YouTuber MrBeast has an alter ego named "MrLean," who's the "hood" version of himself, according to TikTok and the rest of the internet.

The trend started this month, based on multiple AI and Photoshop edits of Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson flexing cash, designer clothes and a low taper fade to match. The memes seem to be captivating the internet, but onlookers are wondering why.

So, where did the "MrLean" meme come from? Who made the first "Hood MrBeast" edit and why? Let's explain.

Where Did The 'MrLean' Meme Come From?

The first person to post a MrLean edit was a TikToker named @user2847438378482838. It started on May 2nd, with a photo of MrBeast standing in a kitchen, looking at a money spread that would make many grown men jealous. Your little brother or cousin might call the pose "nonchalant."

What Are Some Other 'MrLean' Memes?

The "MrLean" meme gained major traction mostly because of TikToker @user2847438378482838, who posted several iterations heading into the month, which seemed to go more viral each time.

One popular post showed MrBeast in a Nike Air sweatshirt and a durag. He's smiling with his hands in his pants, as the "🤫" emoji tells the viewer to calm down.

The edits from TikTok then spread across social media platforms like Twitter / X and Instagram via reposts. The buzz only led to more memes, like fancams and fan art.

Other influencers and streamers were also added to the format, like IShowSpeed, among others.

@teenaqefever #MRBEAST -- why he kinda… nahhh these pics are so funny 😂😂😂 || pc – mr lean #fyp #viral #edit #mrbeastedit #mrbeastchallenge #mrbeastedits #mrbeast6000#mrbeastedits #mrbeast6000edit #trend #shakeittothemax #jimmydonaldson #jimmydonaldsonedit #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #blowthisup #foryou #edits #yn #hood ♬ original sound – D &lt3

@rey95512 she’s purring (ib: @/teenaqefever) #fyp #viral #mrbeast #hoodmrbeast #shakeittothemaxchallenge #edit #videostar #trending #explore ♬ original sound – D &lt3

Why Is The 'MrLean' Meme Popular?

The success of the "MrLean" meme could be attributed to the rise in AI art generators. Recent AI trends like "Studio Ghiblification" exemplify the major upgrades in the technology and how it makes meme-making easy. People don't need to be Photoshop gurus anymore.

MrBeast is also a well-known face on the internet. So, to remiagine him with an Edgar cut and a fresh stack of ATM cash is like playing dress-up with the modern mogul.

This isn't the first time we've seen a trend like this one either. Two years ago, a series of deepfakes showing MrBeast's face on children went viral online. The viral videos played on the same uncanny aesthetic that has stopped many netizens in their scrolls.

@nenyetapatpison #мистербисттиприедишвкиргистан ♬ оригинальный звук – НН

@misterbeast_deepfake #mister_beast #мистербист #дипфейк #deepfake ♬ оригинальный звук – мистер бист дипфейк

Has MrBeast Reacted To The 'MrLean' Meme?

MrBeast has done more than react to the "MrLean" meme. On Sunday, he posted a slideshow to Instagram, showing real photographs of himself as his "hood" doppelgänger.

He's sporting a whole new look in the images, including a low taper face, goatee and a new wardrobe. In one photo, he's even wearing the now iconic Nike Air jumpsuit from one of the original TikTok posts.

"You guys can stop asking me to recreate the meme now," he wrote in the caption.

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For the full history of MrLean and Hood MrBeast, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.