, it's clear that user-friendly centralized platforms are key to onboarding new users, especially in regions where crypto knowledge may be limited.

This raises interesting questions about the balance between centralization and decentralization in the growth of the crypto ecosystem, particularly in emerging markets.

The Continuing Evolution of NFTs

Despite the ups and downs of the NFT market, NotEezzy's recent successes with Bitcoin-based NFTs like Bitcoin Puppets and Not Monkeys suggest that this space continues to evolve and offer opportunities.

His intuitive approach to selecting NFTs – "I just like the penguins. Like, I don't know how to describe it. It's just this God's feeling" – provides an interesting counterpoint to more data-driven approaches. It suggests that in the world of NFTs, where value is often tied to cultural and aesthetic factors, intuition and cultural understanding can be valuable tools.

The Impact of Meme Culture on Crypto Markets

The discussion of meme coins and their explosive growth highlights the significant impact of internet culture on crypto markets. NotEezzy's success with projects like PPP demonstrates how quickly sentiment can shift and how memes can drive real financial movements.

This phenomenon raises important questions about market efficiency, the nature of value in the digital age, and the role of community consensus in creating and sustaining value in crypto assets.

Lessons for Aspiring Crypto Traders

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy provides valuable lessons for aspiring crypto traders. His emphasis on continuous learning, the importance of building a reliable network of information sources, and the need to balance risk-taking with prudent financial management are all crucial insights for anyone looking to navigate the crypto markets.

Moreover, his journey from a university student looking for online income to a successful crypto trader underscores the opportunities available in this space for those willing to put in the time and effort to understand it.

The Psychological Challenges of Crypto Success

NotEezzy's candid discussion of his struggles to adapt to sudden wealth and the pressure to maintain his success provides a valuable perspective on the psychological challenges that come with crypto trading.

His efforts to diversify into real-world assets and create sustainable income streams reflect a mature approach to managing crypto gains. It's a reminder that while the potential for quick gains in crypto is real, long-term financial stability requires careful planning and management.

The Future of Crypto: A Global Perspective

As we reflect on NotEezzy's journey and insights, it's clear that the future of crypto is truly global. His experiences demonstrate how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are providing opportunities and financial tools to individuals around the world, regardless of their location or background.

The adoption of crypto in regions like Nigeria, driven by practical needs such as cross-border payments and preserving value against inflation, suggests that emerging markets could be at the forefront of crypto innovation and adoption in the coming years.

Moreover, the continued evolution of the space – from NFTs to DeFi to meme coins – indicates that we're still in the early stages of this technology. As NotEezzy's journey shows, there will likely be many more opportunities for those who stay engaged, continue learning, and are willing to adapt to the rapidly changing crypto landscape.

In conclusion, NotEezzy's story is not just about personal success in the crypto world. It's a testament to the transformative power of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, the global nature of this revolution, and the ongoing opportunities for those willing to dive in and learn. As the crypto space continues to evolve, stories like NotEezzy's will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of crypto enthusiasts and entrepreneurs around the world.

Facts + Figures

  • NotEezzy turned $600 into $500,000 through NFT flipping
  • He started his crypto journey as a university student in Nigeria, initially seeking ways to receive international payments
  • NotEezzy's first significant NFT investment was in Hashmasks, using funds from his father's wallet
  • Nigeria has one of the largest volumes of P2P crypto transactions in the world
  • The minimum wage in Nigeria is equivalent to about $5 a month, making $100 in crypto earnings significant
  • Binance is the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in Nigeria and Africa
  • NotEezzy's portfolio reached an all-time high of 1.5 to 2 million dollars during the peak of the market
  • He lost half of his portfolio value in the first week of the bear market
  • NotEezzy has been involved in crypto for 6-8 years, with it being his primary source of income
  • He successfully predicted the rise of projects like Bitcoin Puppets and Not Monkeys
  • NotEezzy made around 100k from the point 6, 5, 2, 9 memes trend
  • He invested $1,000 in the PPP project, which saw explosive growth
  • Exodus wallet is more popular than MetaMask among Nigerian crypto users
  • NotEezzy is diversifying his crypto gains into real-world assets, including starting a lounge in his city
  • He emphasizes the importance of community and following the right people on Twitter for successful trading

Questions Answered

How did NotEezzy start his journey in crypto?

NotEezzy began his crypto journey as a university student in Nigeria, looking for ways to receive payments from outside the country. Crypto became the solution to this problem, leading him to explore job opportunities in the space. He eventually landed a position with an influencer, where he was tasked with reading and summarizing daily crypto news, inadvertently providing him with a comprehensive education in the field.

What was NotEezzy's first significant NFT investment?

NotEezzy's first significant NFT investment was in Hashmasks. He made this investment after seeing a tweet from a respected figure in the crypto community, which sparked his interest in NFTs. Notably, he took a risky approach by using funds from his father's wallet to make this purchase, which ultimately paid off as the value of Hashmasks skyrocketed.

How does NotEezzy approach NFT and crypto trading?

NotEezzy's trading approach is not based on technical analysis or chart patterns. Instead, he relies heavily on sentiment and his ability to gauge market excitement. He closely monitors social media chatter, Telegram group activities, and other indicators of growing interest in a project. He also emphasizes the importance of following the right people on Twitter and being part of informed communities to stay ahead of market trends.

What is the state of crypto adoption in Nigeria?

According to NotEezzy, Nigeria has one of the largest volumes of P2P crypto transactions in the world. Crypto is widely used as a means of receiving international payments, a hedge against currency devaluation, and a path to financial opportunity. The popularity of crypto in Nigeria is driven by economic factors, with even small earnings in crypto (like $100 a month) being significant given the country's low minimum wage.

What challenges has NotEezzy faced in his crypto journey?

NotEezzy has faced several challenges, including significant losses during market downturns. He candidly discusses losing a large portion of his portfolio overnight during market crashes. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about risk management and the importance of taking profits. He also mentions the psychological challenges of dealing with sudden wealth and the pressure to maintain success.

How is NotEezzy planning for his future in crypto?

NotEezzy expresses a desire to "retire" from active trading, though he clarifies that this doesn't mean leaving the crypto space entirely. His goal is to be comfortable enough to live in the crypto world without depending on active trading for income. He's focusing on diversifying his crypto gains into real-world assets, including starting businesses and maintaining a diverse portfolio of crypto holdings and cash reserves.

What role does community play in NotEezzy's crypto success?

Throughout the conversation, NotEezzy emphasizes the crucial role of community in his crypto journey. From Telegram groups he monitors to Twitter personalities he follows, his success is deeply intertwined with his ability to tap into collective knowledge and sentiment. He views being part of an informed and active community as a significant advantage in the fast-moving crypto space.

What insights does NotEezzy provide about the future of crypto?

NotEezzy's experiences suggest that the future of crypto is truly global, with emerging markets potentially at the forefront of adoption and innovation. He sees ongoing opportunities in evolving areas like NFTs, DeFi, and meme coins, indicating that the space is still in its early stages. His journey demonstrates how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are providing opportunities to individuals worldwide, regardless of their location or background.

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