LimeWire Reopens, Tuning Into Its Downloadable Music Days For… NFTs
90s kids remember LimeWire, one of the most popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs that graced the internet from the start of the millennium, allowing users to upload and download MP3 files at no cost.
In fact, as Parade noted, it’s believed at the time, the platform was so popular it was downloaded on 18% of all computers worldwide; though it came to an unfortunate demise in 2010 when it was shut down after a drawn-out legal battle with the Recording Industry Association of America.
Earlier this year, rumors emerged that LimeWire would be making a comeback, although not in its original form. Julian and Paul Zehetmayr, brothers from Austria, had bought over the company’s intellectual property, and was working on bringing the network back as a non-fungible token (NFT) platform.
Now, months later, the duo have made good on their promise, with the site officially open for business once more. According to Game Rant, LimeWire will first focus on music-related NFTs, collaborating with artists including Travis Barker, Brandy, Nicky Jam, and Soulja Boy, who will release collections on the marketplace.
Interestingly, the platform is offering NFTs that don’t just comprise of audio files (music), with Barker’s collection comprising a 3D model of the rocker’s personal drum set, which will be sold along with the actual instrument itself.
Of course, following in the footsteps of other virtual asset marketplaces, LimeWire has released its own collection—LimeWire Originals—which will allow users to purchase 10,000 generative avatars akin to that of the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club.
Will the nostalgic website finally find its footing in the current decade as an NFT platform?
