Nostalgia hits hard in the fast-paced world of crypto. A recent tweet from @sol_nxxn unearthed a tier list of Solana NFTs from 2023, sparking conversations about the evolution of the ecosystem. With the tweet noting that only around 10 out of roughly 100 projects are still kicking, it's a stark reminder of how brutal the market can be. But hey, that's crypto for you—full of ups, downs, and plenty of lessons along the way.

This image, shared in the tweet, ranks various Solana NFT projects across tiers S through D. It's like a snapshot of the hype back then, when Solana was buzzing with new drops and communities forming overnight. The original post asks, "How many do you recognize?" and the replies are filled with folks reminiscing about their favorites, like Ghost Kid DAO or Sharky. One user even shared a memory lane of their own old holdings.

Breaking Down the 2023 Tier List

Tier lists like this were all the rage, often based on factors like community strength, art quality, utility, and market buzz. Here's a quick rundown of what stood out in each category, based on the visual:

S Tier: The Unstoppables

These were the elite, the projects everyone was talking about. Standouts include:

• Okay Bears: Known for their chill vibe and strong branding.
• Claynosaurz: Dino-themed fun with a dedicated following.
• Other notables: Scary (likely Scary Apes), and various animal-inspired PFPs that captured the meme spirit.

A Tier: Solid Performers

Close behind, with projects that had real potential:

• Mad Lads: A mix of anime and edgy aesthetics that later became iconic.
• MonkeDAO: Monkey business at its finest.
• Degenerate Ape Academy (DAA)​: The apes that kickstarted much of Solana's NFT craze.
• Others like Liberty Square, DeGods (though some migrated), and Famous Fox Federation.

B Tier: Mid-Pack Movers

These had hype but maybe not the staying power:

• Projects like Gib, Dudes, and various abstract or themed icons, including some early meme contenders.

C Tier: The Underdogs

Including The Stoned Frogs, Communi3, and Star Atlas tie-ins—promising but volatile.

D Tier: The Long Shots

Bottom rung with quirky entries like penguins, cowboys, and pop culture nods, many of which faded fast.

It's fascinating to see how these rankings reflected the 2023 meta, where PFPs (profile pictures) dominated, often tying into broader meme culture on Solana.

The Survivors: Who's Still Active in 2025?

Fast forward to 2025, and the tweet's claim holds up—survival rates are low in this game. Based on recent market data and community activity, here's a look at some projects that have endured:

• Mad Lads: Still a powerhouse on Solana, with a floor price hovering around 30 SOL. Created by the team behind Backpack wallet, it's credited with revitalizing Solana NFTs post-FTX crash. Check them out on X for the latest.

• Okay Bears: Embracing a "we're all gonna be okay" mantra, they've expanded into merch, badges, and even Bitcoin Ordinals. Their community remains vibrant, with ongoing streaks and rewards. Follow on X.

• Solana Monkey Business (SMB)​: An OG project that's weathered storms, with Gen2 and Gen3 editions keeping things fresh. Active on X.

• Famous Fox Federation: Focused on tools like swaps and raffles, they've built utility that lasts. Engage with them on X.

• Claynosaurz: Dino enthusiasts are still roaring, with creative updates and a loyal base. See more on X.

These survivors often pivoted to add real utility, like airdrops, staking, or cross-chain moves, which helped them outlast the hype cycle. Many have ties to meme tokens, where community-driven narratives turn into tradable assets. For instance, projects like these inspired token launches that captured viral moments on Solana.

On the flip side, many lower-tier projects rug-pulled, lost community interest, or simply couldn't compete with newer trends like AI-integrated NFTs or real-world asset tokenization.

Lessons for Meme Token Investors

This tier list isn't just nostalgia—it's a goldmine of insights for anyone diving into meme tokens today. Solana's ecosystem thrives on speed and low fees, making it a hotspot for memes, but volatility is king. Here's what we can learn:

• Community is Everything: Survivors like Mad Lads built rabid fanbases through engagement, airdrops, and real utility. For meme tokens, focus on tokens with active Discords, X spaces, and organic hype.

• Adapt or Die: Many 2023 projects failed because they didn't evolve. In 2025, look for memes that integrate with DeFi, gaming, or AI to stay relevant.

• Beware the Hype Cycle: Only 10% surviving shows how quickly things change. Diversify, research team backgrounds, and watch for red flags like anonymous devs without a track record.

• Meme-NFT Overlap: Many NFTs spawned tokens or vice versa. Tokens like those inspired by ape or fox themes often mirror NFT success, so track NFT floors as a leading indicator.

If you're building or investing in meme tokens on Solana, study these historical lists. They highlight the importance of branding, as seen with Okay Bears' merch empire, and innovation, like Mad Lads' xNFT tech.

What's your take? Recognize any from the list, or holding a survivor? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to Meme Insider for more deep dives into the wild world of crypto memes and tokens.