Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, is an American rapper, record producer and entrepreneur. He gained fame in 2007 with his debut single, Crank That (Soulja Boy), which became a viral sensation and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has released several successful albums and mixtapes, established his own record label, SODMG, and ventured into various business ventures, including electronics, fashion, and gaming.
Soulja Boy was born on July 28, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. He started producing beats and recording songs on his computer when he was just 14 years old, using the internet as his platform to share his music with the world. Eventually, he caught the attention of the music industry, and in 2007, he signed a record deal with Interscope Records.
Crank That (Soulja Boy) was Soulja Boy’s breakthrough hit, featuring his signature dance moves and catchy hooks. The song‘s success led to a dance craze that swept across the world, with people of all ages doing the Soulja Boy dance. The song’s popularity also earned Soulja Boy several awards and nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
Soulja Boy continued to release hit songs, including Kiss Me Thru the Phone, Turn My Swag On, and Pretty Boy Swag. He also collaborated with various artists, such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Kanye West. In addition to his music career, Soulja Boy also started his own record label, SODMG, in 2008, which stands for “Stacks On Deck Money Gang.” The label has signed several artists, including Arab, Riff Raff, and Lil B.
Soulja Boy’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture into various business ventures outside of music. In 2011, he launched his own line of fashion, called S.O.D. Clothing, which includes shirts, hoodies, and hats with his signature logo. He also released a line of headphones, called SouljaPods, which feature noise-cancellation technology and Bluetooth connectivity. In 2018, he started his own gaming console, called SouljaGame, which plays games from various consoles, such as Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation.
Soulja Boy’s success has not been without controversy. He has been involved in legal battles with other artists and companies, including accusations of copyright infringement and fraudulent activities. He has also faced criticism for some of his controversial statements and behavior, such as claiming to be the first rapper to use the internet to become famous and challenging fellow rapper Drake to a boxing match.
Despite the controversies, Soulja Boy’s influence on hip hop and popular culture cannot be denied. He paved the way for other internet-savvy artists to use social media and streaming platforms to gain fame and success. He also inspired a new generation of hip hop artists to experiment with different sounds and styles. His music and entrepreneurial pursuits have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
In conclusion, Soulja Boy is a prominent rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry. From his viral hit, Crank That (Soulja Boy), to his various business ventures, he has shown his versatility and creativity as an artist and entrepreneur. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Soulja Boy has left his mark on popular culture and will continue to do so for years to come.