About
Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, is an American rapper and entrepreneur who rose to fame in 2007 with his hit single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)." He is credited as one of the first artists to use the internet and social media to build his music career and fanbase.
Career Timeline
Crank That Goes #1
Crank That (Soulja Boy) topped Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, making him a teenage sensation. He pioneered using internet platforms to launch a rap career independently.
Souljaboytellem.com Album Success
His debut album went platinum and established him as a legitimate commercial artist. However, critics dismissed him as a novelty act, limiting long-term credibility.
Subsequent Albums Underperform
Follow-up albums failed to match initial success, and industry support waned. He maintained relevance through mixtapes and social media but lost mainstream momentum.
Becomes Social Media Personality
Reinvented himself as an internet celebrity and meme, staying relevant through viral moments. His online antics and beefs kept him in conversation despite declining music success.
SouljaGame Console Scam
Launched bootleg game consoles that were quickly shut down by Nintendo, becoming a viral joke. The incident exemplified his desperation for relevance and questionable business ventures.
Arrested for Probation Violation
Briefly jailed for probation violation related to weapons possession. Legal troubles and erratic behavior further damaged his already diminished reputation.
Internet Personality and Nostalgia
Maintains wealth through smart early investments and streaming royalties from Crank That. Now primarily known as an internet troll and meme rather than active musician.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026