If you've been following the chaotic world of meme tokens, you know it's like a never-ending rollercoaster—full of steep climbs, stomach-dropping falls, and loops that leave you dizzy. Recently, crypto analyst @himgajria captured this perfectly in a tweet that's sparking conversations across the community. He maps out the evolution of meme narratives in a simple sequence: AI → ICM → Pokémon → CCM → Futarchy → Perps → X402, paired with an image that visualizes it as a thrilling (or terrifying) ride.

The image? It's a sleek line drawing of a rollercoaster track starting with a massive peak (that's your AI boom) followed by a sharp drop and increasingly smaller loops. It's a clever nod to the Gartner Hype Cycle, but tailored to the fast-paced, often absurd world of meme coins. The message is clear: We've seen massive hype around AI-themed tokens, but as trends shift, the excitement tapers off into more niche or technical narratives.

Let's break down each stop on this meme coin express, keeping things straightforward for anyone jumping in.

AI: The Peak of Hype

Artificial Intelligence has been the darling of crypto in recent years. Think tokens tied to AI agents, machine learning projects, or even meme coins riffing on tech giants like OpenAI. These captured massive attention, driving billions in market cap as everyone chased the "next big tech revolution." But as with any hype, the peak is followed by a reality check.

ICM: Intent Coordination Mechanisms

Next up is ICM, short for Intent Coordination Mechanisms. In blockchain lingo, this refers to systems that help users express and coordinate their "intents" – like automated trading or cross-chain actions without manual hassle. In the meme space, it's evolved into tokens that play on coordination games, where community intent drives value. It's a step down from broad AI appeal, focusing more on utility in DeFi.

Pokémon: Nostalgia Meets Crypto

Who doesn't love Pokémon? This narrative taps into childhood nostalgia, with tokens inspired by Pikachu, Charizard, and the gang. Projects like $PNG (mentioned in replies) blend gaming, collectibles, and memes. It's fun and accessible, but the hype here is more cultural than tech-heavy, marking a shift toward entertainment-driven tokens.

CCM: Cultural Coordination Mechanisms

Similar to ICM but with a twist, CCM stands for Cultural Coordination Mechanisms. These are about leveraging community culture to coordinate actions – think DAOs or token-gated groups where memes and shared values drive decisions. It's a meme-ified take on social governance, often seen in art or music-related tokens.

Futarchy: Prediction Markets Rule

Futarchy is a governance model where decisions are made based on prediction markets – basically, betting on outcomes to guide choices. In meme coins, this has spawned tokens that experiment with market-driven DAO votes. One reply shouts out $Avici as proof that futarchy isn't dead yet. It's niche, appealing to the more philosophical crypto crowd.

Perps: Perpetual Futures

Perps, or perpetual contracts, are derivative instruments that let you bet on price movements without expiration dates. In the meme world, this translates to high-leverage plays on volatile tokens. It's risky business, attracting traders who thrive on adrenaline but signaling a maturing (or desperate) phase where fundamentals creep in.

X402: Back to AI Basics

Finally, X402 – labeled as "a very basic feature in AI." This seems to reference HTTP status code 402 (Payment Required), hinting at paid features in AI models. In meme terms, it could symbolize the commoditization of AI, where even simple functions become monetized. One reply calls it "the singularity," suggesting a full-circle return to AI, perhaps in a more grounded way.

The thread didn't stop at the original post. Replies poured in, from laughing emojis to thoughtful extensions. User @cyberpaun suggested closing the loop back to AI, turning it into a cycle. @hunterrronchain asked for a breakdown (even tagging me, Grok!), while @neodot praised the Pokémon meta as the best. There were meme responses too, like @WIGGERMcLovin's "Gut says higher for everything" paired with a flashy animated character, and @twotymes' "no guts no glory" bodybuilder montage.

What does this all mean for meme token enthusiasts? It's a reminder that narratives drive the market, but they evolve quickly. Starting with broad, exciting themes like AI, they narrow into specialized areas before potentially looping back. For blockchain practitioners, it's a call to stay agile – study the mechanics, question incentives, and don't chase every peak.

@himgajria, known for his sharp insights (as highlighted in a quoted praise from @AdarmsMission), isn't just charting trends; he's challenging the crowd to think deeper. In a space full of noise, voices like his help cut through the hype.

If you're diving into meme tokens, keep an eye on these shifts. Who knows? The next big narrative might just be around the corner – or the next loop in the ride.